ISHS Acta Horticulturae 548: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
PERLITE BASED SOILLESS CULTURE SYSTEMS: CURRENT COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS AND PROSPECTS |
| Authors: | S. Grillas, M. Lucas, E. Bardopoulou, S. Sarafopoulos, M. Voulgari |
| Keywords: | Perlite, Clinoptilolite, soilless culture, Spain, Greece, N. America, China, |
| Abstract:
The use of soilless culture has substantially increased during the last decade as it contributes to the intensification of horticultural production and provides high crop yields even in areas with adverse growing conditions. Market evidence of extensive use of perlite with soilless culture solutions suggests that perlite is a suitable growing medium with distinct properties. Perlite provides improved aeration and drainage and optimum moisture retention and nutrient availability when compared to other substrates. Experimental results show that perlite enriched with clinoptilolite provides improved yield of some crops (e.g., flowers). In Europe, perlite is a well-established substrate in the sophisticated Benelux market of vegetable and flower cultivation. Rapid expansion of perlite soilless culture systems (growbags) is observed in the Mediterranean region in the last 5 years. Spain is the pioneer among the Mediterranean countries in the commercial use of perlite, mainly for vegetable productions (Almeria and Murcia regions). Today, around 1,500 hectares (ha) use perlite (48% of the total) and in three years this area is expected to be doubled. Similarly, but on a smaller scale, are the growth patterns observed in other Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and the North African countries. A different market status exists in North America, where perlite is largely used as an essential component of peat-based substrates, called “peat-lite mixes” for floriculture. The high porosity of this substrate helps to control the water holding capacity and aeration of the substrate. In the last three years the cultivation in these “peat-lite” mixes has increased at 7% per year approximately. The Pacific Rim region presents promising perspective for the development of soilless culture and use of perlite which is locally produced. The largest perlite suppliers promote the transfer of technical and commercial know-how and are in a position to offer integrated solutions to producers on soilless cultivation with perlite ensuring at the same time the availability of the perlite substrate near the cultivation areas, thus eliminating transportation deficiencies and reducing installation costs. With regards to future growth of soilless culture with perlite substrate, it is important to commission additional research projects for vegetables and flowers grown in perlite, with the objective of building further confidence on the advantages of this type of cultivation. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
