ISHS Acta Horticulturae 648: South Pacific Soilless Culture Conference - SPSCC
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTICLE SIZE AND AIR SPACE OF GROWING MEDIA |
| Authors: | M. Prasad, D. Ní Chualáin |
| Keywords: | sandbox, sphagnum, particles <1mm, composted greenwaste, bark, coir, pumice |
| Abstract:
Measurement of physical properties of growing media is essential as crops have different aeration and water requirements. The method adopted by EN for air space uses a sandbox. However, the method takes at least 10 days and is not suitable for growing media manufacturers. We studied the effect of particle size <1mm on air space on peats and combination of peats from Ireland, Germany, Baltic States, Sweden and Finland. In addition we studied the effect of particle size <1mm on air space of a number of non-peat materials which are used as a peat substitute or as a peat amendment/diluent. There was a very good correlation between particles less than 1mm and air space for various peats and combinations of peats. Similarly there was very good correlation between particle size <1mm and air space of non-peat materials but, the slope of the regression line was different from peat and also different from each other. Hence it may not be possible to predict air space, when there is a combination of peat and non-peat materials having different regression slopes. | |
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