Unique properties and application of agroperlite in horticulture
The properties and use of agroperlite are due to its unusual origin, indispensable in gardening and growing indoor plants. It retains moisture well, improves the permeability of the soil to moisture and air, and also loosens it. The material is widely used for growing seedlings and seeds, soil mulching and other purposes.
Composition and origin of agroperlite
The composition of agroperlite contains the following chemical elements: silicon dioxide and manganese, oxides of calcium, potassium, aluminum, sodium and iron.
Properties and application of agroperlite
Agroperlite is represented by white solid particles. It resembles crushed stone, but differs in its properties.
The main features of the material that make it suitable for plant care include:
- the ability to retain and accumulate moisture, and then gradually give it to plants;
- light reflection - perlite is in the upper layer of the soil and helps to transfer the sun's rays to the lower part of the plants, as a result, the soil under them does not overheat;
- heat conductivity - agroperlite makes the soil looser, thereby protecting it from a sharp temperature drop.
Perlite is added to the soil as drainage or to improve the properties of the soil.
It can also be used on its own to germinate seeds and seedlings. It is rarely used commercially due to the availability of more readily available compounds. However, for indoor plants or for rooting seedlings, this option justifies its cost.
Useful properties of the substance
Agroperlite is a versatile soil additive that is suitable for all types of plants. The mineral has proven to be beneficial and effective in growing indoor flowers and seedlings, as well as in the garden and in the garden.
The composition and structure of agroperlite determine its main properties:
- retaining moisture and releasing it into the soil, which helps protect plants from drought;
- light structure - perlite can be used instead of sand in complex compositions;
- the absence of a hard crust on the surface of the soil - the substance does not cake and continues to let air through even after a long time;
- protection of the root system from temperature extremes.
Agroperlite has a neutral environment. It can be added to acidic or alkaline soil without changing its soil properties. However, if plants are germinated only in perlite, an excess of alkali may occur.
Agroperlite is sterile and does not contain any microorganisms, but does not protect against fungi and pests. To do this, you must additionally use fungicides and other groups of drugs.
Application in various fields
The properties and application of agroperlite are known to many experienced gardeners, but the material is quickly gaining popularity among beginners. It is affordable, easy to use and non-toxic, and has a long shelf life. Due to these features, there are a large number of areas and ways of using perlite.
Many even novice gardeners know how to use agroperlite, what it is and where to get it. It is an affordable and effective product that is suitable for all types of plants and can be stored without restrictions.
Germination of seeds and seedlings
Agroperlite is used to germinate seeds and cuttings before planting them in the ground. To do this, the material is immersed in the substrate, after which it remains to moisten it with a spray bottle. The seeds constantly receive the right amount of moisture and oxygen, as a result, the percentage of their germination significantly increases.
Perlite is especially valuable in the following cases:
- for seeds and cuttings that require constant humidity;
- for planting material sensitive to light - if it is undesirable to cover the seeds with ordinary soil, perlite is well suited for this purpose.
The use of agroperlite for seedlings has proven to be effective. The material is combined with the ground in a 1: 1 ratio, for some types of plants (onions, tomatoes), you can additionally add organic fertilizers... Crops take root and take root quickly, and then demonstrate high resistance to fungal diseases and pests.
Use for indoor plants
The use of agroperlite for indoor plants includes germinating seeds, improving soil properties, and creating drainage. When transplanting flowers, it is enough to add up to 3-5 cm of material to the bottom of the container. Then the substrate familiar to plants is laid out. When watering, moisture will accumulate with perlite and not stagnate in pots, and then it will be constantly released and used by the rhizome to nourish the flowers.
Agroperlite is recommended for hydrangeas, orchids and other indoor plants that are difficult to maintain. The material will help provide them with constant soil moisture and at the same time prevent moisture stagnation. In addition, it is an excellent alternative to regular sand.
To improve soil properties
Agroperlite is added to the soil to increase its permeability. It is suitable for dense soils that need to be constantly loosened. When planting seedlings of plants in open ground, it is enough to add up to 20% perlite to the usual substrate. The composition remains to be mixed so that the fractions are evenly distributed, and proceed to planting the plants. For flowers in pots, you can use mixtures in which up to a third of the agroperlite is present.
Perlite is suitable for reducing soil acidity. It has a neutral environment, therefore, when it is added to the soil, it shifts the pH to the alkaline side.
For the garden and vegetable garden
The use of agroperlite in the garden and vegetable garden shows excellent results. This is an easy, affordable way to increase your yields and grow healthy, resilient plants.
There are several ways to use it for plants that grow and bear fruit outdoors:
- germination of seeds, preparation of seedlings for transplanting into beds;
- introducing a part of perlite into the soil to increase its moisture capacity, loosening and reduce acidity - the material is especially valuable for heavy clay soils;
- mulching young trees and shrubs - reliable protection of the root system from temperature extremes.
For a small garden or vegetable garden, the use of agroperlite is beneficial. It is added directly to areas where cultivated plants grow. It is especially useful to introduce material when planting seedlings, young shrubs and fruit trees.
For harvest storage
Agroperlite can also be used for long-term storage of vegetables and fruits, as well as planting material of bulbous plants. It is added to harvest boxes, creating a layer of up to 5 mm. Vegetables should not be in contact with each other. This will help prevent fungal diseases and crop rot, as well as increase its shelf life.In addition, perlite absorbs various gas exchange products, so the fruits retain their attractive appearance for a long time.
Rules for working with agroperlite
Before use, it is important to read the instructions - it indicates how to use agroperlite. The product is sold in packages of different sizes. This substance is a fine free-flowing fraction that easily mixes with the soil.
It is recommended that you follow these simple guidelines to grow healthy and quality plants safely:
- avoid the ingress of small particles of agroperlite into the mouth and respiratory tract - for this it is convenient to work with gloves and a protective mask;
- water the substance with a spray bottle - this way the moisture is evenly distributed over the surface;
- if necessary, rinse the perlite using a fine sieve or gauze;
- keep packages out of the reach of children and animals.
Agroperlite is an affordable substance for growing plants with an unlimited shelf life. It can be purchased for indoor flowers, gardens and vegetable gardens, seedlings and seeds, as well as for storing crops. Growing in perlite is safe and reliable, provides constant access to moisture and air, significantly improves the quality and resistance of plants.