HORTICULTURAL PERLITE
Perlite is a vital growing medium in horticulture, valued for its ability to create balanced soil conditions that encourage healthy plant development. Its lightweight, porous structure improves oxygen availability at the root zone, enhances drainage, and helps regulate moisture levels. These qualities make perlite suitable for a wide range of uses, including propagation, container production, and hydroponic cultivation. Because it is sterile and resists compaction, perlite supports consistent root growth and long-term soil performance for both commercial producers and home gardeners.
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The flexibility of perlite lies in its ability to meet diverse soil types and plant water requirements. Ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs perform best in soils that retain moderate moisture levels of approximately 21–40%, while many vegetable crops require significantly higher moisture availability, often between 40–80%. Particle size can be adjusted to accommodate growers need of perlite performance: larger particles increase air space and drainage, whereas smaller particles retain more water. In heavy clay soils, perlite loosens compacted structure, improving water movement and nutrient access. In sandy soils, it helps conserve moisture and nutrients, reducing runoff and improving water efficiency. This adaptability makes perlite an essential component of modern growing systems.
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