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Dicaperl Aero-Soil™ horticultural perlite is an easy to use, lightweight, sterile soil conditioner that provides a number of important benefits to commercial growers, landscapers and home gardeners. A primary benefit is the ability of Aero-Soil horticultural perlite to improve aeration and drainage of excess water. Aero-Soil perlite exhibits a unique moisture exchange property whereby optimum amounts of water and water-soluble nutrients are maintained for use by plants as required. Aero-Soil is inorganic, does not decompose or break down, and has an almost neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It also serves as an insulator by reducing extreme soil temperature fluctuations which can be detrimental to good root development and vigorous growth. Aero-Soil can be used to advantage in almost every horticultural application.
Propagating
Cuttings may be rapidly rooted in either 100% Aero-Soil horticultural perlite or a mix of 3/4 perlite and 1/4 peat moss. Aero-Soil horticultural perlite is particularly good for this application as rooted cuttings can be easily remove from the media without causing root damage which lessens transplant shock. The media should be kept moist and transplanting should not be attempted until a sturdy, well formed root system has been developed.
Stadium and Golf Course Turf
Stadium turf and golf green can suffer from compaction which reduces drainage and air in the growing or root zone. The addition of Aero-Soil horticultural perlite to soil mixes or top dressing can make the turf area more resistant to compaction and improve drainage. Because of the superior water exchange properties of Aero-Soil, less frequent watering is required. In addition, turf areas that have been treated with horticultural perlite will recover more quickly after use.
Lawns
Aero-Soil can be used to advantage in the planting of new lawns as well as in the upgrading of established lawns. For new lawns, a one-inch layer of Aero-Soil should be tilled into the top 4 inches of soil. The lawn may then be sodded or seeded following seed producers recommendations. Horticultural perlite improves the texture of clay soils by increasing aeration and drainage. It also improves the water holding ability of sandy soils.
Hydroponic Growing
Extensive research has shown that superior crop yields result when horticultural perlite is used as a growing medium. In addition, since perlite exhibits a unique water exchange ability, over-watering and under-watering problems associated with such materials as rockwool are reduced or eliminated. This reduces plant stress, greenhouse labor and irrigation costs. Typical crops grown hydroponically in horticultural perlite are lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and strawberries.
Shrubs and Trees
When planting shrubs and trees, a hole should be dug that is 10-12 inches wider and 6 inches deeper than the root system. The shrub or tree should be set in position and a 1/3 Aero-Soil , 2/3 soil mix tamped into and around the roots. As the hole is filled, the mix should be thoroughly watered.
Bulb and Tuber Storage
Aero-Soil is an ideal material to use when storing bulbs, corms and tubers over the winter. Simply alternate a one-inch layer of Aero-Soil with bulbs or tubers until containers are full. The perlite prevents excessive drying, eliminates dampness, and helps insulate bulbs or tubers against rapid temperature changes. Aero-Soil also reduces damage from rodents and insects.
To find out more about how Aero-Soil horticultural perlite can be used for packaging, indoor and container gardening, seed germination and other horticultural applications, contact us.
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