VERMICULITE
Vermiculite is a hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate which resembles mica in appearance. The name vermiculite is derived from the Latin “Vermicular”, meaning “to breed worm”. Vermiculite, when subject to heat, has an unusual property of exfoliating or expanding into elongate concertina like particles. When expanded, it is lightweight, incombustible, compressible, highly absorbent, non-reactive. It can have high cation exchange capacity and the surface chemistry may be modified.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Vermiculite has the excellent properties to be essential component for seedling, planting, germination and propagation.
The Benefits Of Using Vermiculite In Agriculture and Horticulture Sector
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Due to having cation exchange ability, ensure to the plant get ammonium, potassium, calcium and magnesium elements easily.
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Can mix with organic materials like peat-moss, coco-peat and compost.
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Due to having porous shape have high retain air capacity
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Due to having high surface amount and absorption ability can guarantee to the plant necessary food and moisture and releases them according the plant requires.
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Due to be a very light weight material, easy to handle and to mix with soil, peat, coco-peat, compost, fertilizers and perlite easily. Also may use as a carrier and bulking agent for substrate mixtures.
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Vermiculite is an excellent insulation material with low lambda value ( 0,64 w / mk). When seedling trays covers by vermiculite, will protect the seeds and roots against hard climate condition hot / cold and will keep the substrate wet.
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Can use directly as growing media for cutting and rooting applications. To promote maximum root growth in less time
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Due to manufacture with high temperatures makes vermiculite sterile material. It is an excellent carrier and extender for fertilizer and pesticides and works well as packing material for bulbs and tubers.
Vermiculite is a hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate which resembles mica in appearance.
Vermiculite, when subjected to heat, exfoliates to form elongated concertina like particles with unusual features as;
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Lightweight
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Incombustible
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Compressible
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Highly absorbent
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non- reactive
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Insulation ability
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High cation exchange
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High surface area
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PH 6-9
PARTICLE SPECTS |
TYPE |
SIEVE SIZE (mm) |
Kg/m3 |
V0 |
0,25 - 0,71 |
95-110 |
V1 |
0,35 - 1,00 |
100 - 140 |
V2 |
0,71 - 2,00 |
75 - 90 |
V3 |
1,40 - 4,00 |
80-110 |
V4 |
2,8 - 8,00 |
80-95 |