Soilless growing and rooting medium for plants - comprising clinoptilolite, vermiculite, peat and fertilisers

摘要

Growing and rooting medium comprises (a) clinoptylolite, dried at 250-350 deg.C and screened into 0.8-2.0, 2.0-5.0 and 5.0-8.0 mm fractions in a ratio of 1:1:0.01 to 2:3:1; (b) a NP fertiliser in an amt. to provide 0.1-0.5% of N and P; (c) a mixt. of untreated vermiculite (particle size 0-1.0 mm) and expanded vermiculite (5.0-15.0 mm) in a ratio of 1:9 to 2:8; and (d) peat. The (a):(c):(d) ratio is 10:0.01:0.01 to 5:2:3. The medium has a high sorptive capacity, contains significant amts. of nutrients and trace elements, has a high moisture-retaining capacity, a low bulk density and good porosity, exhibits an approx. neutral reaction in water, readily releases plant nutrient, and can be produced on a commercial scale.