Vermiculite info

• To: Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com
• Subject: Vermiculite info
• From: nfrank at nando_net (Neil Frank)
• Date: Mon, 28 Aug 95 20:06:06 EDT

I was surfing the net and found this reference to Vermiculite

VERMICULITE

ALSO KNOWN AS: Horticultural vermiculite

DESCRIPTION: A white, extremely light-weight granular substance, with
grains about 1/16" in 
diameter (No. 3 grade). It is formed when mica chips are heated and expanded
to many times the
original size. Contains some potassium, magnesium, and calcium which are
slowly released in 
soil. Construction grade vermiculite is larger, and is used for loose fill
insulation.

USE: Used in soil mixes to increase the water and fertilizer retention of
the mixture, as well
as to lighten and open it up. Considered a soil amendment and a rooting
medium as well as a 
mulch (Chapter 2).

USE TIP: It is a very light material, lighter than sand, which can be an
important additive 
to container soil mixes. Avoid adding to clayey soils.

from: <http://www.btw.com/garden_archive/1_soil2.html>

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