Description
Agrolite Vermiculite is a Mica like particulate mineral (Chemical hydrated magnesium
aluminum silicate) which expands around 15 times in volume by popping effect when heated
to 1,600o F. The resultant expansion enhances the substance's moisture absorption
and water retention capabilities as well as allows free air passage i.e. the vital
aeration to the roots of the plant. The long life inorganic material is clean,
odorless and lightweight and contains all the required plant nutrients. It is
free of pathogens, weeds, diseases and decompositions. Its high cationic exchange
properties provides controlled fertilizer feed to the plant and regulates the pH of the
soil. Neutral in reaction and insoluble in water it is able to absorb large
quantities of water 3 to 4 gal/cu.ft. It can be mixed with low pH components like peatmoss
and is compatible with fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Properties like water
retention and aeration makes vermiculate a catalyst for rapid germination of seeds and the
nutrient support the fast growth of the plant. That makes it a common ingredient in
potting media. One of the most important combination is vermiculite with sphagnum
peat moss.
Features
- Inorganic and does not deteriorate. Last for over 20 years
- Exhibits excellent water retention
- Improves aeration of soil of soil
- Has a pH of 6.2 - 7.0
- high cationic exchange capacity
- Has available plant nutrient
- Sterile locally exfoliated at 1600oF
- Free from weeds and diseases
- Serves as an effective insulator to reduce soil temperature
- Clean, odorless, lightweight, easy and safe to handle.
Applications
- Seeds raising - Agrolite encourages quicker germination and improves
growth. Use agrolite for large and medium size and fine seeds
- Planting trees and shrubs - Argolite increases water holding capacity and aeration.
Agrolite Vermiculite is suitable for most trees and shrubs.
- Hydroponics - Agrolite Vermiculite Insert, sterile lightweight aggregate is ideal for
hydroponics. Use agrolite for most applications
- Rooting cuttings - Agrolite speeds up rooting and provides an optimum balance of air and
water. Agrolite is recommended for very fine cuttings.
- Potting compost - Agrolite mixed with other components and nutrients is suitable for
most potting and container composts. It improves aeration, drainage, insulation and
facilities rewetting.
- Soil conditioning and turf dressing - Agrolite vermiculite improves and texture of heavy
soils by increasing aeration and drainage. Agrolite is suitable for most soil
conditioning applications. is also recommended for improving glasshouse soil for
hand-drawn vegetable plants.
Chemical Analysis
| SiO2 |
38 – 46% |
| MgO |
16 – 24% |
| Al2O3 |
11 – 16% |
| Fe2O3 |
8 – 13% |
| K2O |
4 – 6% |
| CaO |
1 – 3% |
| TiO2 |
1 – 3% |
| MnO2 |
0.1 – 0.2% |
| Cr2O3 |
0.05 – 0.2% |
| Na2O |
0.1 – 0.3% |
| Others |
0 – 0.5 |
Physical Properties
| Color |
Brown |
| Size |
0 – 3mm |
| PH |
6 – 7.5 |
| Water Retention |
530% |
| Air Porosity |
24 – 44 |
| Cationic Exchange Capacity (me/100g) |
Approx. 75 |
| Incombustibility |
2000oF |
|
