Perlite or vermiculite: which is better for plants

There is a difference between perlite and vermiculite, despite the fact that both materials play the same role in crop production. Before using them, you need to familiarize yourself with the parameters. This will determine how high-quality soil mixture can be prepared for plants.

What is “perlite” and “vermiculite”

Outwardly, both materials resemble pebbles of different colors and fractions. Perlite and vermiculite are used in construction. However, fine fraction material is in demand in crop production. It is added to the soil to prepare the soil mixture with the desired parameters.

Fine fractions of perlite, as well as vermiculite, are used to give the soil certain parameters.

Perlite with vermiculite are materials of natural origin. They are added to the soil to improve air exchange. The soil is less caked, friability increases, which makes it possible for the roots of the plant to receive more oxygen.

Perlite, just like vermiculite, has excellent hygroscopicity. Both materials are capable of absorbing and releasing water, but with different intensity. Plants also benefit from this. With rare watering in hot weather, the roots do not dry out.

Description, composition and origin of perlite

By origin, perlite is a volcanic glass. Over the years it has succumbed to the effects of water. As a result, fractions resembling crystalline hydrate were obtained. They learned how to make expanded perlite from volcanic rock. Since the water reduces the softening point of the glass, hardened foam is obtained from it. This is achieved by crushing perlite and heating to a temperature of 1100 ^оC. Rapidly expanding water breaks out of the plastic hot mass, increasing its initial volume up to 20 times due to small air bubbles. The porosity of expanded perlite reaches 90%.

Perlite is easily recognizable by its white or gray granules.

Ready-to-use perlite is small granules. The color is white or gray, with different light shades. Since perlite is a glass, it is hard but brittle. Expanded perlite crystals can be ground into powder with fingers.

Perlite is produced in different grades. The material differs in fraction size, which is why it is used in various fields:

1. Construction ordinary perlite (VPR) is produced in different grades with a fraction size of 0,16-5 mm. This category includes building rubble. The size of fractions reaches 5-20 mm.
   
   

   Density of crystals varies from 75 to 200 kg/m3

2. Agroperlite (VPK) is also a kind of building material. The size of the standard fraction varies from 1,25 to 5 mm. Some manufacturers produce agroperlite according to their own specifications. For example, the grain of Zh-15 grade material varies in size from 0,63 to 5 mm. Maximum density – 160 kg/m³.
   
   

   The difference between agroperlite is large grain

3. Perlite powder (VPP) has a particle size of up to 0,16 mm.
   
   

   The material is used in the form of powder in the manufacture of filters.

Agroperlite is a chemically neutral substance. The acidity index PH is 7 units. Porous loose crumb does not contain plant nutrients and salts. The material is not subject to chemical and biological decomposition. The crumb is not damaged by rodents and all kinds of insects. The water absorption property exceeds 400% compared to its own weight.

Description, composition and origin of vermiculite

The main difference between perlite and vermiculite is the origin. If the basis of the first substance is volcanic glass, then the second material is hydromica. In composition, it is usually magnesium-ferrous, but there are many more additional minerals. What vermiculite has in common with perlite is the content of water connected by crystalline hydrates.

Vermiculite production technology is a bit complicated. However, in the final stage, mica swelling is done at a temperature of about 880 ^оC. The structure of the main substance similarly acquires porosity due to the escaping boiling water. However, the volume of destroyed mica increases up to a maximum of 20 times.

The basis of vermiculite is hydromica, and the material is recognized by its black, yellow, green color with different shades

Hydromica is a natural material. Since water and wind have been exposed for many years, erosion has destroyed all soluble compounds. However, trace elements in vermiculite appear after the destruction of mica crystal hydrates.

It is important to take into account the fact that the composition of trace elements in vermiculite of different grades is very different. It depends on the territory in which the raw material – mica – was mined. For example, in one vermiculite, iron may be completely absent, but a lot of chromium and copper may be present. Another material, on the contrary, is rich in iron. When buying vermiculite for certain plants, you need to find out information about the composition of minerals in the accompanying documents.

Vermiculite retains the properties of the original material. The crumb does not have abrasiveness, slightly elastic, the shape is similar to elongated crystals. Color occurs black, yellow, green with different shades, for example, brown. The density indicator varies from 65 to 130 kg. The minimum porosity is 65% and the maximum is 90%. Vermiculite has an acidity index similar to perlite: the average PH is 7 units.

Vermiculite does not react with many acids and alkalis. The water absorption rate reaches 500% of its own weight. Like perlite, vermiculite is not subject to chemical and biological decomposition, it is uninteresting to rodents and all kinds of insects. Vermiculite is produced with a fraction size of 0,1 to 20 mm. In agriculture, agrovermiculite is used for growing plants, which differs in fraction size from 0,8 to 5 mm.

What is Perlite and Vermiculite?

Both substances belong to the fourth hazard class, that is, low-hazard. The scope of vermiculite and its colleague, perlite, is not limited. The only exception is technology for which dust is unacceptable. In horticulture and horticulture, crumbs are used to loosen the soil and improve its structure. Vermiculite is often used in conjunction with perlite. The crumb regulates the moisture and oxygen levels in the soil. It can be used as a mulch, as well as a sorbent for mineral and organic fertilizers.

Vermiculite is a good mulch

Due to their neutral acidity, vermiculite and perlite lower soil pH and slow down the process of salting. Due to the good absorption of water in wet areas, the crumb prevents the formation of waterlogging. Moisture-loving weeds and moss do not grow on the beds.

It is important to determine what is better agroperlite or vermiculite when using them as a sorbent with fertilizers. Both materials absorb water well, and with it dissolved top dressings. When the soil begins to dry out, the crumb gives moisture to the roots of plants, and with it the accumulated fertilizer. However, agrovermiculite wins in this regard.

Perlite, like vermiculite, has a low thermal conductivity. The crumb protects the roots of plants from hypothermia and overheating in the sun. A mixture of perlite and vermiculite is useful for early planting seedlings, soil mulching.

Agroperlite is often used in its pure form. It is in demand for hydroponics. Vermiculite is expensive. Rarely used in its pure form. Most often, vermiculite is mixed with perlite, obtaining a mixture that is affordable and of high quality.

Advantages and disadvantages of perlite and vermiculite

Each of the considered materials has its pros and cons. To more accurately determine what is best for plants, perlite or vermiculite, these nuances need to be considered.

Advantages of perlite:

4. It absorbs water from the depth of the soil through the capillaries, directs it to the surface layers of the soil. The property allows the use of crumbs for wick irrigation.
5. Evenly distributes water on the ground.
6. The transparent crumb transmits light, which makes it possible to use it for backfilling light-sensitive seeds during their germination.
7. Perlite improves soil aeration.
8. The material is affordable, suitable for backfilling a large area.

Cons:

1. Soil with agroperlite requires frequent watering. Fertilizers from this are washed out faster.
2. Pure crumb is not suitable for plants that like to grow on a slightly acidic soil mixture.
3. The material is not used as fertilizer due to poor absorption of nutrients.
4. During the mechanical treatment of the soil, glass granules are destroyed after five years.
5. The abrasive structure of the granules can damage the root system of plants.
6. Due to the fragility of the granules, a large amount of dust is generated.

When processing the soil, perlite granules are destroyed

To further clarify how vermiculite differs from perlite in horticulture, it is worth considering all aspects of the second material.

Pros of Vermiculite:

1. The granules retain moisture for a long time along with the useful substances of the applied fertilizers. Due to this property, the frequency of watering is reduced.
2. During a drought, the crumb absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. Plants will be saved if they cannot be watered in time.
3. The material is well involved in ion exchange, prevents the accumulation of nitrates in the soil.
4. Improves soil aeration, slows down its salinization up to 8%.
5. It does not have the property of caking after wintering and prolonged rains.
6. The absence of abrasiveness eliminates the possibility of damage to the roots.

Cons:

1. The cost compared to agroperlite is four times more.
2. On wet soils in a warm region, clean crumb is not recommended. Microscopic green algae are born in its pores.
3. Working with dry material is dangerous for humans. Dust is harmful to the respiratory tract. In terms of danger, it can be compared with asbestos.

Knowing all sides, it is easier to determine the difference between vermiculite and agroperlite, to choose the best material for work.

What is the difference between perlite and vermiculite

Continuing to make a comparison, it is worth considering separately the main parameters of the materials. The only thing they have in common is that both types of crumbs are used in crop production to loosen the soil.

Of all the indicators, the use of both types of bulk materials for loosening the soil is common.

What is the difference between agroperlite and vermiculite in composition

The first crystals are based on volcanic glass. Agroperlite is completely neutral. The basis of the second crystals is mica. In addition, after swelling, agrovermiculite is obtained with a mineral complex content.

How does perlite differ from vermiculite in appearance

Glass crystals of agroperlite have a light color, sharp edges, crumble when squeezed with fingers. Agrovermiculite has dark shades, plastic, not sharp to the touch.

What is the difference between agroperlite and vermiculite in terms of application

Crystals of the first type absorb moisture slowly, but give it away faster. It is advisable to use them when the soil needs to be watered more often. Crystals of the second type absorb moisture faster, but release it more slowly. Vermiculite is best used as an additive to the soil, if necessary, to reduce the intensity of irrigation of crops.

What is the difference between perlite and vermiculite in terms of effects on soil and plants

The first material consists of glass crystals that can injure plant roots. After winter and rains, they become caked. Agrovermiculite is safe for roots, does not shrink the soil, and is better suited for rooting cuttings.

Which is better for plants perlite or vermiculite

In crop production, both types of material are used. It is impossible to determine which one is better or worse, since each plant has its own needs.

For the arrangement of drainage, it is optimal to choose large fractions

If we delve deeper into the question, then the following answer will be correct:

1. Agroperlite is best used for hydroponics and large land plots that are often watered and fertilized.
2. Agrovermiculite is optimal for arranging small areas, for example, greenhouse beds. It is in demand when rooting cuttings, growing indoor flowers.

Combined mixtures give the best results. They are most often used in crop production. They may have additional additives from peat, sand, fertilizer.

How to use vermiculite and perlite for the benefit of plants

Both materials complement each other perfectly. Most often they are mixed together. Take equal parts of 15%. The resulting drainage mixture in the total substrate should contain up to 30%.

A mixture of equal parts of agroperlite and agrovermiculite should contain up to 30% in the total mass of the prepared substrate

In a pure mixture of two types of crumbs and peat, some varieties of flowers are grown. For drought-resistant indoor plants, such as cacti, the substrate is prepared with a lower content of agrovermiculite.

For hydroponics, a mixture is also considered the best option. In addition, it is good to store flower bulbs in crumbs in winter.

Conclusion

The difference between perlite and vermiculite in terms of origin and properties is large. However, both materials have the same purpose – loosening the soil, improving its quality. To get optimally positive results, you need to know what and where to apply.