- Loosens
heavy clay soil - lets air and water penetrate
- Holds moisture
in sandy & clay soils - reduces watering by 35%
- Will not
float to the top of the soil
- Will not
deteriorate, compact or blow or float away
- Neutral
PH
HORT-I-LITE
Commercial growers have searched
continuously for a growing medium that would solve a multitude
of problems connected with growing.
In the novel, Hawaii, James A. Mitchener, describes vividly
the formation of the island from lava or pumice into a
tropical paradise. The fact that tropical islands consisting
principally of lava rock and pumice could produce such
luxuriant growth developed an extreme interest in pumice
research. It showed that pumice was, indeed an ancient
growing medium. Soils of volcanic origin that have been
enriched through centuries of decaying vegetation, dust
and animal life have been provided with sufficient nutrients
to grow plants in abundance. In the rain forests in the
state of Washington, it requires nearly 25 years to grow
timber of sufficient size for cutting, yet, in a section
of New Zealand which is called, "Pumice Land,"
a crop of trees matures in approximately half of that
time.
WHAT IS HORT-I-LITE PUMICE
In the California desert about
fifty miles West of Death Valley, in the barren country
that lies between the Panamint Mountains and the High
Sierras, men and machines cut away tons of a fantastic
crude material that has been used since before the days
of ancient Rome in industry and agriculture. This material
is called Pumice. A careful selection of the crude pumice,
followed by proper screening and crushing provides the
users of HORT-T-LITE brand pumice with a product
near white in color, low in apparent bulk density and
consistent gradiations and special screened size.
Unfortunately, the general name, "pumice,"
is applied to a variety of materials of different purity
and differing chemical makeup. This particular deposit,
by the workings of nature over a period of time, is of
a uniformity and purity almost unmatched elsewhere in
the world.
HORT-I-LITE is a fragmental
volcanic rock having a porous fabric of 70 percent. It
is a natural compound of volcanic origin. The microstructure
of pumice is a framework of glass pervaded by an extensive
and intricate network of cavities varing greatly in size
and shape, and are largely in a material of relatively
low bulk density without serious sacrifice of strength.
It is composed mainly of complex silicates of aluminum,
sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron.
HORT-I-LITE is about as hard
as Feldspar, but is slightly softer than Quartz. It is
more friable than other types of volcanic rock. When crushed
it fractures into angular shapes. The function of pumice
in soils is to render the soil more porous, improve aeration
and drainage.
HORT-I-LITE has been used successfully
as a soil amendment in rooting, propagation, potting,
greenhouse tables, fiats, mulching, rowcrops, citrus,
pasturage, hydroponics, germination of seedlings, orchid
growing, land and turf management.
Briefly, HORT-I-LITE has the
following characteristics which make it an ideal horticultural
medium:
"HORT-I-LITE PUMICE
FOR HORTICULTURAL GROWING MEDIA"
The roots of plants are living organisms
requiring a continual supply of oxygen, the introduction
of air into the soil even though it is wet is very important.
Likewise, roots are constantly releasing carbon dioxide,
(via respiration), which must be removed from the root
zone. Plants require that these gases be supplied or exhausted
via soilpores. Thus, a good soil must be porous to permit
the exchange of gases while also adequately retaining
water to meet the needs of the plant. Additionally, the
plant must obtain more than a dozen elements from the
soil for its growth.
Poor growth may result from poor aeration,
lack of water, or nutritional disorders. Poor aeration
also often contributes to disease attack by water molds
and other pathogens. HORT-I-LITE, because of its
unique internal porosity and its relatively coarse size,
(reference is here made to the large pores created between
pumice particles) will improve aeration in soils without
sacrificing water holding characteristics. The entire
volume of air in the root zone of a well aerated soil
must be replaced several times a day. Once HORT-I-LITE
is in the soil it is permanent, as it tends neither to
sink nor to float out.
HORT-I-LITE has excellent drainage
characteristics similar to coarse sand. It is most important
that soil has a relatively high air space after drainage.
HORT-I-LITE compares very favorably with organic
amendments in this respect. Clays are notably low in this
property. Leaching of excess soluble salts is no problem
with adequate pumice incorporated, when it becomes necessary.
Where bark or other wood residuals are employed, it is
always desirable to fumigate or steam in order to avoid
possible pathogen introduction.
HORT-I-LITE used for propagation
or where employed as the sole component of the growing
medium, no chemical additives are required. The PH, salinity
and nutrient status will quickly become that of the applied
water and nutrient solution due to the low buffer capacity
of pumice.
Since HORT-I-LITE cannot break
down by decay, it gives the grower complete control of
his feeding. Therefore, he does not have an excess of
certain forms of nitrogen caused by the breakdown or decay
and need not worry about having too much available at
the wrong time. Since it does not decay, there is no shrinkage
and consequently no decay odor. It does not generate heat,
so insects and fungi are not encouraged to propagate.
The surface of the material is rough so slugs and snails
avoid it.
In using HORT-I-LITE as s soil
amendment, advantages are obtained with as low as 10 percent
pumice and in some fine, (referring to clay), horticultural
soil conditioning, as high as 50 percent pumice is used
for bedding to improve aeration. Quantities blended into
soils ranging from 20 to 50 percent by volume are usually
effective.
ROW CROPS
HORT-I-LITE is distributed between the rows and
covered; of course, it must be within reach of the roots.
In row and field crops, from 15 to 20 percent pumice seems
to be sufficient to obtain excellent results. This means
that for every 5 or 6 inches of depth of cultivation,
1 inch of pumice should be used.
SOIL MIXES FOR CONTAINERS
Extensive research has shown that foliage plants thrive
in an organic type soil which has high aeration and retains
moisture well. A mixture of one part HORT-I-LITE
to one part peat moss by volume will grow luxurious plants
if properly fertilized. Flowering pot plants will grow
well in a mix containing one part HORT-I-LITE,
one part peat moss, and two parts bark by volume. Starting
annuals in flats or pots can be accomplished with success
by using the mixture for flowering pot plants.
PROPAGATION MEDIUM
HORT-I-LITE is particularly valuable for propagation,
because of its limited water holding and good aeration
properties; it will not compact or become soggy. Due to
its characteristic of clinging to roots and because of
its light weight, roots are not broken when the cuttings
are lifted, as often happens when cuttings of carnations,
chrysanthemums, poinsettias, geraniums, hydrangeas, etc.,
are removed from sand mixtures. The material can be used
over and over again. Before inserting the cuttings, it
is good to make a small "V" trench for the cuttings
and then firm them in to keep them upright, if one has
a water tight bench, it should be filled until there is
a slurry of HORT-I-LITE and water. The cuttings
should then be inserted and the water drained off. Cuttings
will root well in HORT-I-LITE when intermittent
mist system is used for watering.
TROPICAL
FOLIAGE PLANTS
For special propagation of tropical foliage plants, a
mixture of one part HORT-I-LITE and one part peat
moss may be used. For rooting the ornamentals, from Azaleas
to Xylosma, HORT-I-LITE can be used mixed with
an equal volume of peat moss. For mist propagation HORT-I-LITE
should be used alone or with only ¼ part peat moss
by volume to take advantage of HORT-I-LITE's excellent
drainage characteristics.
SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS
Mixtures of one part HORT-I-LITE to two parts bark
of sawdust by volume make for rapid seed germination and
seedling growth. This mixture remains loose and friable.
In out-of-doors seed beds, the soil can be made more mellow
and loose while the tendency to crust is essentially eliminated
by adding 1/4 to 1/2 inch of HORT-I-LITE to the
surface of the seed bed.
SOIL MULCH
HORT-I-LITE is an effective mulch in shrub and
flower beds. It is a type of mulch that has aesthetic
as well as practical value in gardening. The soil beneath
the mulch stays moist for a longer period and does not
compact due to overhead watering. HORT-I-LITE will
not breakdown so there is never a replacement problem.
A mulch 2 to 3 inches thick effectively minimizes weed
problems. HORT-I-LITE can be colored any shade
desired by merely soaking it in food color dye which can
be purchased at your local food center. It may also be
applied by spraying. As a mulch it is also an ideal insulator,
it will prevent temperature rise in the root zone, making
it possible for continual growth activity even under extremely
high temperature conditions, it has been successfully
used in Palm Springs to maintain lawns throughout the
summer in excellent condition.
LAWN AND TURF MANAGEMENT
In establishing new lawns, it is used in preparing the
seed bed, incorporated in the soil and also for mulching
the seed. HORT-I-LITE will have no objectionable
odor as steer manure has. It will not compete for the
nitrogen in the soil as the organic materials, (such as
sawdust) when they breakdown. In established turf, it
can be used as a top dressing after aerification, especially
on golf greens. The heavy traffic and use of machinery
causes compaction, the destruction of pore spaces in the
soil. Aerification and use of HORT-I-LITE (which
does not decompose or pack) will restore the soil structure
and make possible better root growth.
PROBLEM SOIL SOLUTIONS
Heavy Clay or Adobe Soils:
Clay or dense soils are so compacted that their structure
does not allow outside nutrients and moisture to penetrate
to plant roots, thus, leaving the plant deficient. Incorporating
2 cubic feet of HORT-I-LITE to 10 square feet,
to a depth of 6 inches by rotatilling, will allow good
penetration. This results in about 25% pumice by volume.
Medium Clay or Adobe Soils:
Use 2 cubic feet of HORT-I-LITE to 20 square feet
of area, to a depth of 6 inches. This results in about
2096 pumice by volume.
Light Clay, Adobe:
Water holding capacity is reduced by using 3 cubic feet
of HORT-I-LITE to 40 square feet to an area, to
a depth of 6 inches. This results in approximately 15%
pumice by volume.
INTERIOR PLANTS IN PRIVATE HOMES
AND PUBLIC BUILDING
To maintain the plant material in the best possible condition
for as long a time as possible, it is essential to maintain
adequate moisture in the growing medium; and at the same
time to have excellent aeration and drainage. A 50-50
mixture of HORT-I-LITE and peat is ideal for this
purpose. A light liquid feed monthly will keep the plants
growing well.
SOIL MIXES
FOR CUT PLOWER PRODUCTION IN BEDS AND BENCHES
HORT-I-LITE increases the porosity of the soil,
making possible a much better root growth, more constant
supply of air and inducing a more rapid end vigorous plant
growth,
PACKING MEDIUM FOR STORING BULBS,
ROOTS AND TUBERS
HORT-I-LITE is the ideal material to use for mixture
and temperature control, insulating against excess moisture
and dehydration, as well as maintaining an even temperature.
TABLE OF GROWING MEDIA AN CONSTANT
LIQUID FEED FORMULAS
| |
Tropical Plants
|
Flowering Pot Plants
|
Cactus
|
Orchid Seedlings
|
| Percent by volume
bulk ingredients |
|
|
|
|
| Sphagnum peat moss
(loose) |
50
|
25
|
-
|
-
|
| 0-1/8" bark or
sawdust (raw) |
-
|
50
|
50
|
67
|
| 1/16"-3/16"
Pumice |
50
|
25
|
50
|
33
|
| |
| Chemical Additives,
lbs./yd. |
|
|
|
|
| Potassium nitrate |
1
|
1
|
1/2
|
1/2
|
| ParEx 31-0-0 |
-
|
2
|
2
|
2 1/2
|
| Single Superphosphate |
2
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
| Calcium carbonate
lime |
3
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
| Dolomite lime |
3
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
| Iron sulfate |
1/2
|
1
|
1/2
|
1
|
| |
| *PPM in liquid
feed |
|
|
|
|
| Nitrogen |
150
|
225
|
100
|
100
|
| Phosphorus |
30
|
30
|
30
|
30
|
| Potassium |
100
|
175
|
75
|
75
|
| Calcium |
75
|
75
|
75
|
75
|
| Magnesium |
15
|
15
|
15
|
15
|
| Sulfur |
15
|
15
|
15
|
15
|
| Copper |
.07
|
.07
|
.07
|
.07
|
| Zinc |
.06
|
.06
|
.06
|
.06
|
| Manganese |
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
| Iron |
1.7
|
1.7
|
1.7
|
1.7
|
| Boron |
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
0.3
|
| Molybdenum |
0.05
|
0.05
|
0.05
|
0.05
|
* Many elements may be supplied
by natural occurring minerals in the irrigation water or
impurities in other ingredients
