Articles
WATER STATUS OF GRADED PERLITES
Article number
401_16
Pages
137 – 144
Language
Abstract
Graded perlites are being increasingly used in Spain for vegetable production.
Perlite is almost inert, has a low bulk density, and it is easily mixed to obtain specific physical properties that are adequate for cultural needs.
Physical properties of various commercial grades of perlites were characterized.
To obtain an estimation of internal porosity, a non-expanded perlites were medium was constructed with the same particle size distribution of a commercial expanded perlite.
Water-release curves and non-saturated hydraulic conductivity (from Van Genuchten’s model) were determined.
Particle sizes were correlated with pore sizes obtained from water-release curves.
From the knowledge of perlite’s hydraulic properties, a water management program can be established.
Perlite is almost inert, has a low bulk density, and it is easily mixed to obtain specific physical properties that are adequate for cultural needs.
Physical properties of various commercial grades of perlites were characterized.
To obtain an estimation of internal porosity, a non-expanded perlites were medium was constructed with the same particle size distribution of a commercial expanded perlite.
Water-release curves and non-saturated hydraulic conductivity (from Van Genuchten’s model) were determined.
Particle sizes were correlated with pore sizes obtained from water-release curves.
From the knowledge of perlite’s hydraulic properties, a water management program can be established.
Authors
R. Orozco, O. Marfa, S. Burés
Keywords
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