Is perlite a fertilizer?
No, perlite is not a fertilizer. Perlite is a mineral aggregate used for renowned for it's high capillary action and added porosity to soils.
Is perlite organic?
No, perlite is not organic in the true definition of the word. Perlite is a rock mineral. Because it is not synthetic or man made it is approved by most certifiers to be used in the organic production of crops.
What size and kind of perlite can I used for horticultural applications?
Perlite in its fine particle size it used for it's high-water holding capacity. As the particles gain in size you should expect aeration (porosity) to increase and water holding capacity to decrease. Using a blend of all particles allows for the all the benefits to be available.
Can perlite be used in an open field?
Absolutely! Perlite as mentioned above provides several different benefits depending on which particle sizes you desire to use based on the preference of the crop and the native soil you are starting with.
How long does perlite stay active?
Bening Perlite is a mineral aggregate (rock) it never biodegrades. In climates with temperature fluctuations and freeze frost cycles it will breakdown to smaller fragments providing more water retention vs. more air space of a larger particle. Refreshing the first 6” of soil periodically may be helpful for regain porosity.
Does perlite have a shelf life?
No, Perlite is a rock. Keeping it dry and out of the elements will help avoid any changed from when it was purchased.
How can we control the dust from using perlite?
Many commercial growers and soil blenders add water to the perlite as it's being used. Many homeowners and gardening hobbyists will add some water to their bags when they open them. Avoid adding to much water to the perlite in the bags. Perlite will adsorb a lot of water and become very heavy. A light mist should suffice to keep the dust down.
What are the different sizes and benefits of various sizes of perlite?
In most markets there are several options available. Super/Extra Coarse, Coarse, Medium and Fine. The larger the particle the more porosity (air space), the finer the particle the more moisture retention. The size of the particle can also be chosen by the vessel the soil is being used in. Smaller cells need smaller perlite and larger vessels many need larger perlite. The plants preferred soil habitat is also a major factor. Plants that desire drier soils will prefer a coarser perlite where plants that like wet environments prefer finer perlite.
Is perlite recyclable?
Yes absolutely. Perlite should never be landfilled unless it has been contaminated by a outside source of material. Perlite can be steam sterilized, sifted, treated with hydrogen peroxide and water or other sanitizing agents to be reused. Many growers recycle their perlite for several crop cycles. At the end of its life for controlled environment agriculture it can be used in agriculture to grow food crops and help regenerate soils that have been overly compacted or water logged to allow the water to permeate the surface and brake up the compaction helping the plants roots to penetrate the soil deeper and controlling runoff. Saving water, fertilizer and natural resources.
