Potting soil is primarily used for plants grown in containers . For that intellect , it often contains ingredients to make it less heavy or more dense , look on the need of the plant . In fact , many potting soils are market for specific potted flora , from tropical foliation plants to the " grunge - less " intermixture that are create for plants like orchidaceous plant . The density , of heaviness or dirt , has a dramatic result on the amount of water the dirt retains .

Definition

Soil denseness is determined by look the weight of the grunge ( dry ) separate by the volume , which includes the stomate . The higher the number , the heavier and more compacted the soil . Potting soil may have the soil compactness telephone number ( shown as g / cm3 ) printed on the package .

Function

Very dim soils retain water well , but they make it very difficult for the roots of a plant life to grow through the soil , consort to Cornell University . African violets , for lesson , have shallow , finespun roots and require potting soils that have a very low density ( that are airy and loose ) ; many potting soils are made specifically for African violets . Orchids , too , command very sluttish grime .

Types

Potting soils are often marketed according to their density , which is determined by the ingredients . Those that are called " dirt - less " are often the least thick . Those that are tag " alimental rich " might be quite overweight and usually contain constitutive matter .

Ingredients

Potting soil usually curb several unlike eccentric of materials , according to Professor ’s House . Soils that contain mosses and moxie are usually less dense than those that stop earthly concern , hommos and manure or other constituent fertilizers . Most are a mix of ingredient that help the soil retain piddle ( or drain well ) and minerals and nutrients .

Amendments

Soil that is too dense is often amended with sand or perlite to facilitate the water drain more easily and bring more air to the root . Peat moss can also lighten up up soil , although it is unremarkably added to help soil retain water rather than enfeeble water . Too much of these ingredients , however , can create air pockets around the root , dry them out . Most plant do substantially in soil with intermediate density . The soil particles should stick together when pressed in a clump , but then rapidly dilapidate .

References

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