Lava rocks as a substrate for growing plants – Hydroponics

Depending on the location, lava gnaws have different properties. The lava classification depends on the silicate content. Lava is very light (about 1 g / cm) and has a high porosity (up to 80%). As a rule, a good substrate is obtained from lava, but it also has disadvantages. Depending on the type, lava can be more or less susceptible to the corrosive effects of the nutrient solution, especially at a pH below 6. Lava can contain significant amounts of aluminum, which can leach into the nutrient solution and enter plants. The entire Israeli greenhouse industry uses a lava substrate called “tuff” (see picture).

Literature

1. William Texier. Hydroponics for everyone. All about home gardening. – M .: HydroScope, 2013 .– 296 p. – ISBN 978-2-84594-089-5.