Vermiculite is obtained from a clay mineral with moisture-containing layers. It is crushed and heated to 1000 Β° C. The water turns into steam and forms flakes or grains of a very light material. Particle sizes reach 2-8 mm, depending on the classification. The density of the substrate formed by them is only 0,1 g / cm3β¦ The clay material has a very neutral pH (7-7,5), but carries a negative charge and interacts with the cations of the solution. May also interact with phosphate ions. Retains a large amount of water (3-4 times its weight). Vermiculite decomposes relatively easily. Therefore, it can only be used in its pure form for germination or rooting of cuttings. On the other hand, it is practical in mixtures.
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