Perlite and vermiculite: what is the difference, how they differ, how to use

Content

1 What is “perlite” and “vermiculite”
2 What is the difference between perlite and vermiculite?
3 What is better for plants: perlite or vermiculite?
4 How to properly use vermiculite and perlite for the benefit of plants
5 Conclusion

There is a difference between perlite and vermiculite, despite the fact that both materials play the same role in crop production. Before using them, you need to familiarize yourself with the parameters. This will determine how high-quality the soil mixture can be prepared for plants.

What is “perlite” and “vermiculite”

Externally, both materials resemble pebbles of different colors and fractions. Perlite and vermiculite are used in construction. However, fine fraction material is in demand in crop production. It is added to the soil to prepare a soil mixture with the required parameters.

Small fractions of perlite and vermiculite are used to give the soil certain parameters

Perlite and vermiculite are materials of natural origin.They are added to the soil to improve air exchange. The soil compacts less, looseness increases, which allows the plant roots to receive more oxygen.

Perlite, just like vermiculite, has excellent hygroscopicity. Both materials are capable of absorbing and releasing water, but at different rates. Plants benefit from this too. With rare watering in hot weather, the roots do not dry out.

Important! According to the first signs of its purpose, perlite is similar to vermiculite, but both materials have large differences from each other.

Description, composition and origin of perlite

Perlite is a volcanic glass in origin. Over the years it has been susceptible to water damage. The result was fractions resembling crystalline hydrate. They learned how to make expanded perlite from volcanic rock. Since water reduces the softening point of glass, hardened foam is obtained from it. This is achieved by crushing perlite and heating to a temperature of 1100 ^OC. Rapidly expanding water bursts out of the plastic hot mass, increasing its original volume up to 20 times due to small air bubbles. The porosity of expanded perlite reaches 90%.

Perlite is easily recognized by its white or gray granules

Ready-to-use perlite is small granules. The color is white or gray, with different light shades. Since perlite is a glass, it is hard but brittle. Expanded perlite crystals can be ground into powder with your fingers.

Important! When rubbing expanded perlite crystals with your fingers, you can easily cut yourself, since the glass chips are sharp and highly abrasive.

Perlite is produced in different brands.The material differs in the size of the fractions, which is why it is used in different fields:

Construction ordinary perlite (VPR) is produced in different grades with a fraction size of 0.16-5 mm. Construction crushed stone falls into this category. The size of the fractions reaches 5-20 mm.
Crystal density varies from 75 to 200 kg/m3
Agroperlite (Agroperlite) is also a type of building material. The size of the standard fraction varies from 1.25 to 5 mm. Some manufacturers produce agroperlite according to their own specifications. For example, the grain size of Zh-15 grade material varies from 0.63 to 5 mm. Maximum density – 160 kg/m³.
The difference between agroperlite is its large grain
Perlite powder (PPP) has a fraction size of up to 0.16 mm.
The material is used in the form of powder in the manufacture of filters

Agroperlite is a chemically neutral substance. The acidity indicator PH is 7 units. Porous loose crumbs do not contain plant nutrients or salts. The material is not subject to chemical and biological decomposition. The crumbs are not damaged by rodents and all types of insects. The water absorption property exceeds 400% compared to its own weight.

Description, composition and origin of vermiculite

The main difference between perlite and vermiculite is their origin. If the basis of the first substance is volcanic glass, then the second material is hydromica. Its composition is usually magnesium-iron, but there are many additional minerals. What vermiculite has in common with perlite is the content of water combined with crystalline hydrates.

The technology for producing vermiculite is a little complicated. However, at the final stage, mica is expanded at a temperature of about 880 ^OWITH.The structure of the main substance similarly acquires porosity due to the escaping boiling water. However, the volume of destroyed mica increases to a maximum of 20 times.

The basis of vermiculite is hydromica, and the material is recognized by its black, yellow, green color with different shades

Hydromica is a natural material. As exposure to water and wind occurred over many years, erosion destroyed all soluble compounds. However, trace elements in vermiculite appear after the destruction of mica crystalline hydrates.

Important! The formation of a large number of microelements in vermiculite turns the crumbs into a useful fertilizer for plants, which stimulates their growth.

It is important to take into account the fact that the composition of microelements in vermiculite of different brands is very different. It depends on the territory in which the raw material, mica, was mined. For example, one vermiculite may completely lack iron, but contain a lot of chromium and copper. Other material, on the contrary, is rich in iron. When purchasing vermiculite for certain plants, you need to find out information about the composition of minerals in the accompanying documents.

Vermiculite retains the properties of the original material. The crumbs are not abrasive, slightly elastic, and are shaped like elongated crystals. The color is black, yellow, green with different shades, for example, brown. The density indicator varies from 65 to 130 kg. The minimum porosity is 65%, and the maximum is 90%. Vermiculite has an acidity level similar to perlite: the average pH is 7 units.

Vermiculite does not react with many acids and alkalis. The water absorption rate reaches 500% of its own weight.Like perlite, vermiculite is not subject to chemical and biological decomposition and is of no interest to rodents and all types of insects. Vermiculite is produced with fraction sizes from 0.1 to 20 mm. In agriculture, agrovermiculite is used for growing plants, differing in fraction sizes from 0.8 to 5 mm.

Why do we need perlite and vermiculite?

Both substances belong to the fourth hazard class, that is, low-hazard. The scope of application of vermiculite and its brother, perlite, is not limited. The only exception is technology for which dust is unacceptable. In gardening and gardening, crumbs are used to loosen the soil and improve its structure. Vermiculite is often used in conjunction with perlite. The crumb regulates humidity and oxygen levels in the soil. Can be used as mulch, as well as a sorbent for mineral and organic fertilizers.

Vermiculite is a good mulch

Due to their neutral acidity, vermiculite and perlite reduce soil pH and slow down the salinization process. Due to its good water absorption in wet areas, the crumb prevents the formation of waterlogging. Moisture-loving weeds and moss do not grow in the beds.

Advice! If vermiculite is poured into the soil together with perlite when arranging the lawn, you don’t have to worry about it drying out in the hot summer or becoming waterlogged with the arrival of prolonged rains.

It is important to determine whether agroperlite or vermiculite is better when using them as a sorbent with fertilizers. Both materials absorb water well, and with it dissolved fertilizers. When the soil begins to dry out, the crumbs give up moisture to the roots of the plants, and with it the accumulated fertilizer. However, agrovermiculite wins in this regard.

Perlite, just like vermiculite, has a low thermal conductivity. The crumb protects plant roots from hypothermia and overheating in the sun. A mixture of perlite and vermiculite is useful for early planting of seedlings and mulching the soil.

Advice! It is convenient to germinate cuttings in a mixture of perlite and vermiculite. There is no chance that they will get wet from excess moisture.

Agroperlite is often used in its pure form. It is in demand for hydroponics. Vermiculite is expensive. It is rarely used in its pure form. Most often, vermiculite is mixed with perlite, resulting in a mixture that is affordable and of high quality.

Advantages and disadvantages of perlite and vermiculite

Each of the materials considered has its own pros and cons. To more accurately determine whether perlite or vermiculite is better for plants, these nuances need to be considered.

Pros of perlite:

Absorbs water from the depths of the soil through capillaries and directs it to the surface layers of the soil. This property allows the crumbs to be used for wicking.
Distributes water evenly over the ground.
The transparent crumb allows light to pass through, which makes it possible to use it for filling light-sensitive seeds during their germination.
Perlite improves soil aeration.
The material is affordable and suitable for filling large areas.

Minuses:

Soil with agroperlite requires frequent watering. This causes fertilizers to be washed out faster.
Pure crumbs are not suitable for plants that like to grow in slightly acidic soil mixtures.
The material is not used as fertilizer due to poor absorption of nutrients.
During mechanical soil treatment, glass granules are destroyed after five years.
The abrasive structure of the granules can damage the root system of plants.
Due to the fragility of the granules, a large amount of dust is generated.

When processing the soil, perlite granules are destroyed

To further clarify the difference between vermiculite and perlite in gardening, it is worth considering all aspects of the second material.

Pros of vermiculite:

The granules retain moisture for a long time along with the beneficial substances of the applied fertilizers. Due to this property, the frequency of watering is reduced.
During drought, the crumb absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. Plants will be saved if they are not watered on time.
The material participates well in ion exchange and prevents the accumulation of nitrates in the soil.
Improves soil aeration and slows down salinization by up to 8%.
It does not tend to cake after wintering and prolonged rains.
The lack of abrasiveness eliminates the possibility of damage to the roots.

Minuses:

The cost is four times more compared to agroperlite.
It is not recommended to use pure crumbs on wet soils in warm regions. Microscopic green algae grow in its pores.
Working with dry material is dangerous for humans. Dust is harmful to the respiratory tract. In terms of danger, it can be compared to asbestos.

Knowing all the sides, it is easier to determine the difference between vermiculite and agroperlite and choose the best material for the work.

What is the difference between perlite and vermiculite?

Continuing the comparison, it is worth considering the main parameters of the materials separately. The only thing they have in common is that both types of crumbs are used in crop production to loosen the soil.

Of all the indicators, the common thing is the use of both types of bulk materials for loosening the soil

What is the difference between agroperlite and vermiculite in composition

The first crystals are based on volcanic glass. Agroperlite is completely neutral.The basis of the second crystals is mica. In addition, after swelling, agrovermiculite is obtained containing a mineral complex.

How does perlite differ from vermiculite in appearance?

Glass crystals of agroperlite have a light color, sharp edges, and crumble when squeezed with your fingers. Agrovermiculite has dark shades, is plastic, and not sharp to the touch.

How does agroperlite differ from vermiculite in terms of application?

Crystals of the first type slowly absorb moisture, but release moisture faster. It is advisable to use them when the soil needs to be watered more often. Crystals of the second type absorb moisture faster, but release moisture more slowly. Vermiculite is best used as a soil additive when it is necessary to reduce the intensity of crop watering.

What is the difference between perlite and vermiculite in terms of impact on soil and plants?

The first material consists of glass crystals that can injure plant roots. After winter and rains they cake. Agrovermiculite is safe for roots, does not shrink the soil, and is better suited for rooting cuttings.

What is better for plants: perlite or vermiculite?

Both types of material are used in crop production. It is impossible to determine which one is better or worse, since each plant has its own needs.

For drainage arrangement, it is optimal to choose large fractions

If we delve deeper into the question, the following answer will be correct:

Agroperlite is optimally used for hydroponics and large plots of land that are often watered and fertilized.
Agrovermiculite is optimal for arranging small areas, for example, greenhouse beds. Demanded for rooting cuttings and growing indoor flowers.

The best results are obtained from combined mixtures.They are most often used in crop production. They may have additional additives from peat, sand, and fertilizer.

How to properly use vermiculite and perlite for the benefit of plants

Both materials complement each other perfectly. Most often they are mixed together. Take equal parts of 15%. The resulting drainage mixture in the general substrate should contain up to 30%.

A mixture of equal parts of agroperlite and agrovermiculite should contain up to 30% of the total mass of the prepared substrate

Some varieties of flowers are grown in a pure mixture of two types of crumbs and peat. For drought-resistant indoor plants, such as cacti, the substrate is prepared with a lower content of agrovermiculite.

For hydroponics, similarly, a mixture is considered the best option. In addition, it is good to store flower bulbs in the crumbs in winter.

Conclusion

The difference between perlite and vermiculite in origin and properties is large. However, both materials have the same purpose - loosening the soil and improving its quality. To get optimal positive results, you need to know what and where to apply it best.