Abstract:
Many different substrates are used for plant support in hydroponic culture, but one of the unique requirements
for research is that the media be easily separated from the roots. Peat, perlite, and vermiculite are good
substrates but roots and root hairs grow into these substrates, so they are unsuitable for studies of root size and
morphology. Sand can easily be removed from roots, but roots grown in sand are shorter and thicker than
hydroponic roots because the sand particles are so dense. Diatomite particules was the medium of choice for
research hydroponics for many years because it can easily be removed from roots. Diatomite is a sedimentary
rock primarily composed of the fossilized remains of unicellular fresh water plants known as Diatoms. This
organic, natural product contains the fossilized skeletons of trillions of microscopic, single cell aquatic plants
of fresh water origin. This lightweight, porous, non-toxic, non-hazardous mineral is a cost effective, highly
efficient, horticultural growth promoting media. Diatomit is pH stable and the pH can be adjusted to suit
various crops. Diatomite will absorb up to 150% of its own weight in fluids and slowly release the fluids as
required by the plant. Diatomite is available in particle sizes from 1 to 10-mm diameter. Our tests indicate that
Diatomite is chemically inert and has good water holding characteristics. The plant roots muffled with the
media particles during the harvest were easily separated from each other by submerging roots in to filled cup
and rinsing it in a few minutes time Its disadvantage is cost 3 TL/ 7 liter in Turkey. There are a lot of Natural
Diatomite sources in Turkey.
