Diatomite: a new substrate for hydroponics

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.