Aero-Soil

Perlite is one of nature’s most versatile and efficient minerals. Dicaperl’s Aero-Soil horticultural perlite is an easy-to-use, lightweight, sterile soil conditioner that is beneficial for commercial growers, landscapers, and home gardeners. Some of its most popular uses include:

Bulb and Tuber Storage

Aero-Soil is an ideal material to use when storing bulbs, corms, and tubers over the winter. The perlite prevents excessive drying, eliminates dampness, helps insulate bulbs or tubers against rapid temperature changes, and reduces damage from rodents and insects.

Hydroponic Growing

Extensive research has shown that superior crop yields result when horticultural perlite is used as a growing medium. In addition, since perlite exhibits a unique water exchangeability, over-watering and under-watering problems associated with rockwool are reduced or eliminated. This reduces plant stress, greenhouse labor, and irrigation costs. Typical crops grown hydroponically in horticultural perlite are lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, arugula, basil, and strawberries.

Lawns

Aero-Soil can be used in the planting of new lawns as well as in the upgrading of established lawns. For new lawns, a one-inch layer of Aero-Soil should be tilled into the top 4 inches of soil. The lawn can be sodded or seeded following seed producers’ recommendations.

Propagating

Cuttings may be rapidly rooted in either 100% Aero-Soil horticultural perlite or a mix of 3/4 perlite and 1/4 peat moss. Rooted cuttings can be easily removed from the media without causing root damage which lessens transplant shock. The media should be kept moist, and transplanting should not be attempted until a sturdy, well-formed root system has been developed.

Shrubs and Trees

When planting shrubs and trees, dig a hole 10-12 inches wider and 6 inches deeper than the root system. Set the shrub or tree in position, and add 1/3rd Aero-Soil, 2/3rd soil mix tamped into and around the roots. As the hole is filled, the mix should be thoroughly watered.

Stadium and Golf Course Turf

Aero-Soil horticultural perlite can make turf areas more resistant to compaction and improve drainage. You’ll water less frequently because of the superior water exchange properties of Aero-Soil. In addition, turf areas that have been treated with horticultural perlite will recover more quickly after use.