Changes in physical properties of peat substrates during plant growth

Abstract

Aeration is a critical factor of substrate performance for container grown plants. In a 14-mo nursery study, although air-filled porosity dropped below optimum values, the gas relative diffusivity was unaffected, as a result of an increase in pore effectiveness. This indicates that, contrary to the general belief, aeration properties of potting substrates may not deteriorate with time. Key words: Potting soils, container substrates, air-filled porosity, gas diffusivity