Vermiculite As a Soil Conditioner
When soil problems strike, poor drainage is often the problem. Soil that holds excess water leaves a plant at risk of invading diseases that flourish in boggy soil. Using vermiculite as a soil additive can help change soil texture to a better-draining, more suitable root environment for growing plants. Understanding the properties, benefits and drawbacks of using horticultural vermiculite is helpful when deciding what soil amendments to use. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Vermiculite is a mineral, usually mica, that is heated until it pops at about 1100 degrees C or 2012 degrees F. It is most commonly used in garden to sprout plants from seeds. A lightweight mineral with separated layers that look like scales, vermiculite is usually a translucent gray or yellowish brown in color.
Benefits
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Vermiculite contains the plant nutrients magnesium and potassium. According to the College of St. Benedict at St. John's University, vermiculite can hold up to 16 times its weight in water. This mineral also provides good aeration, which is essential for getting life-sustaining oxygen to the roots of the plant. A lightweight potting material, vermiculite is good for large potting containers that would be too heavy if sand or rocks are used to improve drainage.
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Fun Fact
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According to the University of Minnesota, when vermiculite is expanded from the original mineral, it grows six to 20 times in size. The name "vermiculite" comes from the Latin "vermiculare," which means "to breed worms," referring to the worm-like structure taken on by the mineral as it expands in the high heat.
Vermiculite Grades
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Horticulture grade vermiculite differs from building-grade vermiculite used in construction. According to the College of St. Benedict at St. John's University, vermiculite used in building has larger chunks and may be treated with chemicals unsuitable for growing plants. Horticultural vermiculite is designed to have a neutral potential hydrogen level (pH), creating an inviting root environment in which plants can thrive.
Warning
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Some gardening experts discourage the use of vermiculite because some vermiculite may be contaminated with asbestos. According to the University of California Botanical Garden Newsletter, vermiculite mined as recently as 1990 may have traces of asbestos. Exposure to this fibrous mineral can be dangerous, since exposure to asbestos has been linked to lung damage and health problems.
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