Expanded Clay Pebbles as plants growing media
1. Product name : Expanded clay
LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) is a aggregate made of expanded clay at average 1200 ℃ in rotary kiln,
the yielding gases are expanded by thousands of small bubbles as long as this temperature and porosity will appear
by many voids and honeycombs at these round shape aggregates when melted materials become cold.
LECA is a manufactured aggregate which has many advantages compare with natural lightweight aggregate and
since 1917 has used under different brand name in USA and Europe countries.
2.Garden Clay Balls:
Lightweight Expanded Clay pebbles is a great growing medium for all plants. It provides excellent drainage as well as moisture retention.Use it as a decorative mulch for potted plants, in ground plants, as an add mix to containers, and a bottom layer for drainage.It is also widely used in hydroponic growing and is pH neutral. The pores in the stones store water and release water when required therefore providing an excellent environment for root development. Ideal for roses, orchids and all types of fruits and vegetables.Light expanded clay aggregate, also commonly referred to as "grow rock", is ideal for indoor hydroponic growth because of its neutral properties- Garden clay pebble has no acid or alkaline characteristics.
3. Advantage
LECA has many advantage for agriculture and landscapes, it is used as a growing medium in Hydroponics systems, and
blended with other growing mediums such as soil and peat to improve drainage, retain water during periods of drought,
insulate roots during frost and provide roots with increased oxygen levels promoting very vigorous growth. LECA can mix
with normal sweet soil in order to reduce the weight of plants and landscapes soils.
4. Specification of LECA
Nature |
Item |
Result |
Chemical Results
|
Size Range |
4-20mm |
The main material |
high quality of clay |
|
SiO2 |
55-60% |
|
Al2O3 |
5-10% |
|
Fe2O3 |
15-20% |
|
CaO |
3-5% |
|
K2O |
1-3% |
Nature | Item | Result |
Physical property test results | Particle Size | 4-20mm |
The maint material | Clay | |
Apperance | Ball | |
Surface Density | 1.1-1.2g/cm3 | |
Bulk Density | 350~400kg/m3 | |
Rate of Floatage | 90% | |
The sum of damage rate & Wear rate | 3.0% | |
Accumulation porosity | 20% | |
Hydrochloric acid can let rate | 1.4% | |
Friction loss rate | 2.0 | |
Compression strength | 3.0-4.0 | |
Water Absorption | 7% | |
Particle composition | 60-63% |