Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants by suspending their roots in a nutrient medium. It is different than conventional farming methods and offers more produce in comparison. Horticulture enthusiasts around the world are accepting it as a great option for home farming as it doesn’t need large open areas for growing plants. We will talk about Expanded Clay which has proved to be an optimal growing medium for hydroponics.
Expanded Clay or Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) is a porous, chemically inert substance. It finds application in Hydroponics due to its high water retention qualities. LECA is produced by processing clay at a temperature of 2000° F inside a rotary kiln which renders air pockets in its physical structure. These air pockets allow the flow of air as well as water, enabling plants to grow efficiently. Let’s read about some Pros and Cons of using LECA.
Pros of Using LECA
The primary benefit of using LECA is that it has great retention qualities. As mentioned earlier, it can absorb any fluid that is added to it, may it be water or air. It also retains external nutrients rather well, although, it doesn’t have any nutrients of its own.
Its production process makes it durable enough to be used over and over as it can withstand damage easily. Even if it gets damaged, you can reuse it by mixing with soil which will increase aeration and organic content of the soil.
Expanded Clay can be cheaply produced and is available as a low-cost solution. Its pH value is neutral, making it environment-friendly and easy to recycle.
Cons of Using LECA
Like everything else, LECA has its downfalls as well. Its weight becomes a matter of concern for Hydroponic systems that need a running supply of water. It also accompanies clay dirt that has to be rinsed before use as it can pose a hassle while adding LECA to the nutrient tank.
Sometimes, it’s highly porous nature makes it a problem as the water dries out real quick from the medium. To some gardeners, the time invested in soaking and rinsing LECA seems inconvenient. LECA is mined using strip-mining methods, which bothers some of the farmers due to the erosion caused by it.
Some Usage Tips
1. LECA must not be allowed to dry out ever as it might become unusable after that.
2. It is strictly advised that LECA is rinsed and cleaned with isopropyl alcohol when reusing after a while.
3. Crushed Expanded Clay can be added to the soil for extra aeration but it shouldn’t be added raw.
4. Keep the granules soaked for at least 6 hours before using to avoid drying up.
All these measures can enhance the production of your Hydroponic system if followed properly. LECA has some undeniable advantages over other mediums however its usage can be a tad bit tedious.
