Clay decreases the availability of water in potting soils and has influence on tHE RATE OF WATER UPTAKE
Clay is extracted by excavation of clay sediments. The RHP clay materials sometimes strongly differ from each other. The basis differences constitute of Source and type of sediment. Thus for instance Dutch clay originates from river sediments while Swedish plateau clay was created by meltwater streams of glaciers during the ice age.
Among others Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Sweden.
Clay and clay granules are used separately in potting soils to give them specific chemical and/or physical characteristics. Clay offered in varied capacities: fresh, dried granules in various fractions and dry clay powder. Clay is applied as component in various potting soil mixtures to influence the chemical and physical properties for the benefit of a better crop development. Clay decreases the availability of water in potting soils. The rate of water uptake from very dry conditions is positively influenced by clay. Powdery clay materials may also make the mixture a little sticky. What a specific clay product really performs in a potting soil is dependent on the type of mineral of which it has been composed and the fraction in which it is applied. The effect of a clay powder is stronger on water binding and water uptake than coarse clay granules. Clay materials with a too high content on elements or calcium carbonate are not usable for potting soil production.
Because clay is excavated, there is specifically control on the production process, especially to prevent contamination with weeds and nematodes. Also element contents and the calcium carbonate form important quality parameters.
