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Lab Testing:
Summer turf trials in 2006 show the increased performance of Higromite against other leading
brands.
Higromite is also successfully proven with hybrid sweet corn crops at Syngenta testing facilities located in Slater, IA.
Basil Test:
The row of three Basil plants on the left grew in expanded clay
pellets with the middle row containing a mixture of HigromiteTM
/expanded clay and the row to the right grew in pure HigromiteTM.
Over a period of several weeks, the Basil growing in HigromiteTM
grew at twice the rate of those growing in expanded clay pellets.
Overall, the deep
green Basil growing in HigromiteTM also appear healthier and more
vigorous.
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Strawberry Test:
Another test using strawberries is currently under way comparing
the performance of Higromite, Expanded Clay, and Silica Stone.
The pictures speak for themselves….. The strawberries grown in
Higromite have already begun to bear fruit and the number of
fine root hairs is twice as much as the competitors. |
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Rose test:
Higromite and expanded clay pellets are currently being used in
a side by side study with Roses. As you can see the Rose plant
in Higromite has already bloomed and looks much healthier much
faster. |
DISCUSSION OF LAB RESULTS
The physical measurements test was performed on the “pure”
HigromiteTM to determine the saturated hydraulic conductivity
(infiltration rate), moisture retention at 30 cm tension, bulk
density, particle density, total porosity, capillary porosity and
air-filled porosity. The physical measurements of the Higromite
showed it to have acceptable saturated hydraulic conductivity of
10.9 inches per hour, which is in the normal range of 6-12 inches
per hour. The Higromite retained 62.1% moisture at 30 cm tension.
The Higromite had a low bulk density of 0.81 g/cc and a low particle
density of 2.49 g/cc. The Higromite had a high 67.7% total porosity,
a very high 50% capillary porosity and an acceptable 17.7%
air-filled porosity.
The physical measurements show that the Higromite will have a high
amount of total porosity and retain a very high amount of water.
Therefore, the Higromite will be effective in increasing the
capillary porosity of the root zone.
To determine at what tension the Higromite releases the majority of
water, the water retention was measured at a range of tension
including 0.03 bar, 0.3 bar, 2 bars, and 15 bars. The 0.03 bar
moisture retention is representative of the maximum moisture
retained by a 12” depth of soil. The 0.3 bar is the maximum moisture
retained in a field situation. The 2 bar value is representative of
the moisture content at which sod would be irrigated. The 15 bar
value is considered to be the maximum amount of water that can be
removed by plants. The measured values for the Higromite are as
follows:
| |
-20 |
-500 |
|
HIGROMITE |
62.10% |
5.00% |
|
EXPANDED CLAY #1 |
39.60% |
33.20% |
|
EXPANDED CLAY #2 |
25% |
20.80% |
|
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH |
24.70% |
20.60% |
|
ROCKWOOL |
36.10% |
34.20% |
|
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Graph based upon studies of
Higromite by a A2LA accredited laboratory and four of the other top
selling growing mediums.
Horticultural Uses for Higromite
Orchids
Orchid growers realize significant benefits from Higromite because
it does not break down in the pot like bark. This results in
healthier Orchids, more frequent blooms, and less maintenance.
Bonsai
Bonsai growers have used Ibigawa rocks for centuries to raise Bonsai
tress. These rocks act as an anchor to the tree's root system and
also provide a decorative appeal. Higromite provides not only the
anchor and decorative attributes, but also "feeds" the tree with
silica and minerals that are non-existent in the Ibigawa rocks.
Roses
Rose growers, professional and amateur, have experienced fabulous
success using Higromite. By adding some Higromite to the soil and
placing more around the base of the rose plant, blooms are larger
and more prolific with bigger and shinier foliage.
Fruits and Vegetables
Whether you dig some Higromite into the ground surrounding your
fruit trees, add it to the medium for trees in pots, or use it for
your vegetables, you will see outstanding results- healthy plants,
earlier blooming, and larger crops.
African Violets and Other House Plants
In pots or hanging baskets, Higromite can be used alone or in a
mixture for optimal results.
Azaleas, Gerbera, Hibiscus, and Ferns
All of the above mentioned plants have been successfully enhanced by
the use of Higromite in their growing mix.
Succulents and Cacti
Higromite's ability to hold water and release it to the plant makes
it an exceptional medium for cacti and succulents. The
micronutrients allow the plants to grow and flourish.
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