Nutrifield Hydro Clay is a natural growing medium that contains no harmful or undesirable substances. Hydro Clay is inert – meaning that it has a neutral pH, is resistant to chemicals and will not break down easily.
Nutrifield Hydro Clay undergoes a number of transformations before being a usable growing medium. The process begins with pelletised clay that is fired in a rotary kiln at a very high temperature. During this process the organic compounds in the clay burn off, forcing the pellets to expand and become internally honeycomb like in structure; while the outside surface of each granule melts and is sintered. The final result is a ceramic like Nutrifield Hydro Clay pellet that is lightweight, porous and has a high crushing resistance.
Nutrifield Hydro Clay helps to prevent oxygen starvation to the plants root system. When a plants root system is starved of Oxygen the plants health suffers and growth rates decrease – this can be commonly attributed to over watering or an overly compacted growing medium. Due to the shape and structure of Nutrifield Hydro Clay, the Oxygen starvation can be prevented by keeping thousands of pathways open for the exchange of gases and drainage of water.
Nutrifield Hydro Clay can also help prevent root rot. This is again due to the increased Oxygen levels that the medium promotes. As a result aerobic bacteria are able to continue to breed and keep anaerobic bacteria at bay. Nutrifield Hydro Clay may also reduce algae, fungus gnats and unwanted weeds due to the surface of the top of the medium staying dry.
Nutrifield Hydro Clay can be blended with Nutrifield NF Premium Coco to create an impressive potting mix.
There are a number of alternative uses for Nutrifield Hydro Clay, such as:
• A top dressing for plants to reduce evaporative losses, reduce algae, fungus gnats and unwanted weeds.
• A bottom drainage layer for potted plants, to provide adequate run off and maintain ideal rhizospheric root conditions.
• Increasing the physical stability of plants.
