Wool-geopolymer composite pots were produced as an alternative to commonly used peat ones. wool-geopolymer pots promote the earlier growth of seeds comparing to the reference ones. The alkaline environment of the geopolymer is indeed able to partially degrade the keratin structure of the wool (but preserving the fibers' nature), making most nutrients readily available for the sprouts. Moreover, the intrinsic porosity of the composite and the hygroscopic properties of the wool allow to maintain a significantly higher moisture content in the potting soil, thus significantly reducing the weekly amount of water needed.

Wool - Geopolymer pots for humidity control & fast seed growth

Annalisa Natali Murri;Elettra Papa;Valentina Medri;Elena Landi
2013

Abstract

Wool-geopolymer composite pots were produced as an alternative to commonly used peat ones. wool-geopolymer pots promote the earlier growth of seeds comparing to the reference ones. The alkaline environment of the geopolymer is indeed able to partially degrade the keratin structure of the wool (but preserving the fibers' nature), making most nutrients readily available for the sprouts. Moreover, the intrinsic porosity of the composite and the hygroscopic properties of the wool allow to maintain a significantly higher moisture content in the potting soil, thus significantly reducing the weekly amount of water needed.
2013
Istituto di Scienza, Tecnologia e Sostenibilità per lo Sviluppo dei Materiali Ceramici - ISSMC (ex ISTEC)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/273519
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