Quantitative Description and Classification of Growing Media Particle Morphology through Dynamic Image Analysis

The physical properties of growing media are dependent on the morphological characteristics particles composing them. Thus, their can be more precisely altered for specific purposes by a better design materials to optimize use raw and increase water efficiency. There many references relationship between basic particle size properties, but arrangement resulting also affected shape particles. Growing have seldom been characterized criteria and, therefore, influence remains unknown. A dynamic image analyzer, QicPic device, was used assess wide diversity constituents. As well as FeretMAX ChordMIN diameters describing individual length width, respectively, analyzed in terms several descriptors (aspect ratio, circularity, roundness, convexity). classification established discern different shapes all were described accordingly. Correlations morphology reported, showing that greater length, smaller width/length convexity. Circularity, its associated relative span identified most relevant parameters materials’ morphology. This work shows large constituents, which categorized into four classes materials. Three mainly according shapes, with decreasing elongation an increasing convexity: (1) fine coarse wood coir fibers; (2) Sphagnum white peats, milled or sod; (3) black sedge peat, pith, fresh composted pine bark, green waste compost, perlite. fourth class represented medium (mixing pith fibers) above high length. These findings extend characterization thorough evaluation links properties.