Method for the physical characterization of substrates using centrifugation



Título del documento: Method for the physical characterization of substrates using centrifugation
Revista: Scientia Agricola
Base de datos: PERIÓDICA
Número de sistema: 000455426
ISSN: 0103-9016
Autores: 1
1
1
2
1
Instituciones: 1Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Agronomia, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Brasil
2Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Buenos Aires. Argentina
Año:
Volumen: 79
Número: 5
País: Brasil
Idioma: Inglés
Tipo de documento: Artículo
Enfoque: Experimental, analítico
Resumen en inglés The characterization of substrate properties supports the correct choice of components and directs management decisions in container cultivation. There are several systems of analysis, however, the routine procedures to determine the water retention curve (WRC) are time consuming and inaccurate. This study proposed a reproducible, less time-consuming, and easy to perform method for physical characterization of substrates. We used Sphagnum peat, coconut powder, carbonized rice husk, expanded vermiculite, and expanded clay in isolation. The WRC was obtained at tensions 0, 10, 50, and 100 hPa using the method of Büchner funnel, the European standard (CEN-EN13041), and by the centrifugation method of samples. In centrifugation, tensions were simulated by combining the angular velocity, sample height, and radius measured from the sample outermost point to the central point of the centrifuge. Three rotations were applied (230; 520 and 730 rpm), testing the centrifugation time for each tension and then the volumetric water content was compared between the methods. The results showed a positive correlation (p < 0.001) between the centrifugation and standard methods, considering that the centrifugation time required for moisture stabilization varied according to the material Lanalyzed and the tension applied. However, the time required to obtain a report was reduced by half. Sample centrifugation is a promising method, ensuring that the tensile force actually acts on the entire sample to determine the water retention curve of the substrate also reducing the duration of the analyses
Disciplinas: Agrociencias
Palabras clave: Suelos,
Sphagnum,
Sustratos,
Arcilla,
Curva de retención de agua
Keyword: Sphagnum,
Substrates,
Analysis methods,
Clay,
Water retention curve
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