• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.55-58
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• 2004

The objective of this study was to get information about water retention characteristics of horticultural substrates used in Korea determined by European standard method. Water retention curves were prepared at water volume (v/v, %) in relation to -10 cm, -50 cm, -100 cm water pressure head. Water retention curves showed different properties depending upon the type, the place of origin, particle size, and manufacturing processes of substrates. Peat and coir had easily available water content in the range of 30-40% and showed high water holding capacity, water buffering capacity, and aeration for plant growth. However, bark, sawdust and rice hull showed low water holding capacity about below 10%. The easily available water content of perlite and clay ball was low about 0.1-13.8%, whereas that of vermiculite and rockwool granulate was high about 25.9-52.0%. Understanding water retention characteristics of growing substrates is very important in cstablisliing optimum condition for plant growth. Further study on water retention curves for more substrates, mixture and growing media is needed.