Recycling perlite: Method gives smaller greenhouse operations economical, eco-friendly alternative
Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 23:20
in Earth & Climate
A new method for recycling perlite provides greenhouse tomato growers with a cost-effective option that preserves natural resources while maintaining yield. Experiments using three recycling methods produced a clear winner; the "no stir/sift-then-disinfect method" proved less time-consuming, more economical, and had no negative impact on tomato yield. The method also reduced labor required to remove used growing medium from greenhouses, transport it to a disposal site, and fill bags with new perlite.