Pros and Cons of Using Expanded Clay for Hydroponics

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Pros and Cons of Using Expanded Clay for
Hydroponics
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Pros and Cons of Using Expanded Clay
Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants by
suspending their roots in a nutrient medium. It
is different than conventional farming methods
and offers more produce in comparison.
Horticulture enthusiasts around the world are
accepting it as a great option for home farming
as it doesnt need large open areas for growing
plants. We will talk about Expanded Clay which
has proved to be an optimal growing medium for
hydroponics.
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• Expanded Clay or Lightweight Expanded Clay
  Aggregate (LECA) is a porous, chemically inert
  substance. It finds application in Hydroponics
  due to its high water retention qualities. LECA
  is produced by processing clay at a temperature
  of 2000 F inside a rotary kiln which renders air
  pockets in its physical structure. These air
  pockets allow the flow of air as well as water,
  enabling plants to grow efficiently. Lets read
  about some Pros and Cons of using LECA.

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Pros of Using LECA

• Great Retention Qualities
• Durable
• Environment-Friendly 

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Great Retention Qualities
The primary benefit of using LECA is that it has
great retention qualities. As mentioned earlier,
it can absorb any fluid that is added to it, may
it be water or air. It also retains external
nutrients rather well, although, it doesnt have
any nutrients of its own.
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Durable
Its production process makes it durable enough to
be used over and over as it can withstand damage
easily. Even if it gets damaged, you can reuse it
by mixing with soil which will increase aeration
and organic content of the soil.
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Environment-Friendly 
Expanded Clay can be cheaply produced and is
available as a low-cost solution. Its pH value is
neutral, making it environment-friendly and easy
to recycle.
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Cons of Using LECA
Like everything else, LECA has its downfalls as
well. Its weight becomes a matter of concern for
Hydroponic systems that need a running supply of
water. It also accompanies clay dirt that has to
be rinsed before use as it can pose a hassle
while adding LECA to the nutrient
tank. Sometimes, its highly porous nature makes
it a problem as the water dries out real quick
from the medium. To some gardeners, the time
invested in soaking and rinsing LECA seems
inconvenient. LECA is mined using strip-mining
methods, which bothers some of the farmers due to
the erosion caused by it.
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Some Usage Tips

•  LECA must not be allowed to dry out ever as it
  might become unusable after that.
• It is strictly advised that LECA is rinsed and
  cleaned with isopropyl alcohol when reusing after
  a while.
• Crushed Expanded Clay can be added to the soil
  for extra aeration but it shouldnt be added raw.
• Keep the granules soaked for at least 6 hours
  before using to avoid drying up.
• All these measures can enhance the production of
  your Hydroponic system if followed properly. LECA
  has some undeniable advantages over other
  mediums.

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