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PLS1010C Intro to Plant Sciences Print or Type Name:

Activity: Media and Soil
Dr. Merritt
Due: Monday, 9/14/20

Types of Media
A soilless mix is a potting medium that contains a mixture of substrates but does not contain any soil.
Soilless mixes are considered sterile because they do not contain the bacteria and fungi usually found in
soil. Soilless mixes generally contain a mixture of organic and inorganic materials that serve individual
purposes. Some of the most common soilless growing mediums include sphagnum peat moss, perlite,
vermiculite, and sand. Generally, these mediums are mixed together rather than used alone, as each
usually provides its own function. Fertilizers are also commonly added to the mix, providing important
nutrients.

1. Label which image is sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

a) Which media provides aeration and drainage?

b) Which two media have high moisture-holding ability?

c) Which media would help bring down the pH?

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Soil as a Porous Media

Soils are composed of mineral and organic particles with pores (air spaces) in between. Mineral
particles are divided, based on size, into: 1) sand (2 mm-0.05 mm), 2) silt (0.05 mm-0.002 mm), and 3)
clay (less than 0.002 mm). Organic particles are also found, usually near the surface where roots grow,
and plant residues accumulate.

In sand, the mineral grains are arranged together. This leaves pores between the grains. When clay and
silt contents are higher, these finer particles are located at the points of contact of the sand grains. This
results in the formation of smaller pores in between. How is this morphological information useful for
irrigation purposes? It is helpful for understanding the differences among soils in terms of retention and
movement of water. These are controlled by pore size and shape distributions. Large pores conduct
more water rapidly when compared to the smaller pores. Suction is a measure of the energy required to
remove water from a given pore. It is easier to remove water from a larger pore. As you can see, soil
structure is very important because it controls the retention and movement of water in the soil as well
as the transport of dissolved components (nutrients, etc.) in the water.

2. Watch this video on Water Movement in Soil.

a) What factors affect the movement of water?

b) Which soil texture drains the most water?

c) Capillary action is the greatest in soils with which sized pores?

3. If this soil had 85% sand, 5% clay,

and 10% silt, what soil texture
would it be?

If you need help on how to determine

the texture, refer to this video.
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Types of Mixtures
Many companies sell a variety of soil and soilless mixtures in various proportions to maximize the
growth of a specific plant type. Some are amended with fertilizer, limestone, or wetting agents to
produce a better mix.
4. Click on the links and observe each of the mixtures. Describe what soil and soilless components you
see in each (you can use the bag or description to help).

a) Starting Potting Mix –

b) Organics Soil –

c) FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil –

5. What stage of plants would be grown in each and why (what properties makes it beneficial)?