Evaluation of a combination of phosphorylated fibers and zeolite as a potential substitute to synthetic wetting agents in peat moss products

Water availability and pH are important factors to consider determine the suitability of a material for use as growing medium. Unfortunately, most horticultural substrates characterized by their water repellency. This is case with peat moss which hydrophobic acidic. Synthetic surfactants required improve its wettability. In this study, combination phosphorylated wood pulp fibers (FLP) zeolite proposed substitute increase wettability in presence lime, an additive generally used fertilizer or regulator. Results show that lime reduces retention capacity FLP. However, addition 15% moss/FLP system increases substrate. The negative effect 1 wt. % on mixture was corrected addition. Optimal conditions were obtained at 10% two types tested favorable values. Zeolite shown have higher affinity than FLP calcium ions preventing detrimental interaction between ions.