Item Number: PSO500
Rice Hulls (50 lb Bag)
Rice Hulls (50 lb Bag)
A Renewable Resource
This uniquely processed rice hull amendment is a readily renewable resource requiring no mining or land disruption to produce. As so many growers have learned, it is a perfect replacement for perlite in the growing media - providing a less dusty mixing environment, lower basic cost and decomposition over time, while remaining stable during the typical plant production cycle.
- OMRI listed and WSDA registered for organic production.
- Extremely lightweight and highly compressed when packaged, it generates less waste and reduces storage requirements, handling and freight.
- De-compressed, it is 7.5 cu. ft. Its physical size, shape and bulking properties produce optimum air-filled pore space, water-holding capacity and drainage, while its natural color blends with other media components.
- Uniquely processed to ensure purity, sized, cleaned and subjected to a series of heat treatments that collectively sterilize the rice hulls and render any residual rice kernels, weed seeds or disease pathogens non-viable.
- Greenhouse-proven, offers environmental, horticultural and economical advantages. Growers who rely on it gain sustainability, reduce input costs and sacrifice nothing in terms of plant quality.
Introduction to Rice Hulls
Rice hulls, also known as rice husks or rice chaff, are a byproduct of the rice milling process. They are the protective outer layer of rice grains and are often discarded as waste. However, rice hulls have gained recognition for their various uses, particularly in agriculture and gardening.
Characteristics of Rice Hulls
Rice hulls are lightweight, rigid, and have a unique composition that makes them valuable in several applications:
Lightweight: Rice hulls are extremely lightweight, which makes them easy to handle and transport. They have a low bulk density, contributing to their utility in various industries.
High Silica Content: Rice hulls contain a significant amount of silica (approximately 15-20%), making them an excellent source of this essential plant nutrient. Silica contributes to the strength and structure of plants.
Low Water Absorption: Rice hulls have low water absorption properties, meaning they do not readily retain moisture. This characteristic is advantageous in some agricultural applications.
Biodegradable: Rice hulls are completely biodegradable, making them an environmentally friendly option for various purposes.
Benefits of Rice Hulls in Agriculture
Rice hulls offer several benefits in agricultural practices, including:
Soil Amendment: Rice hulls can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and aeration. They help break up compacted soils and enhance water drainage, particularly in clayey soils.
Moisture Retention: While rice hulls do not retain moisture themselves, they can be mixed with other organic materials to create a moisture-retentive mulch or soil mix. This can be particularly helpful in preventing soil erosion and reducing water consumption.
Weed Control: A layer of rice hulls can act as a natural weed barrier when applied as mulch. This reduces the need for synthetic weed control methods and minimizes competition for nutrients and moisture among crops.
Slow-release Silica: The high silica content in rice hulls provides a slow-release source of this essential nutrient to plants. Silica enhances plant cell strength, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.
Applications in Horticulture
Rice hulls find applications in horticulture as well:
Potting Mix: Rice hulls can be incorporated into potting mixes to improve drainage and aeration. This is particularly beneficial for plants that prefer well-draining soils, such as succulents and cacti.
Orchid Cultivation: Rice hulls are commonly used as a growing medium for orchids due to their ability to retain moisture while allowing for adequate aeration. This creates a suitable environment for orchid root development.
Other Uses of Rice Hulls
Apart from agriculture and horticulture, rice hulls have additional applications:
Animal Bedding: Rice hulls are used as bedding material for various livestock, such as poultry and horses. They provide a comfortable and sanitary bedding surface while also being easy to clean and dispose of.
Industrial Uses: Rice hulls can be utilized in industrial processes, such as in the production of insulation materials, abrasive products, and even as a component in making building materials like bricks and concrete.
Rice hulls, often considered a waste product, have proven to be a valuable resource in various fields. Their lightweight nature, high silica content, and biodegradability make them versatile for agricultural, horticultural, and industrial applications. Whether improving soil quality, conserving moisture, or serving as a natural weed control method, rice hulls offer numerous benefits to both gardeners and farmers. Additionally, their use as animal bedding and in industrial processes demonstrates their potential to contribute to sustainability and resource efficiency across industries.
For more information, see our companion guide on how to use rice hulls.
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Description
Description
This uniquely processed rice hull amendment is a readily renewable resource requiring no mining or land disruption to produce. As so many growers have learned, it is a perfect replacement for perlite in the growing media - providing a less dusty mixing environment, lower basic cost and decomposition over time, while remaining stable during the typical plant production cycle.
- OMRI listed and WSDA registered for organic production.
- Extremely lightweight and highly compressed when packaged, it generates less waste and reduces storage requirements, handling and freight.
- De-compressed, it is 7.5 cu. ft. Its physical size, shape and bulking properties produce optimum air-filled pore space, water-holding capacity and drainage, while its natural color blends with other media components.
- Uniquely processed to ensure purity, sized, cleaned and subjected to a series of heat treatments that collectively sterilize the rice hulls and render any residual rice kernels, weed seeds or disease pathogens non-viable.
- Greenhouse-proven, offers environmental, horticultural and economical advantages. Growers who rely on it gain sustainability, reduce input costs and sacrifice nothing in terms of plant quality.
Introduction to Rice Hulls
Rice hulls, also known as rice husks or rice chaff, are a byproduct of the rice milling process. They are the protective outer layer of rice grains and are often discarded as waste. However, rice hulls have gained recognition for their various uses, particularly in agriculture and gardening.
Characteristics of Rice Hulls
Rice hulls are lightweight, rigid, and have a unique composition that makes them valuable in several applications:
Lightweight: Rice hulls are extremely lightweight, which makes them easy to handle and transport. They have a low bulk density, contributing to their utility in various industries.
High Silica Content: Rice hulls contain a significant amount of silica (approximately 15-20%), making them an excellent source of this essential plant nutrient. Silica contributes to the strength and structure of plants.
Low Water Absorption: Rice hulls have low water absorption properties, meaning they do not readily retain moisture. This characteristic is advantageous in some agricultural applications.
Biodegradable: Rice hulls are completely biodegradable, making them an environmentally friendly option for various purposes.
Benefits of Rice Hulls in Agriculture
Rice hulls offer several benefits in agricultural practices, including:
Soil Amendment: Rice hulls can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and aeration. They help break up compacted soils and enhance water drainage, particularly in clayey soils.
Moisture Retention: While rice hulls do not retain moisture themselves, they can be mixed with other organic materials to create a moisture-retentive mulch or soil mix. This can be particularly helpful in preventing soil erosion and reducing water consumption.
Weed Control: A layer of rice hulls can act as a natural weed barrier when applied as mulch. This reduces the need for synthetic weed control methods and minimizes competition for nutrients and moisture among crops.
Slow-release Silica: The high silica content in rice hulls provides a slow-release source of this essential nutrient to plants. Silica enhances plant cell strength, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.
Applications in Horticulture
Rice hulls find applications in horticulture as well:
Potting Mix: Rice hulls can be incorporated into potting mixes to improve drainage and aeration. This is particularly beneficial for plants that prefer well-draining soils, such as succulents and cacti.
Orchid Cultivation: Rice hulls are commonly used as a growing medium for orchids due to their ability to retain moisture while allowing for adequate aeration. This creates a suitable environment for orchid root development.
Other Uses of Rice Hulls
Apart from agriculture and horticulture, rice hulls have additional applications:
Animal Bedding: Rice hulls are used as bedding material for various livestock, such as poultry and horses. They provide a comfortable and sanitary bedding surface while also being easy to clean and dispose of.
Industrial Uses: Rice hulls can be utilized in industrial processes, such as in the production of insulation materials, abrasive products, and even as a component in making building materials like bricks and concrete.
Rice hulls, often considered a waste product, have proven to be a valuable resource in various fields. Their lightweight nature, high silica content, and biodegradability make them versatile for agricultural, horticultural, and industrial applications. Whether improving soil quality, conserving moisture, or serving as a natural weed control method, rice hulls offer numerous benefits to both gardeners and farmers. Additionally, their use as animal bedding and in industrial processes demonstrates their potential to contribute to sustainability and resource efficiency across industries.
For more information, see our companion guide on how to use rice hulls.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Does not qualify for Flat Rate Shipping.
Due to the size of this product, a $5 handling fee will be added to shipping charges.
Shipping Weight: 55.0 lb
Dimensions: 30.0"L x 20.0"W x 11.0"H
Features
Features
- Biodegradable
- Improves Water Holding Capacity