Rice Hulls instead of Perlite

[Badfinger]

Anyone out there using rice hulls in place of perlite? Was interested in maybe going that path. Could use some feedback on the subject.

 

[BII]

It's hard to beat perlite (or similar expanded clay/Hydroton products) if you want aeration.

Not familiar with rice hulls. Are they 'inert,' like coco; or are they 'organic,' break down in media/soil?

 

[Badfinger]

It's hard to beat perlite (or similar expanded clay/Hydroton products) if you want aeration.

Not familiar with rice hulls. Are they 'inert,' like coco; or are they 'organic,' break down in media/soil?

They are organic. Which makes me curious how long they last doing the job of perlite. There is a lot of reading about using rice hulls in place of perlite on the net.

 

[Shugrows]

I used them for a bit. Didnt notice a difference of any sort. They add silica but from what I noticed autos finish faster then most of them have time to breakdown to the point of not seeing them anymore. I still seen them after the plants where done. So not sure how much benefit I got from them. I think they are better used in a soil you reuse. I dont.

 

[BII]

If not inert, I wouldn't put any or much rice hulls in coco. But it's likely good in soil.

 

[Badfinger]

I used them for a bit. Didnt notice a difference of any sort. They add silica but from what I noticed autos finish faster then most of them have time to breakdown to the point of not seeing them anymore. I still seen them after the plants where done. So not sure how much benefit I got from them. I think they are better used in a soil you reuse. I dont.

I grow in soil. I do not reuse my soil. Therefore I am pitching my soil around the outside of my house. I got perlite coming out my ears and its getting crazy since the stuff never breaks down. I need an alternative, and rice hulls sound like my answer.

 

[Badfinger]

If not inert, I wouldn't put any or much rice hulls in coco. But it's likely good in soil.

I'm a soil grower.

 

[BII]

Expanded clay, whether small balls (such as Hydration) or more random-shaped pebbles could be an alternative. It's nearly as good as perlite for aeration and less objectionable in the garden/yard - won't so visibly stand out, will blend in with the soil; won't be blown by the wind all over the place; and more won't keep surfacing, such as heavy rain making more float to the surface.

 

[Shugrows]

I grow in soil. I do not reuse my soil. Therefore I am pitching my soil around the outside of my house. I got perlite coming out my ears and its getting crazy since the stuff never breaks down. I need an alternative, and rice hulls sound like my answer.

Sounds like a good plan to me. And it will break down and help the soil around your place.

 

[BII]

FYI. from the BuildASoil.com site.
"How To Use [parboiled rice hulls]: We recommend using around 30% aeration. If going for long term no-till we suggest using half Rice Hulls and Half Pumice or Lava Rock."