Many different gradations of perlite have been used for turf management. Finer grades (see our page on perlite gradations www.schundler.com/size.htm have been used when the existing soil mix requires finer grades and when more water retention is desired. Medium grades are used when more drainage is wanted or required.

If possible, particles should be processed to give maximum, physical strength. Softer grades or particularly light, well processed perlite particles will break down, absorbing excess water and contributing to more soil compaction.

Who Uses Perlite?

Perlite has been widely tested by leading turf authorities, and successfully used by progressive Golf Course Superintendents, Turf & Sod Farms and general landscape systems.

Why Use Perlite?

Soils, on which turf is grown, are subject to foot traffic and maintenance problems. Proper use of perlite will reduce the problems of turf management.

The Advantages of using Schundler Perlite in turf building and maintenance are:

1. Keeps soil loose and friable.
2. Permits greater root penetration.
3. Improves drainage.
4. Reduces compaction.
5. Essentially neutral
6. Sterile, weed and disease free.
7. Inert, odorless and non-toxic.
8. Resists extreme soil temperature fluctuations.
9. Increases water retention.
10. Has no nutrient value reducing worries about uneven distribution.
11. Lightweight---quicker and easier to apply.
12. Cuts labor costs.

In many, many tests over the years, it has been found that the roots of the grass grown in perlite were longer, whiter and had many more fibrous roots.

SUGGESTED APPLICATION RATES OF SCHUNDLER TURF PERLITE:

1. Greens, Tees and Athletic Field construction.
   • Mix soil with perlite in a 60-40 ratio by volume
   • If the top soil is already in place, use a cover of 1 inch rototilled 5 to 8 inches deep.
     (More or less perlite can be added depending on the soil type, or consistency desired.)

2. Top Dressing---Aerification Program.

   Green Size	5,000 sq.ft.		7,000 sq.ft.
   Depth	cubic yards	cubic feet of perlite	cubic yards	cubic feet of perlite
   1/4 inch	3.9	16	5.4	24
   1/2 inch	7.6	32	10.8	44

   Materials can be mixed before hand and carted to the green when needed or, at the time of application, the Superintendent can first put down a layer of perlite, then cover it with a layer of soil. Matting the materials into aerifying holes will cause soil to mix fairly uniformly with the perlite.

BUILDING WITH PERLITE WILL DEFINITELY INCREASE AERATION---a significant PROBLEM IN PUTTING GREENS. IT ALSO HELPS RETAIN AND CONSERVE WATER. AND FINALLY, ONCE IT IS IN THE GROUND, IT IS A PERMANENT APPLICATION AND WILL NOT DETERIORATE.

For more information about these uses of perlite in both turf and landscaping applications, please contact:

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