However these do not constitute major commercial sources of organic amendments. Sand Sand, a basic component of soil, ranges in particle size from 0.05mm to 2.0mm in diameter. Medium and coarse sand particles are those which provide optimum adjustments in media texture. Although sand is generally the least expensive of all inorganic amendments it is also the heaviest. This may result in prohibitive transportation costs.
Sand is a valuable amendment for both potting and propagation media.
Perlite Perlite is a silicous mineral of volcanic origin. The grades used in container media are first crushed and then heated until the vaporization of combined water expands it to a light powdery substance. Lightness and uniformity make perlite very useful for increasing aeration and drainage. Perlite is very dusty when dry and has a tendency to float to the top of a container during irrigation. It has also been shown that perlite contains potentially toxic levels of fluorine.