Menu Close

Does expanded shale absorb water?

Jim Brown

Does expanded shale absorb water?

Expanded shale is a by-product of the oil drilling process. The rock is fired in a kiln at high temperatures, which cause the shale to fracture. As the material cools, cavities are left after gases escape, leaving a porous lightweight chunk capable of absorbing water and releasing it slowly at a later time.

Is vermiculite the same as expanded shale?

Vermiculite is often recommended as a soil amendment since it holds and releases water. It can break up clay soil, but it will decompose. A better choice for clay soil is expanded shale.

How to apply expanded shale?

Steve George of the Texas Cooperative Extension recommends putting down 3 inches of expanded shale on top of the area, and tilling it in six to eight inches deep. Also add 3 inches of finished, plant-based compost as well, which results in a 6-inch raised bed. Crown the bed to further improve water drainage.

What is shale for planting?

PERMANENT SOIL AMENDMENT: Expanded Shale is a lightweight aggregate that is an ideal growing media for hydroponic or aquaponic systems. The shale is mined, crushed and fired under high temperatures in a rotary kiln, producing a clean, inert, porous, and light material.

Does expanded shale break down?

Expanded shale is formed when the shale is crushed and fired in a rotary kiln at 2,000 F. (1,093 C.). This process causes tiny air spaces in the shale to expand. Unlike organic amendments, expanded shale doesn’t break down so soil stays loose and friable for years.

What is expanded shale used for?

Expanded Shale is a long lasting soil amendment that is made from clay or shale heated in a rotary kiln until it becomes a light, porous ceramic aggregate. Expanded shale improves soil aeration and drainage; and remains inert in the soil creating long term value.

Is shale good for drainage?

Expanded shale has good insulating properties, increases soil porosity, absorbs 38% of its weight in water, conservatively last for years (decades) in the soil, does not change pH, it is environmentally friendly, essentially a renewable resource, improves drainage and aeration (retains 30% air space), non-toxic, odor …

When to use shale?

Expanded shale has been used under turf grass on golf courses and ball fields, in aquaponic and hydroponic systems, as a heat shielding ground cover and biofilter in water gardens and retention ponds.

What does expanded shale do to the soil?

Adding it to heavy clay soil lightens and aerates the soil. Expanded shale also holds 40% of its weight in water, allowing for better water retention around plants. Unlike organic amendments, expanded shale doesn’t break down so soil stays loose and friable for years.

Where can I find expanded shale in Texas?

A form of expanded shale is now available to gardeners that will be useful in loosening tight clay soils and making them more workable. ‘Blue Shale’ from the Midway Shale formation is present in a pattern across Texas through Corsicana to Texarkana and stopping near Laredo. It is usually found 10-15 feet underground.

What kind of rock is expanded shale made of?

It is a find-grained rock made up of mud comprised of flakes of clay and other minerals such as quartz and calcite. The resulting rock breaks readily into thin layers called fissility. Expanded shale is found in areas like Texas 10-15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) below the soil surface.

How is expanded shale used in aquaponic systems?

Expanded Shale is a lightweight aggregate that is an ideal growing media for hydroponic or aquaponic systems. The shale is mined, crushed and fired under high temperatures in a rotary kiln, producing a clean, inert, porous, and light material.

Does expanded shale absorb water?

Jim Brown

Does expanded shale absorb water?

Expanded shale is a by-product of the oil drilling process. The rock is fired in a kiln at high temperatures, which cause the shale to fracture. As the material cools, cavities are left after gases escape, leaving a porous lightweight chunk capable of absorbing water and releasing it slowly at a later time.

What’s expanded shale?

Expanded Shale is a long lasting soil amendment that is made from clay or shale heated in a rotary kiln until it becomes a light, porous ceramic aggregate. Expanded shale improves soil aeration and drainage; and remains inert in the soil creating long term value.

How do you use shale?

Shale has many commercial uses. It is a source material in the ceramics industry to make brick, tile, and pottery. Shale used to make pottery and building materials requires little processing besides crushing and mixing with water. Crushing shale and heating it with limestone makes cement for the construction industry.

What is shale for planting?

PERMANENT SOIL AMENDMENT: Expanded Shale is a lightweight aggregate that is an ideal growing media for hydroponic or aquaponic systems. The shale is mined, crushed and fired under high temperatures in a rotary kiln, producing a clean, inert, porous, and light material.

Is expanded shale good for succulents?

Plant in a fast-draining cactus & succulent potting soil. Or add perlite, lava sand and/or expanded shale to your regular potting soil to create better drainage. It is far more common for people to over-water than under water cactus and succulents, causing root rot. Succulents get hungry, too.

What is expanded shale used for?

Expanded shale is used by orchid and bonsai enthusiasts to create lightweight, aerating, water retentive potting soils. It can be used with other containerized plants as well.

What are the disadvantages of using oil shale?

Another environmental disadvantage to extracting shale oil is the enormous amounts of freshwater required. Water is necessary for drilling, mining, refining, and generating power. Some experts estimate that three litres (. 8 gallon) of water are required to produce just one litre (.

Is shale good to build on?

Rock. Solid rock, such as crystalline bedrock, bears the most weight of any type of soil, making it one building option. However, some types of sedimentary rock, such as shale, are not always a safe option on which to build. In time, sedimentary rock can break apart, causing the ground to shift beneath your structure.

What can you do with expanded shale soil?

It can be used with other containerized plants as well. Put a third of the shale in the bottom of the pot and then mix the shale with potting soil 50-50 for the rest of the container. To lighten heavy clay soil, lay a 3-inch (7.5 cm.) layer of expanded shale on top of the soil area to be worked; till it in 6-8 inches (15-20 cm.) deep.

How big of a pot do you need for expanded shale?

Put a third of the shale in the bottom of the pot and then mix the shale with potting soil 50-50 for the rest of the container. To lighten heavy clay soil, lay a 3-inch (7.5 cm.) layer of expanded shale on top of the soil area to be worked; till it in 6-8 inches (15-20 cm.) deep.

How much does a cubic foot of expanded shale concrete weigh?

When properly used, they produce dry concretes weighting form 90 to 100 pounds per cubic foot, as compared with 140 to 150 pounds per cubic foot for concretes made with most natural aggregates. These expanded materials make it possible to reduce weight without sacrificing strength.

Where can I find expanded shale in Texas?

A form of expanded shale is now available to gardeners that will be useful in loosening tight clay soils and making them more workable. ‘Blue Shale’ from the Midway Shale formation is present in a pattern across Texas through Corsicana to Texarkana and stopping near Laredo. It is usually found 10-15 feet underground.