Effects of Container Geometry and Media Physical Properties on Air and Water Volumes in Containers

Abstract

Data derived from soil moisture retention curves of two media were combined with geometric descriptions of four containers to produce calculated values of air and water volumes for each medium-container combination. The volume air space ranged from 28% in a #1 container to 12% in a bedding plant cell (BPC). Water volume after drainage increased from 43% (#1) to 59% (BPC). The same trend occurred in these containers with the peatlite mix. These calculations were also used to mathematically model four simulated containers and to calculate the air and water contents in the resultant container-medium combinations.