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Celcote
Celcote is a water managament additive which will control water supply and can reduce watering by between 25 and 50% with no reduction in plant quality.Celcote is a naturally ocurring cellulose based product modified to enable it to lock on to organic fibres. Celcote is activated with the first watering and migrates within the compost. It produces a water-loving (hydrophilic) film on the compost surface. This film promotes water absorption and retention without affecting air fill porosity (AFP) or total water holding capacity. The water is retained within the fibres themselves so the air spaces are still open to provide oxygen to the roots. Stomatal opening is reduced in plants growing in treated compost in dry conditions, which in turn reduces the amount of water lost from the product. It is ideally suited for improving nursery stock, herbaceous, hanging basket and tubs and seedling and cutting composts and in situations where control of the water supply is vital. Celcote degrades slowly in the compost and is effective for at least one year. |
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Application Rates |
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CompatabilityCelcote can be safely used in compost containing standard or controlled release fertilisers, fungicides and insecticides. |
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Water SavingsIn the initial 24 hours after watering, Celcote reduces the loss by 50% and continues to retain more water for days. The retained water is freely available to the plant. This effect produces an overall saving in water usage of about 25% for commercial hardy ornamental stock producers. |
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Reduced Watering FrequencySlower drying out of the compost means reduced frequency of watering which produces savings in labour costs. Water applied to Celcote treated compost rewets even after drying due to its hydophilic properties. The water is evenly spread throughout the compost, avoiding dry spots. |
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Trials Results |
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Water Loss |
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Peat composts treated with Celcote reduced the amount of water lost by evaporation, as can be seen in the graph on the left. |
Plant Growth |
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Plants showed evidence of improved root and top growth. |
Germination Rates |
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Early germination rates of Salvia were increased as watering is more even and the compost can be dried back slightly. After 21 days there was 95% germination, compared to 91% without Celcote. |
Material Safety Data Sheet Download |
