What roles does perlite serve in root substrate? What will be ...

[geoffrey]

What roles does perlite serve in root substrate?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why is it important for manure compost to be mature (fully composted) whn used in a root substrate?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[chereeb]

Answer to Question 1

It provides for aeration and support with a minimum of weight.

Answer to Question 2

The mature state will assure the following. 1)Elimination of weed seeds
and pathogenic microorganisms. 2) It allows for complete conversion of
ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen so rapid acidification from nitrification of
ammonium will not occur during crop production. 3) It reduces further
decomposition of the compost that would reduce volume of the substrate and loss
of aeration during crop production. 4) It prevents release of toxic amounts of
ammoniacal nitrogen from rapid decomposition of the compost.

[geoffrey]

Thanks

[chereeb]

Welcome