LECA stands for Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate. It refers to a specific type of lightweight construction material that is commonly used in gardening, horticulture, and landscaping applications.
LECA is made from high-quality clay that is heated in a rotary kiln to temperatures of up to 1200 degrees Celsius, causing it to expand and form small, lightweight, and porous balls or pellets. This expansion process fills the clay balls with air, resulting in a lightweight material with excellent insulation and drainage properties.
The unique structure of LECA allows it to retain moisture while also providing adequate aeration to plant roots. It helps in improving soil structure, promoting healthy root growth, and preventing waterlogging. Additionally, the porous nature of LECA pellets helps in retaining nutrients, thus providing plants with a steady supply of essential minerals.
LECA is often used in hydroponics, aquaponics, and traditional potted plant cultivation. It is widely utilized as a growing medium in the form of LECA balls, which are placed in containers or garden beds to support plant roots. LECA can also be mixed with soil or other growing mediums to enhance their drainage and aeration properties.
Due to its lightweight nature, LECA is easy to handle and transport, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening projects. It is also highly durable, inert, and resistant to chemicals, pests, and diseases.
In summary, LECA is a lightweight expanded clay aggregate that is used as a growing medium in gardening, horticulture, and landscaping. It provides excellent drainage, aeration, and moisture retention properties, making it an ideal choice for plant cultivation.
