ABSTRACT
Along with their particle-size distribution and degree of decomposition, the specific properties
of growing media and peat substrates require the development of characterization methods
specific to their use and behavior. The low wettability of dry peats is a fundamental characteristic
that needs to be characterized when assessing peat properties for horticultural use. Other
physical properties of peat soils are measured in a similar way to that of mineral soils, but
methods developed for mineral soils have been modified to facilitate the standardization of peat
materials. This is also the case for growing media, but with even more specificity. Methods have
been developed for characterizing growing media because of the importance of disturbance on
the analytical results as well as the specific contexts linked to their use: pot configuration,
irrigation devices, and type of culture.
