To save time and labor, many growers often pre- fill and stack propagation trays, containers, and hang- ing baskets. However, if you prefill your containers, re- member to avoid stacking or “nesting” them on top of each other on pallets or carts (Figures 1, 2, and 3) or intentionally compact the substrate with your hangs.
Why is this important?
When containers are filled with substrate and stacked, substrate compaction can occur from the weight of the containers nesting within each other. The compaction of the substrate alters the pack- ing density and physical Research at the University of Florida indicates that as compaction increases, there is a higher “dry bulk density” of substrate (more solid) in the container.