A substrate has four functions: it provides support for roots, it serves as a water reservoir, it serves as exchange sites for nutrients and it promotes the gaseous exchange between the rhizosphere around the roots and the atmosphere.
There are many factors that influence the air porosity of a substrate, such as how the substrate is handled and the depth of the container. But other factors, such as the time of year and temperature of the substrate solution influence the amount of air/oxygen plant roots need.
It is best to use a growing medium that offers the ideal air porosity for your watering technique as well as the requirements of the crop.
When using a bale breaker to fluff compressed substrate, it is necessary to minimize the time of mixing, add enough water to have the ideal water content for transplant or sowing and use the machine with slow turning ribbons or paddles.
The excessive fluffing or mixing destroys peat fibers and aggregates creating fine particles, which reduces air porosity and drainage and the medium dries out slowly.
Read more at PRO-MIX (Jose Chen Lopez)
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Other news in this sector:
- 2023-06-08 "Gardening world realizes the importance of treading lightly on Mother Earth's soil"
- 2023-06-07 Stephan Schmidt Group takes over customer base of clay segment from Griendstveen
- 2023-06-01 "New substrate fiber fits into the future of cultivation"
- 2023-05-16 The HTA calls on the Scottish Government to deliver a sustainable, supported, and realistic transition to peat-free
- 2023-05-15 Buffered coco coir achieves OMRI listing
- 2023-05-03 “Substrate enriched with organic compost offers powerful nutritional benefits to growers”
- 2023-04-24 Constant supply of wood fibers, another step on the road to peat-free substrates
- 2023-04-07 “The horticultural sector is heading towards peat-free potting soil”
- 2023-04-06 Klasmann-Deilmann and Maan Biobased Products showcase new substrate
- 2023-04-03 UK: Tesco to go peat-free on all UK bedding plants
- 2023-03-27 Second Hort Science Online (HSO 2) 2023 goes live
- 2023-03-24 UK: NFU call for exemptions as Defra announce peat ban
- 2023-03-23 UK: New microbial inoculant delivers tangible benefits in sustainable growing media mixes
- 2023-03-23 "Growing media with Bacillus Pumilus suppresses the growth of root disease pathogens"
- 2023-03-22 Canadian branch for Manisha Exports
- 2023-03-21 New PGR guide for annuals now available
- 2023-03-21 "It's essential to give growers peace of mind at every step of the process"
- 2023-03-15 Pelemix acquires Even-Ari Green
- 2023-03-14 Can stone wool be recycled? Yes!
- 2023-03-13 CJ Orchids switches to bio-based plugs from Organic Shapes
