Developments in inorganic materials, synthetic organic materials and peat in soilless culture systems

Publication date: 08/02/2021
Extent: 28 pages

Contributions by: Jeb S. Fields, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, USA; and Nazim S. Gruda, University of Bonn, Germany

Chapter synopsis: Soilless substrates utilised in traditional hydroponics are often inorganic or synthetic materials, as opposed to organic substrate components utilised in other forms of soilless culture. As growers seek more precision production applications, more operations are shifting to soilless culture production for increased resource control. The standard substrate components utilised in soilless production have been well researched and engineered to fit into specific operations. Understanding the relationship between the substrate, water, and fertiliser in a container and knowing the movement within will allow for continued beneficial improvements in soilless culture and container horticulture industry. However, as we progress agricultural practices, new substrate materials optimised substrate materials must be developed. Here we present the traditional inorganic, synthetic organic materials and peat and how these components are developed, engineered, and processed.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0076.02