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When lifespan is prolonged by ageing!
Earlier issues of FCI have indicated the growing interest among growers on all continents to adapt their production to soil-less systems. Growing media products originating from coir are currently recognised to be in strong demand since supplies of sphagnum peat in Europe have been hampered by last yearís wet summer. Growers using coir should be aware of some ìinvisibleî factors that determine the quality of this particular media.
[ download ] [ 01-01-2009 ]
Substrate analysis ñ best choice for coir
In the protected cultivation of ornamental crops, the use of artifi cial substrates continues to grow worldwide1. Each growing media has its own specific characteristics. Production protocols therefore vary according to the substrate used. Among the preferred materials are rockwool and coir ñ two substrates that illustrate perfectly the need for a different management approach, especially when making an analysis for fertilizer recommendations.
[ download ] [ 01-01-2009 ]
Quality has no borders under RHP
Potting soils and substrates are not beautiful like fl owers and plants but their quality is refl ected in the uniformity and quality of crops. Consistency in economic returns across all the square metres in a greenhouse requires good crop management and the right choice of growing media.
[ download ] [ 01-01-2009 ]
Growing media: developments and grower choice
In conversation with three growing media supply companies at the IPM Essen, it is apparent that the demand for potting soil and substrates for ornamentals is increasing but, growers should be persuaded to seek expert advice.
[ download ] [ 01-01-2009 ]
UK says 'no' to peat- what's the alternative?
An initiative started in 2003 in the Netherlands to study the feasibility of growing pot plants in substrates containing less, or no peat at all. The chain-wide project 'New Growing Media' returned some surprising results: some pot plants even grew better in less peat substrates; coir turned out to be the most favourite replacement.
[ download ] [ 01-01-2009 ]
Coir pith: life story of a substrate
Coir pith as an organic substrate was introduced in the eighties. Rose growers were the first to use it professionally. It started with small tests in greenhouses and at research stations with promising results. Within a few years it was accepted widely as a suitable substrate. The quick strike of roots and the fast development have not gone unnoticed. Besides, the specific properties like water containing capacity, pH buffer and stable physical structure were reasons for a successful introduction.
[ download ] [ 01-01-2009 ]
