Soilless Substrate

What Does Soilless Substrate Mean?

In hydroponics, the soilless substrate refers to a soilless grow media used to properly anchor and secure the plants’ roots. These substrates can help the plan retain plenty of moisture, as well as ensure proper aeration. As soilless substrates are inert, additional nutrients should be added to the plants to guarantee proper growth and development.

Maximum Yield Explains Soilless Substrate

Some of the best plants that thrive with soilless substrate include strawberries, spinach, lettuce, bell peppers, and most herbs. Soilless cultivators use vermiculite and perlite, both of which are extremely affordable and well-suited to cuttings as well as seedlings. Clay pellets can also be used in hydroponic gardens that are regularly being watered. An eco-friendlier option is coir, sourced from coconut husks. These are mainly available as bricks or blocks.

For smaller-scale gardens, alternative options such as sand, sawdust, and peat moss can be used. When working with soilless substrate, it is important to use hydroponic solutions to protect the plants from various conditions, while encouraging proper development. This is because soilless substrates do not have the same cation-exchange capacity and pH as regular soil.