Cultivating plants without soil using peat hydroponics is a good idea. This method continues to gain popularity in commercial horticulture. There are many products resulting from it.
Within the last five years, simplified plant support, easier-to-mix nutrients, and sophisticated lighting have all hit the market. However, the most excellent developments in terms of hydroponics are the popularization of growing media and refinement.
There are negatives and positives from each alternative. There will be many variables that determine the choice between aggregates such as the type and size of the plants, and others.
Peat Hydroponics Using Coconut Fiber
Coconut fiber also known as coir is now gaining popularity as a growing medium. This choice is totally organic and performs the best in the hydroponics method.
This material is actually coconut coir powder and is a waste in the industry. You can choose it in various grades. The lowest hold a very high salt content and need to be washed before use.
The main benefit of using this peat hydroponics is its ability to retain water and oxygen. Compared to rockwool, it is able to maintain a greater oxygen but its water-holding ability is lower.
Some research also suggests that it might also have insect-repellant abilities. Moreover, high coir also provides the benefits of having extremely low or even not containing any level of nutrients. Therefore, it will not change the composition of the nutrient solution.
Using Sawdust
As a hydroponics medium, this material has limited success possibilities. However, it is used in Australia primarily with tomatoes. Some variables determine how good it works, most notably its purity and the type of wood used.
Growers must take care to make sure that there is no contamination of pathogens and soil in the sawdust from unwanted tree species or wood-processing facilities. There is also another problem you need to know from this peat hydroponics option.
It is decomposition. Also, it retains a lot of moisture, you have to be careful not to overwater. However, you will find the best thing which is usually it is free.
Another Option, Rice Hulls
This option is not really famous and underutilized in some countries in the world. However, it is effective like perlite for the production of various crops. This is a by-product of rice production and is cheap if you buy it in rice production areas.
This peat hydroponics has a low nutrient level, slow decomposition rate, and low to moderate water-holding capacity. However, this free-draining substrate is not pre-sterilized. Cultivators should be careful when using hulls that are uncovered.
This material tends to accumulate salts and rot after one or two harvests. It needs to be replaced frequently. There are still many growing mediums such as vermiculite, oasis cubes, pea gravel, composted bark, and many more.
Even there might be hundreds of various types. Before choosing the one that you want, always understand the type so that you can maintain it properly.
You can find that material from many suppliers and exporters. Using peat hydroponics can be one of the options that are useful and give many benefits to your plants.
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