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Soilless Media. Plant and Soil Science Standard 4 Objective 2. Soilless Media. When raising plants there are many different options for a growing media Most of the time think all plants grow in soil This is not the case
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Soilless Media Plant and Soil Science Standard 4 Objective 2
Soilless Media • When raising plants there are many different options for a growing media • Most of the time think all plants grow in soil • This is not the case • Does anyone know the kind of growing media we commonly use in our greenhouse? • Is is soil? or a Soilless media?
Composition of Potting Mixes • Soil (loamy, good structure, pesticide-free) • Coarse aggregates for drainage (sand, perlite, vermiculite, shredded plastics) • Organic amendments to hold water (sphagnum peat moss, tree bark, sawdust, rice hulls, shredded coconut hulls, wood chip/sludge compost) • Most contain no soil
Advantages of Soilless Mixes • sterile • lightweight • good moisture retention and drainage • free of weed seeds
Disadvantages of Soilless Mixes • minor elements are missing • light weight - pots tip in strong wind • transplants may not adjust well to new media
Content of mixes • Soilless mixes contain various combinations of the following materials.
Perlite • improves aeration • of volcanic origin
Spahgnum Moss • Dehydrated remains of acid bog plants • Used to cover seeds because it is lightweight, controls disease, and holds moisture.
Peat Moss • Partially decomposed underwater vegetation. • Holds moisture well • Low in nutrients
Vermiculite • Exploded Mica • Improves aeration • Holds moisture very well
Limestone • Raises pH
Hydroponics • Technique of growing plants in non-soil medium using feeding mixture of essential plant nutrients dissolved in H2O • Three main types • static solution culture • medium culture • aeroponics