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 ID: 633462
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Slide1
Soilless Media
Plant and Soil Science
Standard 4 Objective 2Slide2
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?Slide3
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 Slide4
Advantages of Soilless Mixes
sterile
lightweight
good moisture retention and drainage
free of weed seedsSlide5
Disadvantages of Soilless Mixes
minor
elements are missing
light
weight - pots tip in strong
wind
transplants may not adjust well to new mediaSlide6
Content of mixes
Soilless mixes contain various combinations of the following materials.Slide7
Perlite
improves aeration
of volcanic originSlide8
Spahgnum Moss
Dehydrated remains of acid bog plants
Used to cover seeds because it is lightweight, controls disease, and holds moisture.Slide9
Peat Moss
Partially decomposed underwater vegetation.
Holds moisture well
Low in nutrientsSlide10
Vermiculite
Exploded Mica
Improves aeration
Holds moisture very wellSlide11
Limestone
Raises pHSlide12
Hydroponics
Technique of growing plants in non-soil medium using feeding mixture of essential plant nutrients dissolved in H
2
O
Three main types
static solution culture
medium culture
aeroponics