As we all know that Hydroponics is also known as aquaculture, nutriculture, Soil-less Culture etc. It is the type of farming in which we use nutrient rich water to provide nutrients to the plants.
To give the ample amount of nutrient needed by the plants we use different substrates like Cocopeat, cocochoir , clay pebbles , oasis foam etc.
Here are some of the substrates that we majorly use in Hydroponics
- Cocopeat
Cocopeat is a byproduct of Coconut and is used in Hydroponics.
Coco Peat is the non-fibrous, spongy, light weight, corky material that holds together the coir fiber in coconut husk.
It is used as potting soil in greenhouses as it can retain moisture and maintains ideal condition for seed germination.
It is an eco-friendly and sustainable growing medium.
It is porous in nature due to which plant roots are able to grow properly.
Coco-peat is used for raising wide range of crops like Rose, Gerbera, Carnation, Lilies, Tomato and Cucumber etc
2.Cococoir
Cococoir is also a byproduct of coconut; both cocochoir and cocopeat being byproduct of coconut have different properties.
Cococoir is made up of coconut fiber; it has better aeration and drainage property from cocopeat.
It has lower Cation Exchange Capacity.
It has coarse and fibrous texture.
The pH level of cococoir is slightly acidic and that’s why it is first washed and then used in the hydroponic farm.
3.Clay Pebbles
Clay pebbles are also called as Hydroton. Hydroton are expanded clay products that are mainly used in hydroponics.
This material is filled with small pores that holds the perfect amount of water and drains the excess water which prevents the roots from rotting.
It also provides ample amount of oxygen that helps the roots to breathe, Clay pebbles are pH neutral product .
Clay pebbles are light weight and are porous that helps in holding the air in those pebbles. They are eco-friendly in nature and can be used again after cleaning.
4.Rockwool
Rockwool is one of the most popular growing media used in hydroponics. Rockwool also called as Stonewool and is made up of basalt rock.
Rockwool is highly flame resistant and can be used as an efficient growth media.
It is more beneficial because it can be recycled upto 16-78%. Rockwool allows moisture to escape and prevents the growth of mold. Rockwool insulation is inorganic, so it makes a poor medium for mold and mildew to grow as there is nothing for them to use for energy.
5.Net Pots
Net pots as the name signifies have holes on the pots which are used in hydroponics the holes in the pots helps the root to grow and also help in taking the sufficient amount of nutrients needed.
Most net pots are reusable, designed with a plastic mesh body that promotes superior circulation of water, nutrients, and oxygen.
There are different sizes of net pots that can be used and every crop have their own kind of net pots as if the suitable one is not used it can hamper the growth When searching for the best net pot for your system consider the lip size before purchase. Some net pots will have a well-defined lip, while others don’t have much of a lip at all.
