industry guide

Substrates & Fertilizers

Navigating the World of Floriculture Substrates:
Exploring the Cornerstone of Plant Growth

Understanding the intricacies of substrates is critical in the floriculture industry. Substrates are more than just a medium for plant growth, they are pivotal in influencing plant health, yield quality, and the overall sustainability of your cultivation practices. This section offers an in-depth look at the diverse aspects of substrates, from their composition to their environmental impact. Our aim is to arm floriculture professionals with essential knowledge to make more informed decisions about substrate use, balancing plant health needs with ecological responsibility.

The selection of the right substrate is key to optimizing water and nutrient use, influencing plant growth rates, and reducing the carbon footprint of floricultural practices. In a time when consumer preferences lean increasingly towards environmentally responsible products, understanding the array of available substrates is essential. We present the latest breakthroughs and studies in substrate technology, offering perspectives on how various materials can support plant health while meeting sustainability objectives. From traditional blends to cutting-edge, environmentally friendly alternatives, we explore the wide array of substrate options that are revolutionizing the industry.

Empowering you with comprehensive knowledge and practical insights, we aim to guide your substrate choices to meet the specific needs of your floriculture operations. Understanding substrates’ complex nature is fundamental for successful plant cultivation and for moving towards more sustainable horticultural practices. Discover how choosing the right substrate can not only enhance your floricultural endeavors but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Substrate Sustainability Guide

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Featured Resources

Greenhouse Management’s 2023 “Growing Media Report”

International Peatland Society

NC State University’s Wood Substrates Lab

Related Resources

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By T. Losenge – Jomo Kenyatta University A & T, Nairobi, Kenya, J.E. Faust, S.N. Jeffers – Clemson University, and J. Dole – North Carolina State University (2011)

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By Robert Wright, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Brian Jackson, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech (2009)

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By Robert Wright, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Brian Jackson, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech (2009)

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By Robert Wright, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Brian Jackson, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech (2009)

Use of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Horticultural Production – Report #501

By R.T. Koide, Professor, Pennsylvania State University, Y.L. Besmer, Graduate Student, Pennsylvania State (2000)

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By Barrett, G. E., Alexander, P. D., Robinson, J. S., & Bragg, N. C. In Scientia Horticulturae (Vol. 212, pp. 220–234). Elsevier B.V. (2016)

Peat deposits store more carbon than trees in forested peatlands of the boreal biome.

By Beaulne, J., Garneau, M., Magnan, G., & Boucher, É. Scientific Reports, 11(1). (2021)

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By Fields, J. S., Owen, J. S., Lamm, A., Altland, J., Jackson, B., Oki, L., Samtani, J. B., Zheng, Y., & Criscione, K. S. Agriculture, 13(9), 1727. (2023)

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By Jackson, Brian. Greenhouse Management, Growing Media Report (2019)

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By Muller, A., Ferré, M., Engel, S., Gattinger, A., Holzkämper, A., Huber, R., Müller, M., & Six, J. Land Use Policy, 69, 102–105. (2017)

Increasing sustainability of growing media constituents and stand-alone substrates in soilless culture systems.

By . Sabatino, L. In Agronomy (Vol. 10, Issue 9). MDPI AG. (2020)

Peatlands

By UK Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (undated)