Maximum Yield USA February/March 2023 | Page 10

bare ROOTS
Featured Contributors
VOLUME 25 – NUMBER 1 February / March 2023
RH
+
Rich Hamilton has been in the hydroponics industry for more than 20 years , working originally as a general manager in a hydroponics retail outlet before becoming an account manager at Century Growsystems . He enjoys working on a daily basis with shop owners , manufacturers , distributors , and endusers to develop premium products .
Contributors
Alex Fraser
Kent Gruetzmacher
Matt LeBannister
Karen Lloyd
Phil McIntosh
LM
Lynette Morgan holds a B . Hort . Tech . degree and a PhD in hydroponic greenhouse production from Massey University , New Zealand . Lynette is a partner with Suntec International Hydroponic Consultants and has authored several hydroponic technical books . Visit suntec . co . nz for more information .
ADVERTISING SALES sales @ maximumyield . com
EDITORIAL editor @ maximumyield . com
DESIGN & PRODUCTION production @ maximumyield . com
ACCOUNTING accounting @ maximumyield . com
Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly by Maximum Yield Inc . No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher . If undeliverable please return to the address below . The views expressed by columnists are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the editor .
Publication Agreement Number 40739092
Printed in Canada
PO Box 238 , Stn . A , Nanaimo , BC V9R 5K9
Phone : 250.729.2677
Maximum Yield is distributed direct to retailers via FedEx ® with distribution support from our partners at DL Wholesale . www . dlwholesale . com
A
HYDROPONIC SUBSTRATES
Hydroponic substrates , often referred to as hydroponic media , are a specific group of materials utilized in hydroponic systems to anchor a plant ’ s roots , provide water retention and drainage , and facilitate nutrient exchange . Ideal hydroponic substrates can help control moisture levels , improve root health and function , and limit pathogens . Hydroponic substrates are essentially inert , and require a nutrient solution to provide minerals and other essential elements for growth .
An ideal substrate will provide improved environmental control , particularly in the root zone . Key physical properties of good substrates include high porosity , high surface area , water retention , and drainage . Important chemical aspects of a good substrate include pH buffering / control , nutrient retention , cation exchange capacity , and chemical stability .
There are four primary types of substrates generally used in hydroponics ( although there are multiple options beyond these four ): stonewool , coco coir , clay pellets , and perlite / vermiculite .
Other available options on the market include peat moss , sawdust , sand , oasis cubes , lava rock , composted bark , sawdust , pumice , foam chips , polyurethane grow slabs , and rice hulls .
Check out Lynette Morgan ’ s article on page 22 for more information .
10 Maximum Yield