Having known the different types of hydroponic techniques, the next obvious decision before setting up a hydroponic system is which growing medium to use. Hydroponic medium is inert and can’t grow anything on its own and its major function is providing support and anchorage for the plants.
There are different media and their applicability differs from one growing technique to another.
Expanded clay aggregate: These are baked clay pellets which are inert and a neutral Ph. The clay pellets are fired in 1,200 of which causes expansion making them porous hence suitable for hydroponic systems.
Rockwool: Is composed of granite and limestone which is melted and spun into small thread-like cotton candy. It can be formed into cubes, slabs, sheets, or flocking. Rockwool is an inert, porous non-degradable medium that easily absorbs water. The ph should be balanced, by soaking in ph balanced water, before us.
Coco-fiber/chips: Although the coconut fibers are organic, they are one of the best-growing media since thy breakdown and decompose without providing any nutrients to the plants growing. Apart from being inert, coco coir has a neutral ph and holds moisture well at the same time allowing proper aeration for the roots. The difference between coco coir(fiber) and coco chips is the size of the article where coco fibers have small sized particles compared to coco chips. The larger the particle size, the better the root aeration. For more information visit website #Hydroponics Tools.
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