Physical and chemical characteristics and analysis of plant substrate

Abstract

Cultivation in protected environments and containers culminated in the need of the use substrates with specific chemical and physical characteristics; assuming that a fundamental role in cultivation of horticultural plants. In this way, the objective was to describe the main physical and chemical characteristics of substrates, as well as the main methodologies for analysis. As physical characteristics we can refer as examples: density on a wet and dry basis, total porosity, air space and water retention (easily available, buffering capacity and remaining water). The most important chemical characteristics in substrates include pH, electrical conductivity and available nutrient content. These characteristics are responsible for all the nutritional dynamics and the availability of water and air in the culture medium, so they must be known, tested and managed during cultivation. Thus, it is possible to establish parameters for plant cultivation in containers, being also possible to correlate its influence on plant development for scientific research.

Extracted Eucalyptus globulus Bark Fiber as a Potential Substrate for Pinus radiata and Quillaja saponaria Germination

“…The main function of the substrate is to support plant growth [ 24 ]. Schafer et al [ 25 ] mention that substrate quality depends on its physical structure and chemical composition. A good substrate must have several characteristics to ensure good plant growth.…”

Evaluation of the Properties of Biochar Obtained From Rice Husk for Its Application in Agricultural Soils

“…Thus, soil conditioners (Babla et al, 2022) and substrates (which are materials that help to deal with some inadequate soil conditions) contribute to the nutritional dynamics of the growing place, in order to create the ideal conditions that satisfy the physical, chemical and biological needs of crops. (Schafer and Lerner, 2022). An example of a substrate that can be used for this purpose is 'biochar', a material that is produced by the carbonization of biomass.…”

Desarrollo del girasol ornamental (Helianthus annuus L.) en mezclas de vermicompost:arena

“…L a producción de plantas ornamentales en maceta, bajo invernadero o malla sombra, es una actividad trascendente, ocupando el 11 puesto en la clasi cación europea de países oricultores (Funes-Pinter et al, 2023), que requiere de atención especial a todos y cada uno de los procesos técnicos, recursos y/o materiales que se involucran en ésta (Sánchez-Velasco et al, 2019;Schafer y Lerner, 2022). Los materiales utilizados en la producción de cultivos hortícolas u ornamentales, en contenedores o macetas, están constituidos, preferentemente, por componentes orgánicos y sus propiedades físicas son factores clave para identi car estrategias, que puedan implementarse, para reducir los efectos negativos sobre el crecimiento de estas especies vegetales (Álvarez et al, 2017).…”