The effect of rockwool on physical properties of growing substrates for perennials 38

Dubský, M.; Šrámek, F.

doi:10.17221/22/2008-hortsci

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

(13 reference statements)

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“…Although the water holding capacity and bulk density properties of the selected substrates were within the ideal range, total porosity was outside the ideal range, except for rockwool. However, the results of the physical property analysis were also comparable with previous studies by Dubský and Šrámek [26], Yang et al [19], and Altland et al [20]. Usually, substrates with smaller particles have a larger surface area, allowing them to hold more water [27,28].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Substrate Comparison for Tomato Propagation under Different Fertigation Protocols

Chowdhury,

Espinoza-Ayala,

Samarakoon

et al. 2024

Agriculture

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Greenhouse tomato production faces multiple challenges, including the excessive use of nonrenewable substrates that are difficult to dispose of after use. Currently, most growers propagate tomatoes in rockwool, but there is an increasing demand for sustainable media. The objective of this research was to evaluate sustainable and organic alternatives for greenhouse propagation of tomato seedlings intended for high-wire production. Different organic and inorganic substrates were evaluated in three experiments, using a nutrient solution composed of a complete water-soluble fertilizer. Germination and growth parameters, including height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, foliar chlorophyll levels (SPAD), and shoot fresh and dry weight, were measured. In the first experiment, which employed overhead irrigation, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, medium-grade pine bark, pine bark < 0.64 cm, and pine bark < 0.32 cm were evaluated. Tomato germination was faster and achieved higher percentages with pine bark < 0.64 cm compared to other substrates. However, growth performance was similar or better in coir than in rockwool four weeks after transplantation. For the second experiment with sub-irrigation only, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark < 0.32 cm bark, and peat were evaluated at different container heights. Peat resulted in greater growth across all parameters, followed by wood fiber–coir mix in all container heights, while pine bark had the least growth across all measured parameters. In the third experiment with overhead irrigation, rockwool, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark < 0.32 cm, and a commercial peat-based mixture were evaluated under different fertilizer rates (electrical conductivity of 1.1 and 2.2 mS·cm−1). Wood fiber–coir mix, peat-based mix, and rockwool were the substrates with the highest values for all evaluated parameters. While all the organic substrates showed potential for use in tomato propagation, pine bark < 0.32 cm bark and wood fiber–coir mix provided the best media for germination. Peat and wood fiber–coir mix showed the best media for subsequent seedling growth and demonstrated potential to be used as substitutes for rockwool.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Substrate Comparison for Tomato Propagation under Different Fertigation Protocols

Chowdhury,

Espinoza-Ayala,

Samarakoon

et al. 2024

Agriculture

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“…In the Nordic regions, such as the Netherlands, where greenhouse cultivation is the main agricultural production, rockwool substrate is one of the most commonly used substrates [6], and rockwool, as an inorganic substrate, prevents the growth of some pathogens [7]. Since peat is a non-renewable resource, it is no longer used as a substrate in numerous countries [8], and it has been shown that crushed rockwool can replace peat and mixtures with alternative components in peat substrates with an optimal replacement ratio of 35% [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is Rockwool Potentially Harmful to the Soil Environment as a Nursery Substrate? Taking Eisenia fetida as an Example for Toxicological Analysis

Zheng,

Wang,

et al. 2023

Agriculture

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We studied the effect of rockwool matrix on the conventional physical and chemical properties of soil and analyzed its toxicological effect on Eisenia fetida. The physical and chemical properties of rockwool were studied with characterization tests. By measuring earthworm enzymes and earthworm intestinal microorganisms, the effects of different rockwool particle sizes and additive amount on Eisenia fetida were analyzed. The results indicate that a low concentration of rockwool (<30 g/kg) had little effect on the soil physicochemical properties and the activity of Eisenia fetida, and played a positive role in improving the soil porosity. A high concentration of rockwool (>100 g/kg) reduced the exchangeable Ca and Mg content in the soil, and had a significant impact on the enzyme activity of Eisenia fetida. Mechanism studies have shown that high concentrations of rockwool (>200 g/kg) can have a significant impact on the nervous system of earthworm tissue. In addition, small particle size and low concentration of rockwool is conducive to the increase in intestinal microbial species of Eisenia fetida. This study clarifies the effects of emerging rockwool substrates on soil and soil organisms and provides theoretical support for the safe and reliable application of rockwool substrates in agricultural production.

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“…It is estimated that from 150 to 200 m 3 rockwool remains after 1-hectare culture of greenhouse tomato [16]. However, such substrates may be used to improve physical properties of soils, particularly heavy soils [8,17], or as an additive to mixed substrates [18]. A certain drawback -in view of the problems with water quality in Europe-may also be connected with the quality requirements for the chemical composition of water for the preparation of fertigation nutrient solutions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydroponic Cultivation of Tomato

Markiewicz¹,

Kleiber²,

Bosiacki³

2016

Alternative Crops and Cropping Systems

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Mineral substrates used in plant hydroponic cultures should have low contents of the solid phase and good, stable air and water properties. Rockwool is a substrate with such properties, and it has been produced for plant culture systems since 1969 by I/S H.J. Henriksen and V. Kähler (Denmark). The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of an application of increasing manganese (Mn) and boron (B) concentrations added to a nutrient solution on the yielding, content of macro-and micronutrients in tomato leaves and fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. Alboney F1 and Emotion F1). Plants were grown in rockwool using a nutrient solution with the following content of Mn (mg dm −3

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The effect of rockwool on physical properties of growing substrates for perennials 38

Cited by 8 publications

References 8 publications

Substrate Comparison for Tomato Propagation under Different Fertigation Protocols

Substrate Comparison for Tomato Propagation under Different Fertigation Protocols

Is Rockwool Potentially Harmful to the Soil Environment as a Nursery Substrate? Taking Eisenia fetida as an Example for Toxicological Analysis

Hydroponic Cultivation of Tomato

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