Soilless substrates utilised in traditional hydroponics are often inorganic or synthetic materials, as opposed to organic substrate components utilised in other forms of soilless culture. As growers seek more precision production applications, more operations are shifting to soilless culture production for increased resource control. The standard substrate components utilised in soilless production have been well researched and engineered to fit into specific operations. Understanding the relationship between the substrate, water, and fertiliser in a container and knowing the movement within will allow for continued beneficial improvements in soilless culture and container horticulture industry. However, as we progress agricultural practices, new substrate materials optimised substrate materials must be developed. Here we present the traditional inorganic, synthetic organic materials and peat and how these components are developed, engineered, and processed.
Increasing Sustainability of Growing Media Constituents and Stand-Alone Substrates in Soilless Culture Systems—An Editorial