Horticulture Science Unit A Horticulture CD Growing Media

Horticulture Science Unit A Horticulture CD

Growing Media, Nutrients, & Fertilizers Problem Area 4

Understanding Properties of Growing Media Lesson 1 Vermiculite>>>>>

• • • Interest Approach What makes a great basketball team? 5 or more members that work well together. At least 1 who can score points from 20’ +. At least 1 who can be used inside the key. 1 or more who can control the ball. 1 or more to push the ball inside. Each player has their strengths!

Interest Approach What makes a great growing medium? • Several components that work well together • 1 or more that hold water. • 1 or more that hold air. • 1 or more sources of nutrients. • 1 or more to help defend against pest. – Components that are sterilized.

• • Interest Approach Which Makes the Best Growing Medium? Sand Peat Moss Field Soil Vermiculite Pearlite Water Gravel

Student Objectives By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: • 1. Identify the types of growing media. • 2. Describe the functions of growing media. • 3. Explain the relationship between growing media and plant growth.

TERMS • Aeration – the presence of air • Growing medium – material used for plant growth • Hydroponics – growing plants w/o “soil” • Leach – to remove by percolation • Pore spaces – voids for water or air holding • Soil – outer layer of the earth suitable for plants • Soilless medium – sterile product/s used for plants

What are the types of growing media used in floriculture production? • Is “soil” used? • Soil – the earth’s outer crust is full of life! – Bacteria – Fungi – Invertebrates

What are the negatives of using “SOIL” for containers? • Unknown history of: – Pesticides – p. H – Fertility level • High shrink / swell – Soil shrinks as it dries – forming cracks • Higher disease probability

So what media should you use? • • Sand? Dries to quickly. Peat moss? Dries to slowly. Coir? Hard to get wetted. Water? To little air. Pearlite? To much air. Vermiculite? Pricey. Potting soil mixes? Just right.

The 3 basic types of media! • Soil – natural layer of the earth that supports life. • Soilless – any material for growing plants not containing topsoil. • Hydroponics – plants grown primarily in nutrient solution.

What are the functions of the growing media? • Must provide AIR. • Must provide WATER. • Must provide Nutrients. • Must provide ANCHORE / SUPPORT.

What effect does growing media have on plant growth? • Supplying Nutrients • Some media cannot hold essential elements for plants. Nutrients are leached out to rapidly. • Stressed plants are prone to disease and insect damage – increasing loss. • Reduced growth = lower returns

What effect does growing media have on plant growth? • Supplying Air • As air is reduced, plant stress increases. • Roots need oxygen and water – both in moderation. • Increasing stress increases pest susceptibility and profit loss

Necrotic line patterns in the foliage of a cyclamen affected by impatiens necrotic spot tospovirus (INSV).

What effect does growing media have on plant growth? • Uniformity • Large scale production demands that all plants perform equally. • This is only possible if all plants get equal inputs from a uniform media.

Review

What are the 3 types of media? • Soil – define • Soilless – define • Hydroponics – define

What are the functions of growing media? • Supply Air. – Why? • Supply water. – Why? • Supply nutrients. – Why? • Supply support / anchor. – Why?

Why is it important for media to: • Supply nutrients? • Increase healthy plants, growth and returns. • Supply air? • Reduce diseases and increase profit. • Supply uniformity? • Plant schedules require uniform plant growth!