When growing vegetables in greenhouses in the Soviet years, mineral wool for plants was very popular in use. This material has been used in construction since the beginning of the 20th century, but in the early 70s it was introduced into the agricultural sector.
This article provides information on what mineral wool is and what its advantages and disadvantages are.
What is mineral wool
These are land mixtures with high porosity and density. It contains a certain amount of metals, but in general it is pH neutral. Mineral wool for plants was created from three minerals. When heated to 1600 degrees, fibers are drawn from it, from which cubes and plates of various volumes are further formed.
Since the 80s, it has been used for growing flowers and fresh vegetables in greenhouses. From a financial point of view, it is very profitable to operate, since it can be used in subsequent years. But this is not the best way to grow vegetables and flowers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of mineral wool for plants?
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the disadvantages, the fact that during irrigation the liquid is unevenly distributed over the substrate can be noted. And, as a result, the lower part of the water is abundant, and the upper one is overdried. Because of this, a certain amount of salts accumulates on the surface, which must be regularly removed with fresh water. The reason for this lies in the high moisture capacity and low water retention of cotton wool.
Another drawback that arises from the first is the need for regular watering of the top layer of the substrate. This means that the root system is doomed to be in constant moisture, from which the plant can die. Therefore, a compromise must be found. For example, irrigation with solutions with a low salt content and in closed systems, but not in open.
Among the advantages, the following can be noted: the ability to use for the subsequent harvest (a cost-effective purchase), the water-holding ability of the substrate, and mineral top dressing.
Hydroponics at home
Hydroponics allows you to grow plants without soil in greenhouse conditions. Its advantage is that it can be used both on a huge production scale and at home. In its usual understanding, hydroponics consists of a structure (which is easy to build with your own hands) in several rows. Its main components:
- Cylinder or tank. It will contain the liquid medium from the nutrient solution, which is required by a particular vegetable crop or plants.
- Pots for each plant. They must have holes to nourish young cultures.
- The pump feeds and regulates the necessary nutrient medium for each plant.
- The substrate (mineral wool or expanded clay filler) not only retains moisture, but also serves as a reliable fixation of each plant.
Hydroponics at home or in agricultural production is best used in closed systems - gardeners use it in basements or more often in greenhouses.
Cultivation on a mineral substrate
Mineral wool is sold sterile and in various volumes in the form of briquettes, cubes and plates. Corks and cubes are ideal for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers. Greens can be grown in smaller mats. A pot or a box for seedlings can be selected of any size, depending on the required volume.
Preparation for growing plants on mineral wool is as follows: the substrate is placed in boxes with seedlings and poured with water. Mineral wool should be uniformly and sufficiently saturated with water before planting seeds.