Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Substrates: Chemical Characteristics and Preparation

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Plant Nutrition of Greenhouse Crops

  • 4296 Accesses

Abstract

In this chapter the characteristics of substrates will be discussed with respect to their effects on plant nutrition. Therefore, the chemical composition will be taken into account in the first place, because the mineral elements present in the material can be directly available to plants or can become available to plants dependent on the growing conditions. Besides mineral elements also other chemical compounds can be available in the material, which affect the plant growth negatively as well positively. Furthermore, with the preparation of some substrates mineral fertilizers are added to supply the plants grown in it with sufficient nutrients at the start of the growing period. Such applications with the preparation depend on the objective for which the substrate is prepared. Requirements in this field differ for substrates, crops grown and growing conditions. Important factors with respect to the growing conditions are for example the length of the growing period of the plant – a short propagation or a long production period – the growing system aimed at, the irrigation system and in relation with the last the method of fertilization that will be applied. If for example a substrate is prepared for a growing system in which directly at the start a complete nutrient solution is supplied, the requirement for the addition of mineral nutrients is less in comparison when is started with irrigation of just pure water. Substrates with a high cation adsorption capacity (CEC) will be fertilized differently from substrates with a low CEC. In this chapter mainly characteristics of substrates that affect the uptake of mineral elements by plants will be presented, while physical characteristics not directly affecting the mineral composition of plants are outside the context of this book.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 259.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adams P 2002. Nutritional control in hydroponics. In: Savvas D and Passam H (ed) Hydroponic Production of Vegetables and Ornamentals. Embryo Publications, Athens, 211–261.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alt D and Rosen A 1987. Bor-Ernährung von Tomaten-Jungpflanzen. Gemüse 25, 168–173.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blok C De Kreij C Baas R and Wever G 2008. Analytical methods used in soilless cultivation. In: Raviv M and Lieth J H (eds). Soilless Culture: Theory and Practice. Academic Press San Diego, 245–290.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Boertje G A 1969. Molybdenum and lettuce. Glasshouse Crops Research and Experimental Station Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Annual Report 1969, 29–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boertje G A 1982. Spoorelementen bij tomaten op veen. Tuinderij 62 nr 13, 46–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bos E J F Keijzer R A W Van Schie W Verhagen J B G M and Zevenhoven M A 2002. Potgronden en Subtraten, Stichting RHP Naaldwijk, The Netherlands, 90pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bunt A C 1988. Media and mixes for container grown plants. Unwin Heyman London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlile W R 2008. The use of composted materials in growing media. Acta Hort. 779, 321–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carrión C Abad M Maquieira A and Pchades R 2005. Leaching of compost from agricultural waste to prepare nursery potting media. Acta Hort. 697, 117–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • CEN 2007. Soil improvers and growing media – Determination of plant response. CEN TC 223 WG4 N 139, 17pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • CEN 2008. Soil improvers and growing media – Determination of plant response Part 2: Petri dish test. CEN 223 WG4 N 144 rev2, 8pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y Inbar Y Hadar Y and Malcolm R L 1989. Chemical properties and solid-state CPMAS 13C-NMR of composted organic matter. Sci. Total Environ. 81/82, 201–208.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Kreij C 1993.Bemesten van teelten in veensubstraat. In: Plantenvoeding in de Glastuinbouw. Proefstation voor Tuinbouw onder Glas te Naaldwijk. Informatiereeks no 87, 137–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Kreij C and Van der Gaag D J 2003. Optimizing fertilizer supply to peat-based growing media containing composted green waste. In: Schmilewski (ed) Peat in Horticulture, Proceedings of the International Peat Symposium, Amsterdam, 31–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Zeeuw J 2003. Bezetting adsorptioncomplex mengsels. RHP, Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Reaearch report, 23pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eco Label 2007. Revised ecological criteria and the related assessment and verification for the award of the Community Eco-label to growing media. Official J. European Union L32/137, 7pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans M R Konduru S and Stamps R H 1996. Source variation in physical and chemical properties of coconut coir dust. HortSc. 31, 965–967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer P and Schmitz H J 1997. Composts from residues of anaerobically treated household waste and their suitability in growing media. Acta Hort. 450, 229–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher P R Huang J and Agro W R 2006. Modelling lime reaction in peat-based substrates. Acta Hort. 718, 461–468.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frangi P Castelnuovo M Pozzi A Valagussa M Crippa L and Genevini P L 2008. A comparison of methods for the analysis of compost-based growing media. Acta Hort. 779, 113–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gizas G Savvas D and Mitsios I 2001. Availability of macro cations in perlite and pumice as influenced by the application of nutrient solutions having different cation concentration ratios. Acta Hort. 548, 277–284.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grillas S Lucas M Bardopoulou E Sarafopoulos S and Voulgari M 2001. Perlite based soilless culture systems: current commercial applications and prospects. Acta Hort. 548, 105–113.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Imas P and Bar-Yosef B 1998. Response of lettuce plants grown on different substrates to phosphorus fertigation. Acta Hort. 458, 171–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jespersen L M and Willumsen J 1993. Production of compost in a heat composting plant and test of compost mixtures as growing media for greenhouse cultures. Acta Hort. 342, 127–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jokova M Kostov O and Van Cleemput O 1997. Cation exchange and reducing capacities as criteria for compost quality. Biol. Agric. Hort. 14, 187–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kipp J A and Wever G 1993. Wortelmedia. Proefstation voor Tuinbouw onder Glas te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands, Series Informatiereeks no 103, 48pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kipp J A Wever G and De Kreij C 2000. International Substrate manual. Elsevier International Business Information Doetinchem, The Netherlands, 94pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • KIWA, 2003. Assessment Guideline for the Product Certificate for Growing Media. BRL K10001, 43pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • KIWA, 2003a. Test of phytotoxicity. Assessment Guideline for the Product Certificate for Growing Media. Appendices on Analytical Methods, 46–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klapwijk D en Mostert J 1992. Richtlijnen voor de productie van potgronden en substraten. Proefstation voor tuinbouw onder Glas te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Informatiereeks no 73, 65pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemaire F 1995. Physical, chemical and biological properties of growing medium. Acta Hort. 396, 273–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamaire F 1998. Consequences of organic matter biodegradability on the physical, chemical parameters of substrates. Acta Hort. 469, 129–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindsay W L Hodgson J F and Norvell W A 1966. The physico-chemical equilibrium of metal chelates in soils and their influence on the availability of micro nutrient cations. Intern. Soc. Soil Sci. (Scotland 1966) Trans. Comm. II and IV, 305–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindsay W L and Norvell W A 1969. Equilibrium relationships of Zn2+, Fe3+, Ca2+, and H+ with EDTA and DTPA in soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 33, 62–68.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LNV undated. Zuiveringsslib, compost en zwarte grond; kwaliteit en gebruik in de landbouw. Ministerie Landbouw, Natuurbeheer Visserij, 27pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • López-Cuadrado M C Ruiz-Fernández J Masaguer A and Moliner A 2008. Utilization of different organic wastes from Madrid as growth media for Pelargonium zonale. Acta Hort. 2008, 623–629.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucas R E and Davis J F 1961. Relationship between pH values of organic soils and availabilities of 12 plant nutrients. Soil Sci. 92, 177–182.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maher M J and Prasad M 1995. Comparison of substrates, including fractioned peat, for the production of greenhouse cucumbers. Acta Hort. 401, 225–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maher M J and Prasad M 2004. The effect of peat type and lime on growing medium pH and structure and on growth of Hebe pinguifolia “Sutherlandii”. Acta Hort. 644, 131–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maloupa E, 2002. Hydroponic systems. In: Savvas D and Passam H (eds) Hydroponic Production of Vegetables and Ornamentals. Embryo Publications, Athens, 143–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nemati R and Fortin J P 2008. development of models for predicting the pH equilibrium of organic substrates. Acta Hort. 779, 105–112.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Németh K Mengel K and Grimme H 1970. The concentration of K, Ca and Mg in the saturation extract in relation to exchangeable K, Ca and Mg. Soil Sci. 109, 179–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olympios C M 1992. Soilless media under protected cultivation: rock wool, peat, perlite and other substrates. Acta Hort. 323, 215–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Page E R 1962. Studies in soil and plant manganese II. The relationship of soil pH to manganese availability. Plant Soil 16, 247–257.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson J C 1982. Effects of pH upon nutrient availability in a commercial soilless root medium utilized for floral crop production. Ohio Agric. Res. Dev. Centre, Research Circular 268, 16–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasad M 1997. Physical, chemical and biological properties of coir dust. Acta Hort. 450, 21–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasad M 2001. Relationship between the 1:1.5 water extract and CaCl2/DTPA (CAT) extract in various growing substrates. Acta Hort. 548, 269–275.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Puustjärvi V 1977. Peat and its use in horticulture. Turveteollisuusliitto Ry, Helsinki. Publication 3, 160pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raviv M Wallach R Silber A and bar-Tal A 2002. Substrate and their analysis. In: Savvas D and Passam H (eds) Hydroponic Production of Vegetables and Ornamentals. Embryo Publications, Athens, 25–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raviv M 2008. The use of compost in growing media as suppressive agent against soil-borne diseases. Acta Hort. 779, 39–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • RHP, 2007. Productcertificatieschema. Stichting RHP ’s Gravenzande, The Netherlands, Looseleaf Publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott Russell R and Clarkson D T 1976. Ion transport in root systems. In: Sudderland N (ed) Perspectives in Experimental Biology, 2 Botany, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 401–411.

    Google Scholar 

  • Silber A Bar-Yosef B Singer A and Chen Y 1994. Mineralogical and chemical composition of three tuffs from northern Israel. Geoderma 63, 123–144.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silber A 2008. Chemical characteristics of soilless media. In: Raviv M and Lieth J H (eds) Soilless Culture – Theory and Practice. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 209–244.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C Van den Ende J and Van Dijk P A 1974. Analysis of growing media by means of 1:1½ volume extract. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 5, 183–202.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and Voogt S J 1975. Studies on the manganese uptake of lettuce on steam-sterilised glasshouse soil. Plant Soil 42, 49–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and Voogt W 1985. Studies on the application of iron to some glasshouse vegetables grown in soilless culture. Plant Soil 85, 55–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and Van Elderen C W 1994. Chemical analysis of peaty growing media by means of water extraction. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 25, 3199–3208.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C 1995. Fertigation in the greenhouse industry. In: Proc. of the Dahlia Greidinger Intern. Symposium on Fertigation. Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 25 March – 1 April 1995, 121–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and De Kreij C 1995. Standardisation of chemical analysis of growing media. Acta Hort. 401, 569–574.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and Voogt W 1997. Effects of pH value and Mn application on yield and nutrient absorption with rockwool grown gerbera. Acta Hort. 450, 139–147.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and Voogt W 2001. Chemical analysis in substrate systems and hydroponics – use and interpretation. Acta Hort. 548, 247–259.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C 2002. Composition of Nutrient solutions. In: Savvas D and Passam H (ed) Hydroponic Production of Vegetables and Ornamentals. Embryo Publications, Athens, 179–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and Wever G 2005. Eigenschappen van kleikorrels. PPO Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Report Projectnummer 41680033, 27pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonneveld C and Voogt W 2009. Determination of micro nutrients in substrates by water extraction and interpretation of the analytical data. Acta Hort. 819, 87–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stamatakis M Koukouzas N Vassilatos Ch Kamenou E and Samatouras K 2001. The zeolites from Evros region, Northern Greece: a potential use as cultivation substrate in hydroponics. Acta Hort. 548, 93–103.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Straver N De Kreij C and Verberkt H 1999. Bemestingsadviesbasis potplanten. Proefstation voor Bloemisterij en Glasgroente, Naaldwijk, 55pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Surrage V A and Carlile W R 2008. Variation in quality of composted green wastes of UK origin and their suitability for inclusion in growing media. Acta Hort. 779, 631–636.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Bos, A L 1994. EC in relatie tot het type substraat bij chrysanten in een gesloten teeltsysteem. Proefstation voor Tuinbouw onder Glas te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Intern verslag 22, 13pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Bos, A L 1994a. EC in relatie tot het type substraat bij koolrabi in een gesloten teeltsysteem. Proefstation voor Tuinbouw onder Glas te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Intern verslag 27, 15pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Bos, A L 1995. EC in relatie tot het type substraat bij sla in een gesloten teeltsysteem. Proefstation voor Bloemisterij en Glasgroente te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Intern verslag 4, 22pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Bos, A L 1996. EC in relatie tot het type substraat bij freesia in een gesloten teeltsysteem. Proefstation voor Bloemisterij en Glasgroente te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Rapport 45, 34pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Bos, A L 1996a. EC in relatie tot het type substraat bij asters in een gesloten teeltsysteem. Proefstation voor Bloemisterij en Glasgroente te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Rapport 50, 29pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Bos, A L 1996b. EC in relatie tot het type substraat bij amaryllis in een gesloten teeltsysteem. Proefstation voor Bloemisterij en Glasgroente te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Rapport 55, 30pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Bos, A L 1997. EC in relatie tot het type substraat bij lelie in een gesloten teeltsysteem. Proefstation voor Bloemisterij en Glasgroente te Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. Rapport 81, 34pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Gaag D J Van Noort F R Stapel-Cuijpers L H M De Kreij C Termorshuizen A J Van Rijn E Zmora-Nahum S and Chen Y 2007. The use of green compost in peat-based potting mixtures: Fertilization and suppressiveness against soilborne diseases. Sci. Hort. 114, 289–297.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Mark R 2008. Pull B. V. Rhenen. The Netherlands. Personal communication

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Wees A 1993. Betekenis analysecijfers bij teelten in substraat. In: Plantenvoeding in de Glastuinbouw. Proefstation voor Tuinbouw onder Glas te Naaldwijk. Informatiereeks no 87, 127–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Labeke M C and Dambre P 1998. Gerbera cultivation on coir with recirculation of the nutrient solution: a comparison with rockwool culture. Acta Hort. 458, 357–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Schie W, 1989. Kalk verhoogt pH potgrond. Vakblad Bloemisterij 44(14), 24–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verhagen H and Van Schie W 1996. Keurmerk voor de beste kokos. Groenten en Fruit/ Glasgroenten 6(44), 32–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verhagen J B G M 1999. CEC and the saturation of the adsorption complex of coir dust. Acta Hort. 481, 151–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verhagen J B G M 2004. Effectiveness of clay in peat based growing media. Acta Hort. 644, 115–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verloo M G 1980.Peat as a natural complexing agent for trace elements. Acta Hort. 99, 51–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verwer F L J W A 1974. Teelt en opkweek in kunstmatige media. Instituut voor Mechanisatie, Arbeid en Gebouwen, Publicatie 2, 28pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Voogt W 1983. pH problemen bij cymbidium in kunstschuim. Vakblad Bloemisterij, 38(48), 38–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Voogt W and Sonneveld C 2009. The effects of Fe-chelate type and pH on substrate grown roses, Acta Hort. 819, 411–417.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warmenhoven M G Van Noort F Dijkstra T and Verberkt H 2008. Effect van fosfaatreductie op de andere (hoofd)elementen bij de teelt van eenjarige zomerbloeiers. Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw Bleiswijk, Report Project 3242015900, 20pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever G and Van Leeuwen A A 1995. Measuring mechanical properties of growing media and the influence of cucmber cultivation on these properties. Acta Hort. 401, 27–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever G 1995. Kokos vraagt andere aanpak. Groenten en Fruit/Glasgroenten 5(28), 21–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever 2004. Comparison of different bioassays for testing phytotoxicity of growing media. Acta Hort. 644, 473–477.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wever G 2005. Bijlagenboek bepalingsmethoden, BRL K 10001 Substraatmaterialen. KIWA Rijswijk, The Netherlands, 81pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wever G Verhagen J B G M Baas R and Straver N 2005. Bemestingsadviedbasis Potplanten voor Europese EN 1:5 volume methode. PPO Naaldwijk The Netherlands, Publicatie 593, 60pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willumsen J 2001. Effect of substrate liming and fertilizer supply on cabbage seedlings grown organically in plugs. Acta Hort. 548, 335–342.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tolhuislaan 35, 3862 WK, Nijkerk, Netherlands

    Dr Cees Sonneveld

  2. Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture, Violierenweg 1, 2665 MV, Bleiswijk, Netherlands

    Ing. Wim Voogt

Authors
  1. Dr Cees Sonneveld
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ing. Wim Voogt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Sonneveld, C., Voogt, W. (2009). Substrates: Chemical Characteristics and Preparation. In: Plant Nutrition of Greenhouse Crops. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2532-6_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation