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Grodan Plantop Plug Propagation Rock Wool Hydroponics Substrate
Grodan Plantop Plug Propagation Rock Wool Hydroponics Substrate
Grodan Plantop Plugs with their homogeneity, shape and strength provide the perfect basis for optimum germination and uniform seedling results.
Uniformity for optimum germination.
It is crucial for professional propagators to be provided with the right tools and technical support to further optimize the germination process.
Grodan stone wool plugs show a high degree of uniformity, complemented by an ideal water and air balance. Their firmness, good shape retention and stability make Grodan plugs perfect for mechanical as well as manual processing, including sowing, transplant selection and transplanting into Grodan blocks.
The way the seeds are sown has a direct influence on their germination. Germination depends on a multitude of elements including the position of the seed in the seed hole of the plug, the irrigation strategy and the climatic conditions imposed.
Following germination root growth can be influenced by other factors such as the type of tray used, how the plug is located within the tray itself, and the effects of the greenhouse climate.
Key benefits
- Optimal steering range.*
- Optimal irrigation efficiency.
- Uniform crop development.
*What is crop steering? Crop steering is the cutting edge plant growth management practice whereby environmental factors; light, climate and irrigation are strategically adjusted to guide plants towards vegetative growth then generative growth to manipulate yield.
Introduction to rock wool
Stone wool, also known as wool, rock wool, slag wool or mineral wool, is made from basalt, which is solidified lava spewed from the innermost depths of the earth. In its manufactured state, stone wool can have multiple purposes, such as an insulation solution or a growing medium. Stone wool growing media used for cultivation of plants in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is pH neutral and has air pockets that make it suitable for hydroponics, as plants need oxygen and moisture in their root zone. This type of soilless growing media is ideally suited to indoor cultivation, from vegetables and floriculture to medicinal crops.
Rock wool hydroponics cultivation systems consist of plugs, blocks and slabs. The plug is used for sowing, where the seed grows into a seedling. Then the seedling with the plug is transplanted in a block in which it is grown into a full fledged young plant. The full fledged young plant with block is then placed on the slab for growing to maturity and producing fruits.
When implementing precision growing focused on the root zone a grower will aim to influence the root zone environment throughout the entire cultivation cycle. Growing crops without soil means growing them reliably. Because everything can be controlled. Every decision made in the greenhouse or growing room today has a major impact on tomorrow's results.
Thanks to the controlled manufacturing process, this growth medium is of a consistently high quality. The main difference between stone wool, coco coir, peat and soil growing media is that stone wool is mineral based, not carbon containing organic matter. It is made of natural stone heated to such extreme temperatures (about 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit/ 1500 degrees Celsius) during the manufacturing process, it is a hygienic, clean growing media free of pathogens and food safety compliant, compatible with hydroponic and automated growing systems, as well as automated irrigation technologies that rely on precise control.
The unique fibre structure makes cultivation with stone wool growing media very easy to control. The grower can administer the precise amount of water and nutrients the crops need in a very directed and controlled manner, to achieve optimal growing results. Waste becomes a thing of the past. Efficient use of water and nutrients keeps yield per square metre high, and energy consumption per unit of product low. Additionally, the growing media is lightweight, making it easy to handle. And last but not least, stone wool can be easily recycled into raw materials for products such as new stone wool and bricks.
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