Hydroponic substrates: dominates hydroponics for exceptional crop

Complete guide for hydroponics
 

Welcome to Grow Industry, your trusted Growshop in Spain, where the passion for gardening and innovation are to offer you the best culture solutions. Today, we immerse ourselves in the fascinating universe of hydropony, a culture technique that has gained popularity for its efficiency and sustainability. In this article, we will focus on a crucial aspect of hydroponics: hydroponic substrates.

Hydropony, when dispensing with traditional soil, requires special substrates that provide support and nutrition to plants. Choosing the right substrate is vital, since it directly influences the health, growth and performance of your crops. We understand the importance of this choice and we are here to guide you through the various options available.

 There are substrates of different types, each with unique characteristics that adapt to different needs and types of plants. From inorganic substrates to organic and synthetic options, the variety is wide and can be overwhelming. But do not worry, in this article we will break down each type, providing the information you need to make an informed decision.

Our goal is to empower yourself with knowledge, so you can optimize your hydroponic crops and achieve exceptional results. So, you are already an experienced cultivator in search of perfecting your techniques, or an enthusiastic beginner ready to immerse yourself in the world of hydroponics, this article is designed for you.

 Accompany us on this trip through the substrates for hydroponics, and discover how to choose the perfect substrate to maximize the potential of your plants and take your hydroponic garden to the next level.

Inorganic substrates for hydroponic culture
 

Inorganic substrates are a popular option in hydroponics due to their stability, durability and ability to provide a controlled environment for plant growth. Unlike organic substrates, the inorganic do not break down over time, which makes them ideal for long -term hydroponic systems. Here we will explore some of the most used inorganic substrates in hydroponics.

Perlita
 

The perlite is a type of volcanic glass that expands and becomes porous when it is heated to high temperatures. This process gives it a light and airy structure, perfect for hydroponics. The perlite provides excellent aeration and drainage, ensuring that the roots of the plants receive enough oxygen. In addition, its inert nature means that it will not affect the pH or electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution. Its volcanic origin and its production process are made a fascinating and effective option for hydroponic cultivators.

• Advantages:
   
  
  • Excellent aeration: The porous structure of the perlite ensures optimal air circulation, vital for the healthy development of roots.
  • Quick drainage: Avoid accumulation of water, reducing the risk of root diseases.
     
• Recommended use:
   
  
  • Ideal for plants that require a well -air substrate and rapid drainage, such as orchids and other epiphytic plants.

Pumice
 

The pumice stone is another volcanic product used in hydroponics. It is known for its ability to retain water and nutrients, slowly releasing them to be absorbed by the roots of the plants. Its porous structure also promotes good aeration, crucial for the healthy development of roots. Although it is heavier than the perlite, the pumice stone offers additional stability in hydroponic systems.

• Advantages:
  
  
  • Retention of Water: Able to store a significant amount of water, slowly releasing it for plants.
  • Stability: Its weight provides a solid and stable base for plants.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Recommended for plants that prefer a humid but well drained substrate, such as green leaf vegetables.

Gravel

Gravel is a simple but effective inorganic substrate. Made of small stones, it provides excellent aeration and drainage, although its ability to retain water is limited. It is an economic and easily available option, which makes it popular among hydroponic growers. In addition, its weight provides stability to plants, ensuring that they firmly remain in place.

• Advantages:
  
  
  • Durability: Resistant material that does not break over time, ideal for long -term systems.
  • Economic: Accessible and affordable material.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Adequate for plants that require a very aerated and drained substrate, such as cactus and succulents.

Volcanic rock
  

Volcanic rock, also known as slag, is another inorganic substrate derived from volcanic activity. Its porous structure makes it ideal for water and nutrient retention, while its weight adds stability to the system. Like the pumice stone, the volcanic rock releases nutrients slowly, providing a constant source of power for plants. Perfect for hydroponics with solid substrate.

• Advantages:
  
  
  • Retention of Nutrients: Able to absorb and release nutrients slowly, providing constant diet.
  • Porosity: Its porous structure allows good water and aeration retention.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Ideal for plants that benefit from a constant release of nutrients and a well -air substrate, such as tomatoes and peppers.

River sand
 

River sand is an inorganic substrate that offers good aeration and drainage. Although its ability to retain water is not as high as that of other substrates, its fine texture allows plant roots to spread easily, promoting healthy growth. It is important to ensure that the sand is clean and free of pollutants before using it in a hydroponic system.
 

• Advantages:
  
  
  • Fine texture: It allows extensive and uniform root development.
  • Good aeration: Ensures that the roots receive enough oxygen.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Recommended for plants with fine and delicate root systems, such as lettuce and aromatic herbs.

Sand
 

Arena is a classic inorganic substrate, known for its ability to provide excellent aeration and drainage. Although it does not retain as much water as other substrates, its granular nature allows plant roots to develop freely, promoting healthy growth. The sand is an economic and easily available option, which makes it popular among hydroponic growers.
 

• Advantages:
  
  
  • Excellent drainage: Avoid water accumulation and reduce the risk of root diseases.
  • Availability: Easy to find and economy.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Suitable for plants that require rapid drainage and a very aerated substrate, such as cactus and succulents.
     

These inorganic substrates offer a variety of options for hydroponic growers, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. 

Organic substrates for hydroponics

Organic substrates are those that come from living materials or that were once alive. They are popular in hydroponics for their ability to retain water and nutrients, as well as for their contribution to the creation of a more natural culture environment. Here we will explore some of the most used organic substrates in hydroponics.

 Coconut fiber

The coconut fiber is a byproduct of the coconut industry, obtained from the fruit peel. It is an organic substrate that has gained popularity in hydropony for its ability to retain water, while providing excellent aeration and drainage.
 

• Advantages:
  
  
  • High water retention: You can retain your weight in water up to 10 times, providing a constant source of moisture for plants.
  • Good aeration: its porous structure ensures that the roots of the plants receive enough oxygen.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Ideal for a wide variety of plants, especially those that require a damp but well drained substrate.

Wood fiber
 

Wood fiber is an organic substrate made from crushed and processed wood. It is light and provides good aeration and drainage, essential characteristics for hydroponic culture.
 

• Advantages:
  
  
  • Sustainability: It comes from renewable resources and contributes to the circular economy.
  • Excellent aeration: Its light and porous structure allows an optimal air flow.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Recommended for hydroponic systems where good aeration and drainage are sought, as in the cultivation of lettuce and herbs.

Composted pine crust
 

The composted pine crust is an organic substrate that is obtained from the controlled decomposition of the pine crust. It is important to ensure that it is well composed to avoid toxicity problems.

• Advantages:
  
  
  • Good water retention: Able to retain a moderate amount of water.
  • Improve the substrate structure: Add organic matter and improve aeration.
    
    
• Recommended use:
  
  
  • Suitable for plants that require well drained substrate but with good water retention.

These organic substrates are adequate to be used alone in hydroponic systems, providing the necessary conditions for the healthy growth of plants.

Synthetic substrates

Synthetic substrates are materials specifically for use in hydroponics, and are known for their ability to provide controlled and consistent cultivation conditions.

Roca wool

Roca wool is a synthetic substrate produced from the fusion of basaltic rock and limestone at high temperatures, and then being coupled with fine and compacted fibers in blocks or slabs. 

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • High water retention: It can retain a lot of water, which ensures that plants have constant access to moisture, even under low irrigation conditions.
  • Good aeration: Despite its ability to retain water, rock wool also provides excellent aeration, which is crucial for the healthy development of roots.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • Predominantly used for the cultivation of fruit plants such as tomatoes and peppers in hydroponic systems.
  • Its structure makes it ideal for floating rock wool systems and drip irrigation systems, where a balance between water and aeration retention is required.

Vermiculite substrate

Vermiculite is a natural mineral formed by thin and flexible sheets that expand when they heat. This expansion process gives it a light and airy structure, making it a popular substrate in gardening and hydropony. Its inert nature means that it will not affect the pH of the nutritious solution, which makes it appropriate for a wide variety of plants.

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • Water retention: It has an exceptional ability to retain water and nutrients, gradually freeing them to plants, which helps maintain constant humidity.
  • Lightness: Its light structure not only facilitates aeration and management, but also helps prevent substrate compaction, ensuring an optimal environment for root growth.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • It is often used in substrates mixtures to improve water retention and substrate structure, especially for plants that require constant levels of moisture.
  • It is also suitable for seed germination and the spread of cuttings.

Substrate with expanded clays (LECA)

Expanded clays, also known as Leca (Light expanded Clay Aggregate), are small cooked clay balls that are light and porous.
 

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • Good aeration and drainage: They provide an excellent balance between water and drainage retention, creating an ideal environment for root development.
  • Reusable: Unlike many other substrates, expanded clays can be sterilized and reused in multiple cultivation cycles, which makes them a sustainable and economical option.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • They are popular in fluidized bed systems and recirculation systems, where their ability to maintain a constant flow of water and nutrients is crucial.
  • They are also suitable for plants that require good drainage and aeration, such as aromatic herbs and lettuce.

Phenolic foam
 

Phenolic foam is a synthetic substrate made of rigid and light foam, known for its ability to provide a sterile environment for plant cultivation.
 

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • Sterile: It offers an environment free of pathogens and pollutants, which is especially important for the spread of plants and disease prevention.
  • Lightness and aeration: Its light structure ensures good aeration, while its rigidity provides support for plants.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • Commonly used for the propagation of plants, especially for seed germination and the rooting of cuttings.
  • It is also suitable for small -scale hydroponic systems, where precise control of cultivation conditions is required.

These synthetic substrates offer a variety of benefits for hydroponic culture, from water retention to sterility, and are a popular option for many growers. 

Hydroponic hybrid substrates

In the constant search to optimize cultivation conditions in hydroponic systems, hybrid substrates that combine the beneficial properties of different materials have been developed. 
  

Mapito

Mapito is a unique mixture of rock wool and polyethylene foam, combining water retention and rock wool aeration with lightness and resistance of polyethylene foam.
 

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • Balance between water and air retentionN: offers an optimal environment for root development, maintaining moisture while providing enough aeration.
  • Durability: The inclusion of polyethylene foam provides resistance and longevity to the substrate.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • Suitable for a wide variety of plants in hydroponic systems, especially those that require a balance between water and aeration retention.

Perlite coconut

Coco Perlita is a mixture of coconut and perlite fiber, seeking to combine coconut water with aeration and drainage provided by the perlite.

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • Aeration improvement: The perlite helps prevent compaction, maintaining the aerated substrate.
  • Good water retention: Coconut fiber ensures that plants have constant access to moisture.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • Ideal for plants that require well drained substrate but with good water retention, such as tomatoes and peppers.

Coco Chips

The perlite coconut is an innovative mixture that combines the excellent water retention properties of the coconut fiber with the higher aeration and drainage provided by the perlite. This hybrid substrate creates a balanced growth environment, ensuring that the roots of the plants receive the adequate amount of water and oxygen.

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • Excellent drainage: Its size and structure promote rapid drainage of excess water.
  • Good aeration: Ensures that roots receive enough oxygen for healthy development.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • Suitable for plants with extensive root systems and for those growers seeking a substrate with higher drainage characteristics.

Alternative substrates for hydroponics

There are alternatives that move away from traditional substrates, offering innovative options for growers.

Water

Water plays a central role in advanced cultivation systems such as aquaponia and airland, where plants grow directly in a liquid medium without the need for solid substrate. In these systems, the roots of the plants are suspended in the air or submerged in water, receiving nutrients directly from the aqueous solution.
 

• Characteristics:
  
  
  • Maximum nutrient availability: The roots have direct access to the nutritious solution, ensuring efficient absorption.
  • Excellent oxygenation: In air systems, the roots receive oxygen directly from the air, while in aquaponic systems, water is usually oxygenated.
    
    
• Uses:
  
  
  • Ideal for rapid growth plants and growers seeking to maximize the efficiency in nutrient delivery.
     

These hybrid and alternative substrates offer innovative and versatile options for hydroponic cultivators, allowing the cultivation conditions to be adjusted to the specific needs of each plant.

Choose the substrate according to specific conditions for hydroponics
 

When it comes to hydroponics, the substrate plays a crucial role in the success of your crops. However, not all substrates are suitable for all climatic conditions or types of plants. Here we provide some guidelines to help you choose the most appropriate substrate according to the weather and other specific conditions:
 

• Warm and dry climates: In regions with warm and dry climates, it is essential to choose substrates that retain moisture to minimize the need for frequent irrigation. Coconut fiber and vermiculite are excellent options, since both have a high water retention capacity.
• Wet and rainy climates: In areas with a lot of moisture and rain, it is crucial to opt for substrates that provide good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root diseases. The perlite and expanded clays are ideal options due to its excellent drainage and aeration.
• Plants with specific needs: Some plants have specific requirements in terms of aeration and drainage. For example, orchids and cacti require substrates that provide excellent aeration and rapid drainage, such as perlite or gravel.

Specific hydroponic systems:

The type of hydroponic system you are using can also influence the choice of substrate. For example, fluidized bed systems work well with expanded clays due to their ability to maintain a constant flow of water and nutrients.

When considering the climate and other specific conditions when choosing a substrate, you can make sure to provide the optimal environment for the growth and development of your plants, thus maximizing the success of your hydroponic crops.

In Growindustry.es, we are committed to the success of your crops and your satisfaction as a cultivator. We have explored together the vast world of substrates for hydroponics, breaking down each type and providing detailed information to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
 

 Remember, the choice of the right substrate is a crucial step on the road to a prosperous and healthy hydroponic garden. Consider the climatic conditions, the specific needs of your plants and the type of hydroponic system that you are using to make sure you select the substrate that will maximize the potential of your crops.

In Growindustry.es, we are here to support you at every step of your culture trip. If you have any questions or need additional advice, do not hesitate to contact us. Our passion is gardening, and our goal is to provide you with the tools, knowledge and support you need to achieve success.

Thank you for trusting Grow Industry, we are excited to be part of your adventure in hydroponics and we are here to help you grow, prosper and reach new horizons in your garden. Until next, and happy culture!