Substrates today

摘要

Commercial horticulture has qualitatively and quantitatively benefited from the use of substrates. It enabled higher productivity, more efficient use of fertilisers and water, minimal use of land and decreased dependence on soil conditions making it possible to grow crops where the natural soil is not suitable. Its major disadvantages are the higher investment needed and the higher risks (less buffer) in the rooting zone compared with cultivation in soil.