Evaluation should include
- individual substrate components, physical properties, and chemical properties
- substrate components
- peat moss
- coir
- composted bark, wood aggregates
- sand
- silt
- vermiculite
- perlite
- substrate physical properties
- porosity
- container capacity (water-holding capacity)
- air space
- bulk density
- substrate chemical properties
- carbon content relative to nitrogen
- phosphorus
- potassium
- combinations of substrate components (e.g., growing mixes or media)
- evaluation of soil structure, moisture holding capacity, drainage ability, pH, and fertility for selected container and/or field-grown floriculture crops
- analysis of possible soil amendments
- chemical supplements for the soil
- sterilization of field soils and substrates, using heat treatments, fumigation, and/or chemicals.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the advantages of using commercially prepared amendments?
- How do various amendments affect substrate pH?
- Why are some substrates better suited to certain crops than to others?
- What is the importance of using sterilized substrates?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of using planting media mixes?
- What materials are used in soilless plant media mixes, and why are they used?
- What are the differences between organic and inorganic fertilizers?
- How does pH affect plant growth and development?
- How does poor drainage in soils affect plant growth and development; and what practices can one implement to improve drainage?