Tomato cultivation with 90% less water
In many countries, including Mexico, the Netherlands and Canada, stonewool substrate is widely used in horticulture. However, in countries with a more recent horticultural history, such as many African and Asian countries, substrate is not often used as a growing medium. Considering the increasing attention to efficiency in water usage and the focus on optimum production results, these countries are now also showing increasing interest in stonewool substrates
Water and Substrate
The increasing scarcity of high-quality water is forcing horticulturists around the world to use water more efficiently. A carefully controlled water supply, in combination with efficient water usage, is a necessary precondition for good growing results.
Stonewool substrate offers the possibility to handle water and fertiliser very sparingly. Fertiliser can be added very well to systems in which water is recirculated. As opposed to many other substrates, the water in stonewool substrate is fully and easily available to the plant. Therefore, the water is not bound to the material, which facilitates management and control. One of the major manufacturers of stonewool substrate is Saint-Gobain Cultilene. In collaboration with horticulturists, this company is currently carrying out tests in countries that only rarely use substrates (for example in Africa and Asia). The tests are carried out in collaboration with Dutch horticultural advisors.
The stonewool slabs are measured horizontally, which means that across the full length, as well as at different heights within the slabs, the temperature, the amount of moisture, and the EC are monitored. The practical experience and knowledge of stonewool-substrate supplier Cultilene concerning irrigation strategies and modern substrate systems contribute to the optimum use of water and substrate.
In addition to the environmental advantages, which focus on water savings and the frugal use (and prevention of leaking away) of fertiliser, horticulturists can look forward to other, considerable benefits. For example, horticulture is much less exposed to external factors, such as soil condition and soil-borne diseases. As a result, there will be considerable savings on plant protection agents. In addition, fertilisation is managed more easily.
Material
The substrate is made of basalt, which is a volcanic type of rock. By reheating the basalt, it is melted down in a natural way to form a liquid material. This material is put into large centrifuges where long fibres are formed. These fibres are compressed into stonewool plates.
By varying the density and composition of the fibres, Cultilene has assigned special features to the substrate. Cultilene’s product range comprises substrate products with a varying water-bearing capacity.
By selecting from the different water buffers, an optimum match can be made between the substrate and the specific growing conditions (such as the capacity of the irrigation system).
Product Types
Stonewool is particularly supplied in the form of plugs and blocks for the growing of young plants and in the form of slabs for vegetable cultivation and the cultivation of ornamental plants.
In vegetable cultivation, stonewool is especially used for the growing of cucumbers, tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers. Four different types of slabs have been developed for these purposes; each with its own water- bearing capacity. In addition, there are various products for the cultivation of ornamental plants, such as roses and gerberas.
Next to the standard products, it is not uncommon for Cultilene to develop customised products according to the specific wishes of horticulturists.
Recycling
To promote sustainable development, Cultilene is continually paying much attention to the recycling of raw materials. Not just at the company’s own production sites, but also, and especially, to ensure the recycling of manufactured materials after use. Initially, the recycling process comprises the separation of different materials. Next, these materials are channelled towards their own specific type of reuse. For example, the recycled stonewool granulate can be processed into raw materials for the production of bricks for the building industry, or as a soil improvement agent for the potting compost industry. To obtain the best recycling solution, local options must be investigated in order to avoid extra transport movements. That is why there are continually international project studies in the area of recycling.
Alternative Substrates
Next to stonewool, Cultilene’s R&D department is also actively searching for alternative substrates to be used – both organic and inorganic types. These alternatives do not, as yet, offer the required quality concerning, for example, the homogeneousness of the material; however, hopeful steps have already been taken.
Because of the innovative nature of Cultilene, the company is focussing on the searching for new substrates and substrate systems, and the optimisation of the current ones.
High Tech and Innovative
For the development of its products, Cultilene is fortunate to be able to make use of its large parent company Saint Gobain. Including an R&D team numbering 3500 people, who are also contributing to Cultilene’s innovations. The stonewool products by Cultilene meet very high standards, which is demonstrated, among other things, by the product ‘CultiWall’. This system is used to create green wall decorations and even complete façade coverings. The mission of Cultilene is to provide innovative solutions that contribute to the optimisation of water management and energy consumption so as to enable growers to improve the quality of their processes and to save on fertilizers, water and energy, and to contribute to sustainable horticulture.
For more information please visit www.cultilene.com