Effect of pH on the availability of plant nutrients in soils and media
These two figures showing the availability to plants of nutrient elements are extracted from “Growing Media for Ornamental Plants and Turf” by Handreck.and Black.
Soil pH – Nutrient availability chart
How soil/media pH effects nutrient uptake by plants
Growing Media Wettability Testing Video [Video]
The ability of a growing media to take up water effectively once it has dried out is critical to the growth of plants and the ability of the media to become wet again. This is known as wettability. Testing for wettability isn’t difficult and can be done at minimal cost with some basic equipment and…
Growing Media Water Holding Capacity Testing [Video]
Knowing the amount of water held within a growing media, referred to as Water Holding Capacity (WHC) of your growing media can help you manage irrigation scheduling more effectively and ensure plants have adequate moisture. Testing for Water Holding Capacity isn’t difficult and can be done at minimal cost with some basic equipment and a…
Growing Media pH and EC Testing Video [Video]
Knowing the pH and Electrical Conductivity or EC of your growing media can help you to grow better and more consistent crops. Testing procedures aren’t difficult and can be done at minimal cost. This video shows a process for carrying out a practical on-site pH and electrical conductivity test on growing media.
Growing Media Air Filled Porosity Testing Video [Video]
Plant roots require air as well as water to remain healthy. The amount of air held within a growing media is referred to as Air filled porosity or AFP . Testing procedures for AFP aren’t difficult and can be done at minimal cost with simple equipment built from readily available materials and a little bit…
Coir properties [Video]
Coir, coir fibre pith or coconut fibre is a one hundred percent natural, sustainable and renewable product. Coir is a ‘peat like’ byproduct produced from the processing of coconut husks, and is composed of the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. Coir is lightweight, retains moisture…
Growing Media Nursery Paper 2010
In this month’s Nursery Paper, NGINA Industry Development Officer, Michael Danelon provides an overview of growing media and the importance of selecting the most appropriate media to achieve optimum plant performance.