Substrate consistency and crop-specific mixes shape grower decisions
Source: HD.com
“Small adjustments can make a difference in water retention” Substrate consistency and crop-specific mixes shape grower decisions "Substrate choice is always extremely important for growers because it's at the base of plant production." For Frederic Gagnon of Lambert Peat Moss, selecting a substrate is therefore closely linked to crop requirements, irrigation practices and the physical properties needed to support consistent production. Matching substrates to production systems According to him, substrate selection generally begins with the crop and the physical balance between drainage, water retention and air-filled porosity.
"Water quality is another consideration that can be overlooked when managing irrigation and fertilisation," Fred notes. "It's really important to know your water quality and to make sure you begin with good quality water for the irrigation and fertilization." © Lambert Peat Moss Inc.
"By letting some peat chunks in the mix, that will give you more airspace, a little bit more drainage, and the mix will dry a little bit faster than if you keep those chunks aside." This approach is particularly relevant where growers have established irrigation strategies and know how a substrate needs to respond within their production system. Consistency from harvest to delivery For Fred, consistency is a central factor in substrate performance because predictable physical characteristics allow growers to manage crops with greater certainty.
Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality, which is exactly the kind of controllable efficiency gain a facility can build on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does substrate sensing matter in free-drain strawberry systems?
Because drain percentage tells a grower what already happened, while substrate moisture and EC data show root-zone conditions directly. That makes it easier to cut water loss without guessing.
What is the operator takeaway from this trial?
If the thresholds are understood well enough, growers can reduce drain water materially while protecting yield and fruit quality, which makes sensing an operational tool instead of a reporting tool.
