Hydroponics Growing Medium
In hydroponics, the growing medium replaces the dirt/soil, it does not provide nutrition, but the root can support the weight of the plant and remain upright.
Different types of list hydroponic media
Rock wool
Rock Wool is one of the most commonly used growing medium in hydroponic culture. Rock wool is a sterile, porous, non-degradable medium. Rock wool is very easy to suck water, so you should be careful not to let it become saturated, otherwise it will suffocate the roots of your plant and cause the stems to rot and root rot. The rock wool should be ph balanced before use. This is done by soaking it in a ph balanced water before use.
Expanded clay
Expanded clay is commonly used for hydroponic cultivation, hydroponics and water culture. Expanded clay can be easily used in plant growth matrices. Expanded clay is used in agriculture and landscape. It can change soil mechanics. It is used as a growth medium in hydroponic systems and is mixed with other growth media such as soil and peat to improve drainage, maintain moisture during droughts, isolate roots during frost, and increase oxygen levels in the roots, promoting very vigorous growth. Expanded clay can be mixed with heavy earth to improve its ventilation and drainage.
Perlite
In Hydroponics, perlite can be used as a soil conditioner or as a culture medium for hydroponic or starting cuttings alone. When used as a modifier, it has a high permeability/low water quality, helping to prevent soil compaction. Perlite is an excellent filter additive, which is widely used as a substitute for diatomite. The popularity of perlite as a filter medium has been greatly increased worldwide.