Brian Jackson
North Carolina State University

 Current & Future Trends in Substrates 

For over half a century the horticultural crop production world in North America has used and relied on peat and perlite as the primary components in soil-less growing mixes (substrates). Recent trends have turned to other materials (for various reasons) which have had significant impacts on some substrate manufacturers, distributors, and growers. This presentation will take an in-depth look at the current and future uses, trends, threats, and potentials in substrates for horticultural production systems.

Anissa Poleatewich
University of New Hampshire

From the Ground Up: How soil-less substrate can affect biocontrol efficacy  

In modern greenhouse production several soil-less substrates are used as a rooting medium for plant growth. Common substrates (peat, coconut-fiber, composted bark mulch, wood fiber, oasis foam and rockwool) differ in their texture, water-holding capacity, organic matter, pH and availability of key nutrients. These chemical and physical properties influence the microbial community structure and function with significant implications for biocontrol. These properties may also affect the efficacy of fungal and bacterial biopesticides differently. This presentation will highlight current and past research on the effect of substrate on biocontrol of soil-borne plant pathogens to help growers consider the biocontrol implications when choosing from the vast array of substrates on the market.

Brian Jackson
North Carolina State University

Water Management in Wood Fiber Substrates 

With the increased use of wood products in horticultural substrates, there has been a shift in cultural practices that many growers have had to adjust to when switching from their “traditional” mixes. Three main areas of crop management are most affected by the use of substrates that contain an appreciable percentage of wood products: 1) Fertility, 2) pH, and 3) Irrigation management. This presentation will focus on the water/irrigation characteristics, behavior, and management when growing crops in mixes containing wood products.

Ryan Dickson
University of Arkansas

Keep Calm and Irrigate On!  Managing Water Quality for Greenhouse Crops (Part 1)

This is the first presentation of a two-part series, and will focus on the initial quality of irrigation water before being used with plants. Key aspects of using different sources of irrigation water, considerations for water storage, water quality measurements and interpretation will be covered as well as potential benefits/pros and cons of various water treatment technologies and costs. Participants will learn how to characterize their own water quality in terms of dissolved salts, particulates and debris, and biological load as well as how water quality affects fertilization, irrigation practices, equipment functioning, and plant growth.

Michelle Jones
Ohio State University

Improving Growth & Nutrient Use with Beneficial Microorganisms in Substrate 

The addition of beneficial microorganisms to the growing substrate helps build a healthy microbial community in containerized plants.  This is similar to what probiotics do for the human digestive system.  This strategy of increasing the diversity of beneficial microorganisms improves the growing substrate environment and promotes beneficial plant-microbe interactions that create healthier, more resilient crops.  Data from trials at The Ohio State University will be presented to show the beneficial effects of both commercial products and novel bacterial isolates on growth promotion under low fertility stress.  

Ryan Dickson
University of Arkansas

Keep Calm and Irrigate On!  Managing Water Quality for Greenhouse Crops (Part 2)

This second presentation of a two-part series will focus on managing water quality and nutrients during crop production, particularly in systems where water is captured and recirculated for reuse. Key aspects covered will include maintaining proper root zone pH and nutrient availability, sanitizing the irrigation water, avoiding accumulation of agri-chemicals, considerations for water filtration and treatment technologies, systems designs and water flows. Participants will learn cost-effective strategies to monitor water quality and make decisions regarding water sanitation and treatment during production.