As a grower, you want the EC, water content and root distribution in your substrate under the best possible control in order to maximise the benefits of these factors for your crop. After all, these factors are of crucial importance for a good healthy root system and, therefore, for a healthy crop and an excellent crop yield.
A homogeneous stone wool substrate is also essential for unrestricted and uniform root growth as this is the only way to optimally control water and nutrient delivery to achieve a good harvest. This is why Cultilene places a high priority on maximum control and homogeneity.
A substrate that can dry back quickly, making it possible to maintain control with a low water content during periods of lower light while also giving easy re-saturation: this is what you as a grower want and expect. You also aim for the most homogeneous moisture distribution at all times. This is easier said than done: after all, gravity always makes sure that water sinks to the bottom of the slab. Other factors in this are the root distribution and the type of roots.
As a grower, the target is always to get good plant balance: achieving the best possible balance between generative and vegetative growth. An important factor in achieving this is the EC in the root zone as this affects water and nutrients uptake. It’s only logical to want to control this as closely as possible. Having a good uniform EC distribution throughout the entire substrate is very important. This is because big differences in EC levels means that the substrate is not being used to its full capacity, as plant roots avoid areas in the substrate with high EC levels. This results in a less beneficial root distribution and reduced control.
As a grower, the target is always to get good root distribution throughout the substrate slab. This is because good root distribution helps to make a more uniform and easier to control EC level and water content. An important factor influencing root distribution is the fibre structure: in a slab with vertically fibres, the roots grow down faster than they would in a slab with horizontally fibres. Maximising the number of hair roots growing in the substrate is also beneficial as they play an important role in nutrient uptake.