You want to plant, but you don’t know what the substrate is, a very common doubt. This composition is essential for your plants and here we explain everything.

If you want to work in any crop, you must know what substrate is, as it is the medium where the roots of plants obtain the nutrients and stability necessary to grow. In addition, there are several types, each with ideal characteristics depending on the plants you are growing.

Similarly, to optimise their use, it is important to choose the right environment, such as a multi-tunnel greenhouse, a gothic greenhouse or a multi wide-span greenhouse. All allow you to maintain precise control over the climate and soil conditions. Interested in understanding more about the substrate? Read on and don’t miss out on the details.

1. What is plant substrate?
2. Properties of the substrate for plants and crops
3. Types of substrates for plants and crops
   • Organic substrate
   • Inorganic substrate
4. What should the perfect substrate look like?
5. Differences between substrate and soil
6. Advantages of using substrate for plants and crops

What is plant substrate?

The substrate is the material where the roots of plants develop within the crop. It usually provides physical support and contains essential nutrients for the plant to grow strong and healthy.

A well-applied substrate must retain water and air so that nutrients are well absorbed. All this maximises yields on an industrial level, but also allows for successful harvests at home.

Properties of the substrate for plants and crops

Now that we know what the substrate is, it is time to get to know its properties. We will explain them in three groups: physical, chemical and organic. Ahora que sabemos qué es el sustrato, es momento de conocer sus propiedades. Las explicaremos en base a tres grupos: físicas, químicas y orgánicas.

Physical properties:

• Grain structure: The substrate has a shape that can affect drainage and aeration. The idea is that it should be a balanced mixture.
• Porosity: The capacity to retain water and air. A suitable porosity is 70%.
• Bulk density: Lightweight substrates are better to handle and entail lower transport costs.

Chemical properties:

• pH: This is the level of acidity of the substrate, the ideal should be a neutral between 5.5 and 7.0.
• Cation exchange capacity (CEC): Its capacity to retain and release nutrients.
•  Electrical conductivity (EC): These should not be too high, as it refers to the concentration of soluble salts and there are plants that are sensitive.

Biological properties:

• Microbial activity: Indicates the presence of positive micro-organisms that generate a healthier soil.
• Organic matter: This is what ensures that the substrate is fertile and has good physical and chemical properties.

Types of substrates for plants and crops

When analysing and understanding what substrate is, you should also consider that there is not just one substrate. Here are the two types of substrate, organic and inorganic.

Organic substrate

It is the substrate created from biological materials, and may include the following:

• Peat: Partially decomposed material with good nutrient and water holding capacity.
• Coconut fibre: It comes from the mesocarp of the coconut and has good aeration and water retention.
• Compost: This is created by the controlled decomposition of organic waste. It is excellent for providing nutrients.

Inorganic substrate

These are of mineral origin and have a perfect structure for drainage and aeration. Among the common ones we have:

• Sand: They are ideal for improving drainage.
• Perlite: A lightweight, porous, expanded volcanic rock.
• Vermiculite: Another expanded mineral with good water and nutrient retention.
• Gradual clay: Clay pellets are used to create better drainage and aeration.

What should the perfect substrate look like?

The way to understand a substrate is to analyse several of its characteristics. To do this, consider the following:

• Nutrient supply: Must have the essentials for plants to grow strong and healthy.
• It can’t be too compact: The roots must have freedom, so a very compact and hard scare will make this difficult.
• Retain good moisture: Just as it needs to drain, it needs enough moisture to support the roots.
• Stability: It should not lose its physical properties easily, such as when in contact with water.
• Needs to be sterile: Free of plant pathogens.
• Root aeration: For this, it is necessary to ensure that the substrate has good porosity.
• pH: It should be between 5.5 and 7.

Differences between substrate and soil

Many people confuse substrate with soil, but here we explain the main differences.

• Composition: The soil is a natural mixture of sand, clay and organic matter, while the substrate is created from selected materials.
• Control: The substrate ensures that the conditions for the roots, such as moisture or nutrients, are controlled. Soil does not.
• Weight: The soil is heavier, the substrate is lighter and easier to handle.

Advantages of using substrate for plants and crops

• Increased water and nutrient retention: They are created so that the roots can absorb more nutrients and good moisture. It also retains them for as long as necessary.
• Good root control: Roots develop better because the substrate is porous and encourages root growth.
• Flexibility for indoor and outdoor cultivation: No matter in which type of garden you use it, you can apply substrate to your large plantations or controlled cultivation in greenhouses.

If you are interested in choosing a suitable structure for sowing and growing, don’t hesitate to get to know Fertri’s garden greenhouses. They are excellent for planting without having to worry about weather conditions.

Some recommended styles are the multi-tunnel greenhouse, gothic greenhouse or multi wide-span greenhouse. But you need to check each one to choose the one that suits your needs.