Soil Media

Bookworm…

Grab a “Introduction to Horticulture Book” Read pages 130-135 Answer this question on a paper:

What is media?

What is the function of media?

What kinds of media are used?

Inorganic vs Organic

What is the difference? Organic contains carbon Inorganic does not Organic is dead plant or animal tissue Inorganic is living tissue

Organic Matter

Compost Composting is the decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy,

dark, crumbly substance

Bark Particles are too large to use in seed germination media

Mulch Used to cover soil to help hold moisture, prevent weeds, etc.

Straw Used to help prevent erosion.

Organic Matter

Peat Moss Absorbs water and air like a sponge.

Partially decomposed from swamps & holds moisture well.

Sphagnum Like peat moss but found on the top of a bog. Dehydrated remains of acid bog. Used in line wire baskets. Holds moisture well.

Saw Dust High carbon to nitrogen ratio makes nitrogen unavailable for plant use.

Wood shavings

High carbon to nitrogen ratio makes nitrogen unavailable for plant use.

Inorganic Compounds

Soil less Media

Artificial soil

Vermiculite Mica mineral matter used to start seeds and cuttings, helps hold moisture, has neutral pH.

Perlite Natural volcanic material that helps aeration and water-holding capacity

Advantages of Horticultural Soils

1. The soil is sterile. 2. The pH is neutral for most commercial

blends of media mixes. 3. The soil is disease and weed free.

Advantages Continued…

4. It is good for starting disease sensitive seeds (tomato).

5. It is easy to control the nutrient content of the soil.

6. It improves crop uniformity. 7. It is easy to create a horticulture soil for

particular plant needs.

Disadvantages

It is expensive It is light weight