Manage crop substrate.

Management should include

• evaluating substrate components, including peat moss, bark, coir, soil, vermiculite, perlite, sand, compost, wetting agents, and mycorrhiza
• assessing substrate moisture level and optimum levels
• handling substrate
• preparing a substrate sample for testing and evaluating
• testing substrate pH and electrical conductivity (EC).

Process/Skill Questions:

• How do the components of a substrate influence plant growth?
• What is the importance of using sterilized substrate?
• How should substrates be stored?
• Why is it important to understand how various substrates differ in water-holding capacity?
• Which substrates use biological agents to maximize nutrient uptake?