Grodan introduces new Grodan Vital slab
Grodan has introduced the new Grodan Vital slab. This advanced slab produced on the basis of the pioneering Next Generation technology offers important advantages in comparison with traditional slabs, such as simpler irrigation management, a safer water buffer, improved re-saturation and quicker root establishment. With the introduction of the new Grodan Vital slab professional growers will have a reliable substrate at their disposal guaranteeing them optimum growing results.
The Next Generation technology has been developed by Grodan in reaction to the rapid changes in the horticultural sector, where scaling-up and new cultivation systems force growers to continuously adapt their management. Measurements have shown that solutions with substrate produced on the basis of this technology are characterised by much improved root establishment of the plants, uniformity of the crops and re-saturation of the slabs.
The improved slab properties result in a wider control range and a more even distribution of WC and EC, both within slabs and between slabs. Tests in which the Next Generation slabs are compared with the existing range of slabs show that a substantial increase in yield is possible with the new slabs. Given these properties, the Next Generation Grodan Vital slab is the solution for the professional grower looking for a reliable substrate that offers assurance during the entire crop.
Grodan Vital
The improved properties of Grodan Vital make simple irrigation possible with any adjustment a grower wants to make. The grower may safely vary the water content within a band width of 55 to 78 per cent. Should he have supplied too little water, he can re-saturate the slab at any moment within a short period of time. The Grodan Vital slab can also be subjected high irrigation volumes because the water content will not readily become too high. So, a precise or irrigation strategy is not necessary for this slab type but still possible, if required.
The improved capillarity of Grodan Vital ensures that the slab remains humid from top to bottom under any condition, so that there is always enough water available to the plants. The combination of the generous water buffer and excellent re-saturation, minimises the chance of the slabs becoming too dry. Experiments have shown that the roots spread more evenly through the new slab than through the standard Expert slab.
Roots easily penetrate the slab because of Grodan Vital's open fibre structure resulting in quick root establishment. This guarantees smooth and even development at the start of the crop. The substrate contains visibly more roots of higher quality. The improved rooting-in process is the basis for strong, vital plants with a vigour that is notably greater than with plants on the standard Expert slab. The extra firmness of the slab guarantees a stable root volume right up until the end of the cultivation cycle.
The straightforward way of irrigating, safe water buffer and quick root establishment of Grodan Vital help the grower to increase the yield of his crop, improve the quality of his products, limit his business risks and increase his operating income. Reliability and assurance are the main factors for this. In addition, the new slab is multi-usable: it is suitable for the cultivation of the most important vegetable crops, such as tomato, sweet pepper, cucumber, eggplant.
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