Stone and the cultivation of plants go perfectly hand in hand. Transforming and utilising an abundant natural resource to benefit humanity is something we find rather magical and exciting. With Grodan stone wool growing media growers cultivate fresh produce that contribute to the health of consumers around the world. What is it that makes stone wool so special?
In our brochure ‘7 strengths of stone wool growing media’ we explain why stone wool is perfectly suited for growing healthy and fresh food efficiently and sustainably. And with that the growing media to feed a growing population. Each strength is explained and enriched with links to other publications. In that way you can read much more on topics related to this story.
In this journey we take you by the hand and enlighten you on 7 strengths of stone wool growing. Which are these?
We believe we inspired you to read further and to discover much more on the seven strengths of our stone wool growing media. In case you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
With Grodan stone wool growing media growers cultivate fresh produce that contribute to the health of consumers around the world. What is it that makes stone wool so special?
Data science and AI technologies present us with so many opportunities to collect and mine data in the greenhouse. This paper will help you begin your journey to get the best out of your greenhouse data. There’s a bright future ahead!
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High-tech greenhouse horticulture is preparing for a new, global transition to data-driven growing practices. In Horticulture 4.0, countless sensors and measuring systems collect a constant flow of data on growth conditions and the functioning of crops, from both visible parts of the plants as well as in the root zone environment. These multiple data flows and their correlation are analysed centrally and translated real-time into setpoints using sophisticated growth models and smart, self-learning software. The recommendations can be used to maximise the expected operating results. This is the ultimate form of Precision Growing.
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In today’s conditions, growing crops can be likened to performing sport at elite level. Green fingers and a passion for growing no longer guarantee good operating results. The goalposts are constantly being shifted. Stringent environmental regulations and legislation, excessive demands placed by customers, fierce competition and small margins force growers to maximise the potential of their crops efficiently and sustainably. At the same time, the continuing trend of upscaling, the tight labour market (smaller pool of available labour) and dwindling numbers of experienced crop managers (vanishing expertise) are all obstacles along the path of achieving business continuity and success. Not just today, but also tomorrow and in the years ahead.
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The composition of the nutrient solution should be appropriate to the needs of the crop. One of the benefits of using Grodan stone wool substrates is that the nutrient composition is under total control of growers. However the uptake of particular nutrients varies constantly with growth and fruit load therefore the nutrient balance, pH and EC in the root zone is also constantly changing.
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How does one optimise the slab EC and WC? As the longest day approaches, keeping the slab and the crop in the proper ‘rhythm’ is necessary for peak production and fruit quality under the most stressful and demanding period of the year.
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How to fine tune the irrigation strategy during spring & summer to avoid costly mistakes using tools such as the Grodan GroSens system and the graphics function of the climate computer.
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How a plant uses water and the interaction between root zone and aerial environments
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Goals and targets for crop and root zone management in response to changes in plant development, fruit load and light levels.
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Starting a new crop is always an interesting time of year. It’s an eagerly awaited fresh start however some decisions and actions we make now can have a big impact later in the cultivation.
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Have you ever wondered why at certain times of the year tomato crops are more susceptible to fruit quality disorders? For the most common physiological disorders namely blossom end rot (BER) and uneven colour (blotchy ripening) this whitepaper explains their cause and prescribes simple solutions to avoid / minimise risk of symptom expression in the first place.
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The volume of irrigation water applied per square meter is linked to radiation sum as a general rule in the ratio 3.0 ml per joule. The exact figure will ultimately depend on outside weather influences such as wind speed, humidity as well as the greenhouse vent position. The question is whether this total drain volume is necessary or not? So what is the role of drain and what is a sufficient volume of the drain?
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Maintaining a good nutrient balance along with a well-executed irrigation strategy can help to avoid many of the common fruit quality disorders which are experienced over summer. Standard feed recipes are available from all analytical laboratories and it is important that you take samples of water from within the slab on a regular basis so that the feed solution can be adjusted in order to maintain the correct nutrient ratios throughout the summer.
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Maintaining a good nutrient balance in the root zone can help avoid many common fruit quality disorders. Standard feed recipes are available from all analytical laboratories and with a regular analysis of the root zone solution the feed solution can be adjusted so that optimum nutrient ratios are maintained.
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This year, the focus of the United Nations observance is how to accelerate the change needed to solve the water and sanitation crisis. The global campaign is called “Be the change”. The aim is to encourage society to take action and change the way we use, consume and manage water. As Grodan, being an active member in this society, our aim is to provide the best solutions and provide high-end services that can support growers to “Grow more, with less” and change towards a sustainable way of growing while respecting natural resources.
Solving agricultural recycling challenges: Learn how post-harvest Grodan stone wool substrate is turned into clean growing media for better agricultural waste management.
Being part of the greenhouse sector, we are well aware of the fact that the current season came with multiple challenges and uncertainties in your greenhouse. Gas, energy, the significantly increased inflation, and the changing climate asks for even more flexibility and creativity to adapt to this changing environment.
We know many of you are facing a number of challenges in your greenhouse. With harvest season right around the corner, you could likely use some extra hands! Unfortunately, with the current staff shortages, extra labor is not easy to find. Additionally, gas prices are higher than ever which makes it even more important to use your energy as efficiently as possible. At the same time, consumers are increasingly demanding high quality crops with sustainability playing an increasingly important role.
The world of commercial strawberry growing is at a crossroads. Internal and external factors are pushing forward-looking growers like Genson to rethink their production practices, not least the substrate they use. In this context, a couple of years back Genson asked independent expert, Elke Schellekens from Floraison, to lead a series of trials testing different substrates, including Grodan stone wool. The trials are still running, but Elke took a moment out from her busy schedule to reflect with the people at Grodan who’ve been involved with the trials on progress to date.
When Finnish hydroponic lettuce growers Viherkaste OY found themselves facing persistent production problems, they worked with experts from Grodan to find a solution. Here CEO Erkki Nylund and Operational Manager Ilkka Saloranta discuss their journey.
We are a global leader in the supply of innovative stone wool substrate solutions for the professional horticultural based on Precision Growing principles.
