Unit 4: Preparation of Planting Medium

Jaafar Juju Nakasha

4.1 Introduction
Growing media consist of mixtures of components that provide water, air, nutrients and
support to plants. Important characteristic of media components that influences watering
practices is wettability, i.e., the ability of dry media to rapidly absorb water when moistened. A
surfactant used occasionally can help media rewet more readily. The choice of media should be
influenced by irrigation systems and practices.

Fertigation technique uses the growing media that contain a variety of soilless ingredients
such as peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, shredded coconut husks (coir), composted bark or
other composted materials. Field soils are generally unsatisfactory for the production of plants
in containers because soils do not provide good aeration, drainage and water holding capacity
required and they need to be pasteurized or fumigated to prevent diseases and weeds.
Growing media are designed to achieve high porosity and water retention while providing
adequate aeration. A nutrient charge is added and the pH adjusted to approximately 6.0.

Coconut coir dust (also known as coco-pith, coir waste or fiber dust) consists of short spongy
fibers and dust which are by-product in the processing of husk to coir fiber. It is 100% organic
and eco-friendly and bio-degradable product (Figure 3.1). Coir dust retains water firmly,
holding it 8-9 times its weight and slowly releases water to the plant through its feeding roots.
The benefits of using this media are:
 Makes the crop tolerant to drought because of its high water - holding capacity,
thus, minimizing the depressive effect of drought on crop physiology and yield.
 Creates favorable soil structure when applied as mulch.
 Supplies some nutrients i.e. macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, Na) and
micronutrients (Zn, B, Fe, Mn, Cu) necessary for plant growth
 Provides for good medium for nursery and seedlings.

Various types of soil and soilless media can be used as the planting media. Generally,
composition for soil mixture media is the combination from few components like top soil, sand
and organic matter. The amount for each component is express by ratio, for example, 3:2:1
media, which indicate 3 parts of top soil, 2 parts of organic matter (example: chicken manure)
and 1 part of sand. As for the soilless media, it can be use alone, or in combination with other
components. Compounds that are categorized under soilless are vermiculite, perlite, peat

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moss, calcined clay and coconut peat. Each component has its own unique character and
having pros and cons. Therefore, it is better to mix different types of media with correct ratio
in order to create better environment for the roots to grow and develop.

Figure 4.1: Coconut coir block/brick (Left) and dust (Right)

4.2 Objectives
Students will be able to:
1. Prepare planting media
2. Understand the ratio and composition of growing media

4.3 Methodology
A. Materials
Polybag, coco-pith, bricks.

B. Preparation of Planting Media

 Make sure that the area is clean and the drip irrigation system is functioning.
 Fold ¼ on the top of the poly bag.
 Make sure that the growing medium and the poly bags are clean. Fill-up the poly
bag with growing medium.
 Make sure that the media is not too dense and not too loose.
 Do flushing by running the water onto planting media
 Arrange the poly bags in the plot and make sure that the planting distance is
suitable.
 Place the pen dripper in the media and test the system for 5 minutes.

 Make sure all the poly bags are wet after 30 minutes, in order to ensure that each
of the pen dripper is functioning.

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4.4. Activities
 Put planting media in poly bag.
 Flushing.
 Arrange the bricks as or putting the poly bag.
 Put the dripper in the polybag and test its working.

4.5 Keywords
Substrate, soil, soilless, plant growth

4.6 Student Observation

4.7 Summary
One must understand and know the characteristics of the planting media to be used in order
to decide the fertilizer program and frequency in irrigating the plants.

References
Kandil, H. (2019). Improving Production of Plants by Fertigation. LAP Lambert Academic
Publishing.

Shejul, A. and Khedkar, D. (2019). Drip Fertigation for Green Peas. LAP Lambert Academic
P Cox, D.A. 2008. Organic Growing Media and Fertilizers for Greenhouses.

Faust, J. E. and E. W. Growing Media for Greenhouse Production, University of Tennessee.

http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pbfiles/PB1618.pdf

Kuepper, G. and K. Everett. 2004. Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/potmix.pdf

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