ISHS Acta Horticulturae 697: International Symposium on Soilless Culture and Hydroponics
FYTOCELL, AN INCREASINGLY POPULAR SUBSTRATE |
| Author: | J.C.C. Welleman |
| Abstract:
Aminoplast-foams have been used for decades as soil improvers all over the world. Over the past five-year introduction period Fytocell, an aminoplast-foam with additional specific physical characteristics, has provided very good results as a “unique and promising” substrate for the soil less culture sector. Fytocell is an organic synthetic hydrophilic foam, which is biodegradable with an open cell structure. It provides optimum capillarity, homogenously throughout the whole substrate, providing an water/air ratio of 60/40, irrespective of height. As a result of these physical characteristics: Fytocell maintains a good water/air ratio, even when frequently watered; Fytocell promotes strong and uniform rooting throughout the whole substrate; even when fully saturated, the air content is still around 30%, and Fytocell is easy to re-wet. Fytocell can be produced in the local horticultural growing areas resulting in major logistical cost savings. Recent research at the University of Wageningen (environmental technology) has proven that Fytocell is compostable with other organic materials such as plant waste. A solution for waste disposal can therefore be resolved locally. The composted product retains nearly all of its physical characteristics and is very suitable as a soil improver. Fytocell has proven itself within numerous horticultural sectors and fully backs up the results collected at international research and trial stations. | |
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