The balance between water retention and aeration continues to be a central focus in the development of professional growing media, according to substrate supplier ASB Greenworld. The company reports increasing interest in substrate formulations that combine peat moss with wood fiber to manage moisture availability and oxygen supply in the root zone.

"One of the most important characteristics of a professional growing medium is its ability to maintain the balance between water retention and aeration," says Olesia Klimchuk of ASB Professional. "Healthy plant development depends on both sufficient moisture availability and adequate oxygen supply in the root zone."

Water retention remains a primary requirement in greenhouse production, propagation and container cultivation. According to the company, sphagnum peat moss is widely used because of its capacity to absorb and retain water while releasing it gradually to plant roots.

Olesia notes that stable moisture levels can support irrigation management, nutrient uptake and root development. Uniform water distribution is particularly relevant in greenhouse production systems and seedling cultivation, where growing conditions can influence crop development and production planning.

At the same time, oxygen availability within the root zone remains an important factor for root respiration and nutrient absorption. Substrates that become compacted or remain saturated for extended periods can limit oxygen availability to roots.

ASB points to the fibrous structure of peat moss as a factor that contributes to air-filled pore space within the growing medium. According to the company, this structure can support drainage, root penetration, microbial activity and oxygen supply to the root system.

Wood fiber
Wood fiber has become a more common component in horticultural substrates as growers and suppliers evaluate alternative raw materials and peat-reduction strategies. Produced from processed wood materials such as spruce and pine, wood fiber is increasingly incorporated into professional growing media formulations.

"When combined with peat moss, wood fiber increases air capacity and improves drainage while maintaining substrate structure," says Olesia.
The company states that wood fiber can also reduce substrate weight and help maintain porosity during the cultivation cycle by limiting compaction.

The use of wood fiber is also linked to ongoing efforts within the horticultural sector to reduce peat content in growing media. According to ASB, partial peat replacement with wood fiber can be achieved while maintaining the physical properties required for commercial cultivation.
Olesia says that substrate formulations containing peat moss and wood fiber are developed to maintain the interaction between water retention and aeration throughout the production cycle.
The company reports that growers using such substrate combinations aim to support root development, irrigation management, crop uniformity and production consistency while reducing overall peat content in the growing medium.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com