Review on Ideal Growing Media for Sustainable Plant Growth and Soilless Cultivation

Abstract

In contemporary horticulture, growing media is crucial. Soil-less media provides superior aeration, water retention, structural and chemical support and nutrient availability for plant growth as compared to conventional soils. A perfect growing medium should be lightweight, well-drained, porous, and able to retain the right amount of moisture and nutrients. Potting media, which includes cocopeat, eggshell powder, vermicompost, charcoal, rice husk ash, neem cake, and microorganisms like Trichoderma, is made from a variety of inorganic and organic elements. By boosting porosity, pH buffering, water-holding capacity, nutrient availability and microbial activity, growing media enhances their physical and chemical characteristics. A well-designed growing mixture can greatly increase nutrient uptake and plant growth yield as compared to soil-based media, according to case studies of a variety of horticultural plants. Therefore, selecting an appropriate component and preserving the right physical and chemical characteristics are necessary to provide effective and appropriate growing media for the development of horticulture crops.