Rock Wool
Rock wool (or mineral wool) is probably the most common medium of hydroponics. Rock wool is an inactive substrate that is suitable for systems with a free drainage, as well as for circulation systems. It is extracted from melted stones, which are spun to cotton candy-like fibers.
![Steinwolle]()
A fibrous medium is produced that is subject to the effect of the capillarity, which is not reduced by microbiological activity. To the advantages of rock wool can be count:
They are very light, free from germs and possess a low cation exchange capacity (CEC), whereby nutrients and water are available at any time, plus they exist in different fiber-sizes and –orientations.
Rock wool with a higher density improves the capillary action and the distribution of the humidity and nutrients as well, which animates the roots to grow in multiple areas of the medium. Thus the quantity of nutrient-soaked areas increases, which are necessary for an excellent plant production.
After usage, the rock wool can be recycled to bricks or new rock wool and/or incorporated into the soil, as they are made from natural stone and contain a high amount of fertilizer.
A fibrous medium is produced that is subject to the effect of the capillarity, which is not reduced by microbiological activity. To the advantages of rock wool can be count:
They are very light, free from germs and possess a low cation exchange capacity (CEC), whereby nutrients and water are available at any time, plus they exist in different fiber-sizes and –orientations.
Rock wool with a higher density improves the capillary action and the distribution of the humidity and nutrients as well, which animates the roots to grow in multiple areas of the medium. Thus the quantity of nutrient-soaked areas increases, which are necessary for an excellent plant production.
After usage, the rock wool can be recycled to bricks or new rock wool and/or incorporated into the soil, as they are made from natural stone and contain a high amount of fertilizer.