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What are the focus areas for the reuse of substrate mats?

Some growers choose to reuse substrate mats. This involves several risks such as the risk of contamination by pathogens, a reduced water capacity and slower rooting. The reuse of substrate mats is therefore not recommended. If, in spite of all this, you still choose to reuse the substrate mats, then observe focus areas below. This way you can reduce the risks as much as possible.
Substrate mats in tomato crop
Roel Bijl
Product Specialist Plant Resilience and Substrates | July 18, 2023 | 4 min. reading time

Sampling drain water

Then have the drain water of the substrate mats sampled before you plant new crop. Thus you will be aware which harmful micro-organisms are present in the substrate mats, so you can take adequate measures immediately. In case of high disease burden, it would be worth considering to still purchase new mats instead of reusing mats. 

Replacing damaged mats

Also check whether any mats are damaged. If so, replace them by new mats as a damaged substrate mat has a smaller volume, poor oxygen conditions, which makes it an attractive breeding ground for all kinds of pathogens.

Steaming substrate mats

In addition it is advisable to steam the substrate mats you wish to use again, prior to the new cultivation. The high temperature of the steam will kill (most of) the pathogens in the substrate mats, reducing the risk of contamination of the new crop.

Cleaning the dripping system

Also clean the dripping system before starting the new cultivation. This is important even when starting to use new substrate mats, but when reusing substrate mats, it is absolutely imperative. During the previous cultivation, bacteria and other micro-organisms may have accumulated in the dripping system. When these end up in the reused substrate mats, they cause an even higher risk of contamination of the young plants.

Avoiding ammonium

When you start placing plants on the reused substrate mats, avoid the use of ammonium. The bacteria present in the mats will convert this into nitrate, which takes up a lot of oxygen and may lead to pH-decline in the mat. (Once the new crop has been planted you can however make use of ammonium; after all the water won't be standing still for a longer period of time).

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What are the focus areas for the reuse of substrate mats?

Some growers choose to reuse substrate mats. This involves several risks such as the risk of contamination by pathogens, a reduced water capacity and slower rooting. The reuse of substrate mats is therefore not recommended. If, in spite of all this, you still choose to reuse the substrate mats, then observe focus areas below. This way you can reduce the risks as much as possible.
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Roel Bijl Product Specialist Plant Resilience and Substrates
Roel Bijl
Product Specialist Plant Resilience and Substrates | July 18, 2023 | 4 min. reading time
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Substrate mats in tomato crop
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Sampling drain water

Then have the drain water of the substrate mats sampled before you plant new crop. Thus you will be aware which harmful micro-organisms are present in the substrate mats, so you can take adequate measures immediately. In case of high disease burden, it would be worth considering to still purchase new mats instead of reusing mats. 

Replacing damaged mats

Also check whether any mats are damaged. If so, replace them by new mats as a damaged substrate mat has a smaller volume, poor oxygen conditions, which makes it an attractive breeding ground for all kinds of pathogens.

Steaming substrate mats

In addition it is advisable to steam the substrate mats you wish to use again, prior to the new cultivation. The high temperature of the steam will kill (most of) the pathogens in the substrate mats, reducing the risk of contamination of the new crop.

Cleaning the dripping system

Also clean the dripping system before starting the new cultivation. This is important even when starting to use new substrate mats, but when reusing substrate mats, it is absolutely imperative. During the previous cultivation, bacteria and other micro-organisms may have accumulated in the dripping system. When these end up in the reused substrate mats, they cause an even higher risk of contamination of the young plants.

Avoiding ammonium

When you start placing plants on the reused substrate mats, avoid the use of ammonium. The bacteria present in the mats will convert this into nitrate, which takes up a lot of oxygen and may lead to pH-decline in the mat. (Once the new crop has been planted you can however make use of ammonium; after all the water won't be standing still for a longer period of time).

Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Roel Bijl will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Roel Bijl Product Specialist Plant Resilience and Substrates
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