by Brian Cantin, Senior Grower Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n In all the trials, there has been a minimal change made to growing practices. However, regardless of which new mix is being trialed, there are always precautionary measures to take and recommendations to follow. In regards to water applied, the BM4 NF Wood tends to have increased water retention compared to classic peat perlite mixes and early watering practices should be based on this ability to hold slightly more water. In retrospect, it has always been a recommendation that early watering practices for all mixes abide by the same precautions.<\/strong> Certain growers have found that the dry-down cycles are more predictable. The interfacing and nesting of the NF Wood amongst the sphagnum peat moss creates large cavities (macro pores) that allows for excess water to drain after irrigation. In essence, the wood fiber acts as an aggregate and is an adequate alternative to perlite.<\/strong> It is always important to remember that the main component in most growing media recipes is peat, therefore the quality and consistency of the peat used to manufacture the substrate remains fundamental. In the BM4 NF Wood products, the physical characteristics of both the peat and the NF Wood are designed to obtain optimal porosity to enhance and help develop a healthy root system.<\/p>\n <\/div> Wood fiber is not completely inert. However, internal research has found that there is negligible drawdown of nitrogen in mixes where the percentage of NF Wood is less than 30% by volume. Greenhouse trials done by growers have confirmed this observation and we have seen no evidence to indicate any immobilization of nitrogen with our BM4 NF Wood products. None of these trials have required feed practices out of the norm. The increased water retention provides crops with a greater water reserve.<\/strong> Several of the growers trialing the mix did indicate that the dry down period with the BM4 NF Wood was more predictable and the overall frequency of irrigations was reduced. Moreover, a good reserve of nutrients can be established thanks to the high cation exchange capacity (CEC) of both peat moss and NF Wood, providing a well-managed nutrient program should prepare the finished product for post-harvest shelf life. As with any soilless mix, discretion has to be used when choosing a mix. The one issue that always stood at the forefront of success has been a good understanding of water management. Consult your sales representative if you are wary about using this product for a particular crop. With access to Berger\u2019s Technical Services and a team of grower advisors, they can provide the appropriate support.<\/p>\n <\/div> With its low surface tension, this product is hydrophilic. In other words, it has an affinity for water which significantly improves water distribution and the wettability of the substrate. Since it is a natural by-product of the wood industry, it is sustainable and renewable. It utilizes a greener production process when compared to other aggregates typically added to substrates. Moreover, although it is very stable thanks to its manufacturing process, NF Wood is completely biodegradable thanks to the fact that it is comprised of organic matter.<\/strong> In-house trials of different wood species were done in order to select the ideal raw material to produce the NF Wood. The NF Wood is produced in North America with yellow pine sapwood residues of the lumber industry. Sapwood is the active, living portion of wood where the sap flows, which is partly why the wettability of this material is so good. Color is added purely for aesthetic purposes. This is typically achieved by adding bark dust during the manufacturing process of the wood fiber. The bark dust adheres to the wood fiber and give it a brown color. However, a large fraction of the bark dust doesn\u2019t stick to the fibers, thus increasing the proportion of fine particles present in the mix. This additional dust can be detrimental to the physical characteristics of the substrate, which is why Berger opted not to color the wood fiber used in its products.
\nQuestion no<\/sup>1<\/span><\/h4>\n
How does Wood Fiber change my growing practices?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div><\/p>\nQuestion no<\/sup>2<\/span><\/h4>\n
Will a grower need to adjust his water management?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div><\/p>\nQuestion no<\/sup>3<\/span><\/h4>\n
Why isn\u2019t there perlite in the mix?<\/h3>\n
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\nQuestion no<\/sup>4<\/span><\/h4>\n
Will the wood rob nutrients or tie up nitrogen in the media similar to some bark mixes?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div><\/p>\nQuestion no<\/sup>5<\/span><\/h4>\n
Will this mix help the shelf life of finished crops?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div><\/p>\nQuestion no<\/sup>6<\/span><\/h4>\n
What types of crops should I use NF Wood for?<\/h3>\n
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\nQuestion no<\/sup>7<\/span><\/h4>\n
Is the NF Wood product hydrophilic or hydrophobic?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div><\/p>\nQuestion no<\/sup>8<\/span><\/h4>\n
Does using NF Wood help our environment?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div><\/p>\nQuestion no<\/sup>9<\/span><\/h4>\n
What is the wood species and where is
\nit produced?<\/h3>\n
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\nQuestion no<\/sup>10<\/span><\/h4>\n
Why doesn\u2019t Berger use a colored wood fiber in their products?<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div><\/p>\nQuestion no<\/sup>11<\/span><\/h4>\n
Can you use it as a germinating mix?<\/h3>\n