1. Soil Types and Hydroponics Materials

2. Organic Matter Compost Bark Mulch Straw
Composting is the decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance
Bark
Particles are too large to use in seed germination media
Mulch
Used to cover soil to help hold moisture, prevent weeds, etc.
Straw
Used to help prevent erosion.

3. Organic Matter Peat Moss Sphagnum Saw Dust Wood shavings
Absorbs water and air like a sponge.
Sphagnum
Like peat moss but found on the top of a bog.
Saw Dust
High carbon to nitrogen ratio makes nitrogen unavailable for plant use.
Wood shavings

4. Inorganic Compounds Soil less Media Vermiculite Perlite
Artificial soil
Vermiculite
Mica mineral matter used to start seeds and cuttings, helps hold moisture, has neutral pH.
Perlite
Natural volcanic material that helps aeration and water-holding capacity

5. Hydroponics Aggregate culture Water culture Aeroponics
Using sand or gravel to support plant roots
Water culture
Plant roots grow in water containing dissolved nutrients
Aeroponics
Plant roots hang in air and are misted regularly with a nutrient solution
Continuous-flow system
Nutrient solution flows constantly over plant roots, most commonly used for commercial production

6. Resources