Sawdust is a widely available and cost-effective material that can be used as a soilless growing medium. It offers several advantages when used in hydroponic or soilless cultivation systems:
First, the lightweight nature of sawdust makes it similar in bulk density to perlite and vermiculite, making it ideal for long-distance transport or high-rise plant cultivation. Its lightness also helps reduce the overall weight of containers, which is beneficial for urban gardening and vertical farming.
Second, sawdust has good water absorption and drainage properties. It provides an optimal balance of moisture and air for plants with thick roots. In humid regions like southern cities or coastal areas such as Jidandong, the moisture retention of sawdust is well-suited for plant growth. However, in drier northern regions, where the permeability of sawdust is high, the risk of root desiccation increases. To prevent this, it’s recommended to mix sawdust with peat to improve its moisture-holding capacity.
On the other hand, raw sawdust contains a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (approximately 58.4% carbon, 0.26% nitrogen, 0.08% hydrogen, and 2.6% ash). This makes it difficult to decompose naturally, often requiring one to two years for complete fermentation. To speed up the process, using a microbial fermentation starter like Gumbol can significantly enhance the decomposition rate. However, proper handling is essential, especially adjusting the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, which is a critical step. To achieve effective fermentation, it's necessary to add a nitrogen source such as urea or poultry manure to balance the ratio.
Here’s how to prepare the substrate:
1. **Material Preparation**: For every 2 cubic meters of sawdust, you’ll need one bag of microbial fermentation agent, 2 kg of urea (or 50–100 kg of poultry manure), and 5 kg of rice bran.
2. **Moisture Adjustment**: Before starting, check the moisture content of the sawdust. The ideal level should be around 60–65%, which can be tested by squeezing a handful—no water should drip out. If too dry or too wet, the fermentation will be affected. Prepare 2 kg of urea mixed with enough water to make a urea solution.
3. **Mixing and Spreading**: To ensure even distribution, mix the microbial agent with 5 kg of rice bran first, creating a 6 kg mixture. Then, evenly spread this over the sawdust pile. Afterward, sprinkle the prepared urea solution onto the sawdust and form a pile. Cover it with a breathable material to maintain optimal conditions.
4. **Turning the Pile**: After 7–10 days, the temperature should rise to about 60°C. At this point, turn the pile once and let it sit for 24–36 hours at high temperature. Repeat the turning process once more when the temperature reaches 60°C again. After the second turn, leave it undisturbed for 5–7 days until the temperature stabilizes below 40°C, indicating completion. Under normal conditions, the fermentation process takes about 25–30 days, and can extend to 30–45 days if left to "post-cook." For more details, visit our website or contact us directly.
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