The conference aims to provide information about cultivation substrates, a fundamental technique in horticulture and floriculture as well as in the care of plants and gardens at home. Substrates are materials that replace the soil and allow the plants to grow in a “soilless” environment, often referred to by other terms, such as potting soil, compost and growing medium. From vertical farming to ornamental nursery and home vegetable gardening, how much do we know about this type of product? What is meant by substrate quality? Can it be defined? The quality of a substrate could be defined as compliance with regulations, or in terms of sustainability, or as the ability to support the growth of healthy, vigorous plants with high commercial value. However, compliance with regulations cannot be understood as the definition of substrate quality, as it is an essential requirement for placing products on the market. In addition, the close relationship between substrate, plant and cropping system means that we cannot speak generically of good quality substrates. Therefore, it is necessary to further specify the concept of quality according to its use or the cultivated species, cultivation techniques, etc.

Organised by AIPSA (Italian Association of Substrate and Soil Conditioner Producers)