HydraFiber® Irrigation Best Practices explains how growers may need to adjust water management when using HydraFiber® advanced substrate. With high total porosity that maintains or increases water holding capacity while increasing airspace, HydraFiber can support strong root development when moisture is carefully managed. Most growers are identified as “wet” growers, making irrigation practices especially critical. Guidance focuses on managing moisture at blending and during production, avoiding re-wettability issues, and using tools and surfactants to help adapt existing watering programs and support rooting performance.
Key Points
- HydraFiber has high total porosity, with water holding capacity that increases or stays the same while airspace increases.
- Most growers are “wet” growers, so watering management is extremely critical and directly correlated with rooting performance.
- To minimize wettability issues, use a surfactant and maintain 60–65% moisture at blending, using tools such as the squeeze test, float test, or a moisture scale.
- Keys to success include adjusting traditional practices, managing moisture at blending and during production to avoid re-wettability issues, and recognizing peat and bark as liabilities.
