The main difference between stone wool, coco coir, peat and soil growing media is that stone wool is mineral-based, not carbon-containing organic matter. It’s made of natural stone, not coconut husks, bog-sourced peat moss or the composted wood byproducts found in most potting soils.
Because stone wool is heated to such extreme temperatures (about 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit/ 1500 degrees Celsius) during the manufacturing process, it’s a hygienic, clean growing media free of pathogens. It’s also fully compatible with hydroponic and automated growing systems, as well as automated irrigation technologies that rely on precise control.
Stone wool is a highly suitable growing medium for Controlled Environment Agriculture, or indoor cultivation environments. This closed environment, in combination with stone wool and automated growing systems, allows for every aspect of the plants’ lighting, nutrition and irrigation to be controlled by the grower. Stone wool products are designed for precision growing and are fully compatible with the sensors and automation tools utilized in a data-driven cultivation strategy.
Is stone wool more sanitary than soil, peat, or coco coir?
Another reason Grodan products are popular with propagators and growers is that stone wool is a clean growing medium.
Stone wool is much less likely to be contaminated by fungi, yeasts and bacteria as well as insects and microbes that feed and live on carbon-based organic matter in coco coir and soils. Therefore enhancing crop quality.
In addition to the naturally clean qualities of stone wool, Grodan also wraps its products in a protective film that discourages algae growth and makes for easier handling.
Sustainability profile of stone wool
Grodan has profiled itself for many years as a company with an active policy of corporate social responsibility. Sustainability is therefore an integral part of our company philosophy. Care for humans and the environment is evident in every stage of the life cycle of our growing media solutions, from production, primary use, and recycling into secondary markets post-harvest.
The growing media we have innovated to support soilless cultivation is made of stone wool – a clean and recyclable material formed of abundant basalt rock. It's thanks to this material that soilless growing places minimal strain on our world's precious resources, using less fertiliser, 50% less water and 75% less land that can be given back to nature to rest and rewild.