It's security, stupid: Recently learned lessons to ensure substrate security into the future

Authors: FIELDS, JEB - Louisiana State University Agcenter; Owen, Griffin

Submitted to: Trade Journal Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/23/2023
Publication Date: 7/3/2023
Citation: Fields, J.S., Owen, G.R. 2023. It's security, stupid: Recently learned lessons to ensure substrate security into the future. Growing Media Report in Greenhouse Management. 43, 7, S9, S12-S13.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Plastics for containers, irrigation, and polymer coated fertilizer are more abundant, fertilizer costs are stabilized, peat is being readily harvested and well-poised to manage customer demand, droughts have been averted on the west coast through record rainfalls and snowpack; thus, on-demand and on-time supply of the needed natural and manufactured resources is on the rebound. We have been here, the good times, before. But what happens in the future when peat harvests are limited by uncertainty of weather or the other major U.S. substrate component, bark, prices fluctuate due to energy and housing markets. Substrate component availability could further be impacted by rapidly rising number of substrate end-users that include small fruit, hemp, medicinal marijuana, and leafy greens operations. This has given rise to discussing the utilization of “alternative” materials such as coir and wood fiber to address substrate shortages and increasing number of users. These are viable alternatives and becoming ubiquitous but may require a learning curve when incorporating into production. However, we still routinely hear the increasing need for affordable, regional materials to improve availability and reduce transportation costs. Another issue that is constantly discussed is the need for substrate consistency that leads to a unform crop. As the industry progresses into precision agriculture, the need for quality control is at an all-time high. What does this all mean for you - that it never hurts to plan for future uncertainties! Be ready for when prices skyrocket, or availability rapidly diminishes due to unforeseen economic uncertainty or supply disruption. How can one do this? Perhaps not becoming overly reliant on any one material and experiment or evaluate new techniques and materials or products to ensure you can quickly alter course.