The need for soilless substrates is expected to double as urban agriculture expands and quality soil deteriorates. Lamm and Gibson presented two research studies at the Southern Region Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences in New Orleans February 11 & 12. Their work identified the research and extension education needs of specialty crop growers transitioning to containerized production and/or controlled environment agriculture.
Gibson shared findings from a national survey conducted with growers who have transitioned, or are planning to transition, to soilless substrates. Lamm’s study further explored these results using a qualitative focus group research design to capture deeper meaning to the results.
Overall, their research determined that growers need more research about berry (blueberry, blackberry, raspberry) transitions as they strive to have substrates that can last more than a single growing season in containers. In addition, they are concerned with food safety and the environment with a specific focus on fertilizer and pesticide management associated with leaching. They also shared that there is limited information available specific to North America, and their regional location on the continent. In fact, they get most of their information from European sources but would rather have a one-stop online platform to access all substrate information easily when they need it. In addition, growers shared they wanted a place to share ideas, research findings, successes and failures with one another as well as the scientific community and substrate providers.
Gibson and Lamm called for the creation of an online platform that would be a central place for field-based research on substrates. The platform would emphasize grower-to-grower experiences and highlight podcasts, webinars, and newsletters that share the latest substrates information with those who need it most.
This meeting was held in conjunction with the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists annual meeting. To learn about additional Lamm Lab presentations held at this convergence of conferences, see our post on the National Agricultural Communications Symposium, Southern Region Meeting of the American Association for Agricultural Education, and the Southern Rural Sociological Association Conference.
