Cultiwool Rockwool Slabs 

 Cultiwool Stonewool slabs are for the final stage of planting and are available in two lengths, 1m or 1.33m, and are 150mm wide and 75mm deep. Highly recommended for larger long term crops with extensive roots such as peppers and cucumbers. Uniform fibre structure ensures good root penetration throughout the slab and allows control of both water content and EC. The fibre structure ensures optimum exchange within the slab and accurate control of moisture content and nutrition.

Typically seedlings in blocks are placed onto slabs. Cultiwool offers a well aerated slab in all seasons and the roots stay active as the excess water runs off quickly and efficiently.

From Cultiwool themselves

“Our high quality stone wool is a clean and inert product. Therefore, it provides a sterile environment and does not contain any harmful bacteria or pollutants which can affect root- and shoot development. It does not lock up or release any substances, ensuring all water and nutrients are available to the plant.

Use the starter plugs for your start prior to transplanting into the larger growing blocks or slabs

Rock wool as a substrate

Rockwool wool is a mineral fibre made out of basaltic rock. The basaltic rock is melted with 1600 degrees Celsius into a liquid substance. From this liquid substance, fibres are spun by high tech fiberizing machines where a binder is added and collected on a belt to form a blanket. By adjusting the amount of pressure, fibre diameter can be controlled and by adjusting the speed of the belt the density of the media is adjusted. The blanket is cooled down in a furnace with different temperature compartments and different airflows where the stonewool get the firmness and final quality. 

Use

Rockwool growing slabs are hydrated with your normal, ph adjusted nutrient solution (normally 5.7 – 6.2) until the required moisture level is achieved, over soaking will slow down root development while at the same time, the slab should be evenly hydrated.

Plants are usually grown on in a rockwool block (3 or 4 inch) before being placed onto the growing slab, cut an appropriate sized hole in the covering plastic. Some plants can be planted directly into the slab.