UPuper® has two world-class production lines, realizing zero discharge of solid waste and waste water and ultra-low emission of waste gas. It is the biggest green rock wool manufacturing base in the whole Asia Pacific region with the largest investment and leading technology and equipment.The main products are Rockwool grow cubes,Rockwool cubes,Seedling plug,Growing Cubes,Grow Plug, etc.
Big rockwool cubes substrates have a strong ability of water saving and fertilizer retention. It provides an excellent growth environment for crop roots. The internal three-dimensional network fiber structure makes the nutrient distribution more evenly, which is conducive to the roots extension and growth. A developed root system is the precondition of high yield and excellent fruit quality. UPuper® Rock wool has firm structure and is not easy to deform without scattering, so It will not cause any damage to crops root while transplanting, the survival rate will increase, which is also helpful to grow large seedlings. It can help to realize the time to market in advance or later seasons to bring higher yield, quality and economic benefits.
In the return liquid of water and fertilizer, there are still a large number of ionized mineral elements that have not been absorbed by the plant. These elements are discharged into the natural environment and become an important pollution source to affect soil and water. Long time ago, developed countries already have paid attention to the pollution impact of water and fertilizer discharge on the environment and take it as the main problem to work with, so they use rock wool as the main substrates because it has less circulating irrigation and less discharge. By using UPuper® Rockwool cubes, the return liquid can be clearer. And the excess water and fertilizer will flow into the diversion tank and return to the irrigation system. After disinfection, it can be 100% recycled, which can not only avoid the waste of water and fertilizer, but also avoid environmental pollution due to informal discharge, especially stop the causing and aggravating the eutrophication of water.
Soil provides living space and important eco system for human, it can store and filter water, intercept pollutants from penetrating into groundwater; but more importantly, soil is a non renewable resource, which is very difficult to repair once it get polluted. In the brief of national soil pollution survey published in 2014, the point exceeding standard rates of eight inorganic pollutants of heavy metals cadmium, mercury, arsenic, copper, lead, chromium, zinc and nickel were 7.0%, 1.6%, 2.7%, 2.1%, 1.5%, 1.1%, 0.9% and 4.8% respectively. In traditional soil planting, there is a large amount of pesticides and fertilizer applying to the plants, which destroys the soil structure and ecological balance, kills the organic organisms in the soil. Those lead to the imbalance and loss of organic matter. UPuper® rock wool is the represent of new soilless cultivation mode. It does not need to worry about soil salinization, hardening or borne diseases etc. It helps to solve the continuous cropping obstacles and protect soil resources from the origin. If soilless cultivation technology is used for plant cultivation, it can not only reduce its burden on the soil, but also give it an effective period for self recovery.
UPuper® rock wool substrate comes from the demand for soilless cultivation substrates in Sunqiao Modern Agricultural Park, which is the Chinese first agriculture facility base. The first generation of rock wool substrates was born in 1998. In 2005, the structure and performance of rock wool were further upgraded. It leads to the successful development of the second generation rock wool substrates. In 2012, we carried out scientific research cooperation with the national experimental base and UPuper® was recognized. With the development of domestic agriculture facility, soilless cultivation substrates began to be selected by growers. In 2016, the third generation rock wool substrates were successfully upgraded. On the premise of growers’ easy use, the products were further subdivided. UPuper® developed a series of products that are suitable for different crops and different growth stages, with multiple specifications to meet the various needs of different growers. Growers can also choose to customize products according to their actual situation. After more than 20 years of continuous exploration, R & D and practical application in the field of substrates, after three generations of improvement, UPuper® combined with the actual needs of growers, rock wool substrates has been developed into different items for different application fields such as agriculture facility, three-dimensional greening and potted plants to cover much more industries.
Big rockwool cubes--A Guide to Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why use soilless cultivation?
Soilless cultivation is the most advanced cultivation technology in modern agriculture. From cultivation facilities to environmental control, the whole process can be monitored and regulated according to the needs of crop growth and development. It can realize early maturity and high yield of crops; Production of pollution-free products; greatly improve working conditions, save labor and reduce labor intensity; Save water and fertilizer; Avoid soil continuous planting barriers; it has no regional restrictions and can make the space fully used; so that contribute to the automation and intelligence of cultivation.
2.Can rockwool grow cubes be used in combination with traditional soil to improve aeration and drainage in potted plants?
Yes, rockwool grow cubes can be used in combination with traditional soil to improve aeration and drainage in potted plants. Rockwool is a lightweight, porous material that helps to improve drainage and aeration in soil, allowing for better root growth and healthier plants. It can also help to retain moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for plants that require more frequent watering.
3.What are the key considerations for matching the size of rockwool grow cubes to the specific plant species being cultivated?
1. Plant size: The size of the rockwool cubes should be matched to the size of the plant. For example, larger plants will require larger cubes, while smaller plants will require smaller cubes. 2. Plant root system: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the size and complexity of the plant’s root system. For example, plants with larger and more complex root systems will require larger cubes. 3. Plant growth rate: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the plant’s growth rate. For example, plants with faster growth rates will require larger cubes. 4. Plant nutrient requirements: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the plant’s nutrient requirements. For example, plants with higher nutrient requirements will require larger cubes. 5. Plant water requirements: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the plant’s water requirements. For example, plants with higher water requirements will require larger cubes.
4.Are rockwool grow cubes pH-neutral, and do they require any adjustments before use?
Rockwool grow cubes are generally pH-neutral and do not require any adjustments before use. However, it is recommended to check the pH of the cubes before use to ensure they are at the desired level.
5.Are there rockwool grow cube products specifically designed for vertical gardening or living walls?
Yes, there are rockwool grow cubes specifically designed for vertical gardening and living walls. These cubes are designed to provide optimal air and water retention, as well as support for the plants. They are available in various sizes and shapes to fit any vertical gardening or living wall setup.
6.Do rockwool grow cubes have natural resistance to pests and diseases in horticultural settings?
No, rockwool grow cubes do not have natural resistance to pests and diseases in horticultural settings. It is important to use proper pest and disease control measures to ensure healthy plants.
7.How do rockwool grow cubes promote aeration in the root zone, and what benefits does this offer for plant health?
Rockwool grow cubes promote aeration in the root zone by providing a porous, airy environment for the roots to grow in. This helps to ensure that the roots have access to oxygen, which is essential for healthy root growth and development. The increased aeration also helps to reduce the risk of root rot and other diseases, as well as promoting better nutrient uptake. Additionally, the increased aeration helps to regulate the temperature of the root zone, which can help to protect the plant from extreme temperatures.
8.What is the expected lifespan of rockwool grow cubes, and how do you determine when it's time to replace them?
The expected lifespan of rockwool grow cubes is typically between 1-3 years, depending on the frequency of use and the quality of the cubes. To determine when it's time to replace them, look for signs of wear and tear such as discoloration, cracking, or crumbling. If the cubes are no longer providing adequate support for the roots of your plants, it's time to replace them.
9.What types of fertilizers and nutrients are commonly used with rockwool grow cubes?
Common fertilizers and nutrients used with rockwool grow cubes include: -Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, kelp meal, and compost tea -Synthetic fertilizers such as 20-20-20, 15-30-15, and 10-52-10 -Micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese -Calcium and magnesium supplements -pH adjusters such as lime or sulfur
10.Can rockwool grow cubes be used in combination with alternative growing methods like aeroponics or deep water culture (DWC)?
Yes, rockwool grow cubes can be used in combination with alternative growing methods like aeroponics or deep water culture (DWC). Rockwool cubes are a great medium for starting seeds and cuttings, and can be used in combination with other growing methods to provide a stable environment for the roots to develop. Rockwool cubes can also be used to provide additional aeration and drainage for plants grown in aeroponics or DWC systems.
11.What is soilless cultivation?
Soilless cultivation is a method of cultivating plants without natural soil nor use compound fertilizer and similar compound fertilizer based on soil. It is a new method that only uses nutrient solution to support for plant growth or various cultivation substrates that can replace soil and are suitable for plant growth. Soilless cultivation can be divided into fog cultivation, water cultivation and solid substrate cultivation. UPuper® Rock wool substrate belongs to solid substrate cultivation.
12.What sizes and shapes do rockwool grow cubes come in, and how do these variations affect their applications?
Rockwool grow cubes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including cubes, slabs, and blocks. The size and shape of the cube will affect the application, as different sizes and shapes are better suited for different types of plants. For example, cubes are great for starting seeds, while slabs are better for larger plants. Blocks are ideal for hydroponic systems, as they provide more surface area for the roots to grow. The shape of the cube also affects the amount of air and water that can be held, which can be beneficial for certain types of plants.
13.Are rockwool grow cubes compatible with automatic irrigation and nutrient delivery systems commonly used in hydroponics?
Yes, rockwool grow cubes are compatible with automatic irrigation and nutrient delivery systems commonly used in hydroponics. However, it is important to note that rockwool cubes should be soaked in water before use to ensure that they are properly hydrated. Additionally, rockwool cubes should be flushed with water every few weeks to prevent nutrient buildup.
14.How do you prepare rockwool grow cubes for planting, and what pre-soaking or conditioning steps are recommended?
Pre-soak the rockwool cubes in a nutrient solution for 15-20 minutes. This will help to ensure that the cubes are evenly saturated with water and nutrients.
Rinse the cubes with clean water to remove any excess nutrient solution.
Place the cubes in a tray or container and fill with water until the cubes are completely submerged.
Allow the cubes to soak for 24-48 hours. This will help to ensure that the cubes are fully hydrated and ready for planting.
Once the cubes are fully hydrated, drain off any excess water and plant your seeds or cuttings.
15.How do rockwool grow cubes contribute to root stability and prevent transplant shock when moving plants to larger containers?
Rockwool grow cubes provide a stable environment for roots to grow and develop. The cubes are designed to hold moisture and nutrients, which helps to reduce transplant shock and promote healthy root growth. The cubes also provide a physical barrier between the roots and the new container, which helps to reduce the risk of root damage during the transplant process. Additionally, the cubes help to keep the roots in place, which helps to prevent the plant from becoming uprooted during the transplant process.
Tags: Propagation Block , Seedling Cube