It depends on what you use the matrix for. There are many types of substrates. The uses are different. Let me first explain to you some places where the matrix is ??used.
1. Organic vegetable cultivation. Organic vegetable seedlings basically use nutrient bowls with substrate inside.
2 Nowadays, some large vegetable seed companies also use nutrient bowls and substrates to grow seedlings.
3. Some soilless cultivation requires the use of substrate.
4 With people’s requirements for the quality of vegetables, some farmers in my hometown now also use substrates to raise seedlings.
5 Some flower planting also requires the use of substrate.
Based on my knowledge, I know that these places are more commonly used. I will tell you some matrix types below.
1. Vermiculite: It is a secondary mineral of the mica group, containing aluminum, magnesium, iron, silicon, etc. It is in the form of layers. After high temperature treatment at 1093°C, the volume expands by an average of 15 times. It has large porosity, light weight, good permeability, strong water-holding capacity, neutral to acidic pH, high calcium and potassium content, and no pests or diseases.
2 Rockwool: 60% diabase, 20% limestone and 20% coke are treated at a high temperature of 1600℃, then sprayed into fibers with a diameter of 0.5mm, and then pressed into rockwool blocks for cultivation or Rock wool board. Rock wool is light in weight, has large porosity and good permeability, but has poor water holding capacity.
3. Rice bran ash: It is light in weight, has large porosity, good permeability, strong water-holding capacity, contains potassium and other nutrients, and has a high pH.
4. Foam plastic particles: It is a synthetic substance, containing formaldehyde, polymethate, polystyrene, etc. It is light in weight, has large porosity and strong water absorption.
5 Peat: It is composed of semi-decomposed vegetation. There are different types depending on the vegetation parent material, degree of decomposition, and mineral content. It is rich in organic matter, has strong water retention capacity, slightly acidic pH, and contains nutrients needed by plants. It is generally rarely used alone due to poor permeability.
6Sawdust and wood chips: They are by-products of wood processing and are often used as substrates for flower cultivation in resource-rich areas. Sawdust is light in weight, has strong water absorption and water retention capacity and contains certain nutrients.
The above mentioned are basically single, and they can also be mixed and proportioned to make a matrix. The most common one we use is peat. The author can choose according to his own use. It is difficult to say whether the substrate is good or bad. Each has its own advantages. Nowadays, there are many manufacturers of substrates, and they are basically the same. Don't blindly choose expensive ones, you should first see if they suit your needs.
Finally, this is not just copied from the Internet.
I would like to add that if you are using it in large quantities, you can go to the manufacturer to purchase it. If the dosage is not very large, you'd better go to a dealer. You can see more varieties in places that sell substrates.