Germination and seedling establishment for hydroponics: The benefit of slant boards

Germination and seedling establishment for transplanting into hydroponics often uses porous substrates, but fine roots grow into these substrates, and they cannot be removed without damaging these roots. Seedlings transplanted without removal of substrates can cause interactions with solution chemistry or addition of particulates to the nutrient solution. Germination of seeds on slant boards is clean, uniform, and reduces the time to transplanting. Slant boards facilitate development of long roots, which maximize exposure of the primary root to the nutrient solution after transplanting. The boards are made from thin acrylic or polycarbonate sheets with germination paper on top. Seeds are held in place by covering with thin paper before vertical placement of the boards in the container. Four to twelve days later, the seedlings with long roots can be removed from the paper without damage and transplanted into the hydroponic system. Here we describe slant board construction and procedures for rapid germination and transplanting in hydroponics.

Automated summary

Germination and seedling establishment for hydroponics often use porous substrates, but the roots cannot be removed without damage. Germinating seeds on slant boards can reduce transplanting time and facilitate root development exposed to nutrient solution. This article describes the construction and procedures for rapid germination and transplanting in hydroponics using slant boards.