Alternative Substrate for Soilless Production of Vegetables

We will evaluate eastern red cedar as an organic soilless substrate as an alternative to perlite. Data collected will be collected regarding impact of the substrate on fruit size, quality, total yield, and timing to first mature fruit. Findings will be utilized for education for extension agents, commercial producers, and other producers using protected agriculture. Ultimately this could lead to increasing sustainability of soilless production through use of an organic substrate that is only one-third the cost of perlite.