HydraFiber® blends can help growers boost margins by safely increasing inclusion rates in their growing media. Backed by RHP-certified lab testing, HydraFiber Ultra and HydraFiber EZ Blend can be used at rates up to 50% while maintaining fertilizer and PGR programs. The piece outlines production benefits such as improved aeration, water-holding capacity and reduced irrigation labor, along with lime rate adjustments when replacing peat, coir or perlite. Practical irrigation tips, equipment guidance and real-world examples from Altman Plants and Battlefield Farms show how incremental increases in HydraFiber can support stronger root systems, consistent quality and mix cost savings.
Key Points
- HydraFiber Ultra and HydraFiber EZ Blend are shown to work at inclusion rates up to 50% in growing mixes, without needing to increase nitrogen rates.
- Increasing HydraFiber inclusion can enhance aeration and water-holding capacity, reduce irrigation frequency and labor, and help offset raw material shortages in poor harvest years.
- In peat-based media, lime should be reduced approximately 10% for every 10% peat removed and replaced with HydraFiber, with pH checked up to 14 days.
- Growers receive irrigation and equipment best practices, plus examples of Altman Plants and Battlefield Farms successfully moving to 40–50% HydraFiber blends.
