These next-generation singulated foam substrates are the latest additions to the rapidly expanding OASIS® AeroSubstrates family.
KENT, Ohio (November 18, 2024) — Controlled-environment hydroponic growers now have two new singulated precision substrates from Oasis Grower Solutions to help fuel their success in the challenging and competitive CEA market.
From climate change and rapidly evolving technologies to consumer demand for reliable, sustainable, year-round production, today’s CEA growers face challenges that demand new approaches. Propagation media pioneer Oasis Grower Solutions has once again responded to the industry’s need with real-world, grower-driven solutions: OASIS® AeroMax™ PlugTray and OASIS® AeroSelect™ PlugTray, two new automation-ready engineered foam substrates optimized for crop and environmental demands.
Developed specifically for precision hydroponic farming, like their predecessors in the OASIS® AeroSubstrates family, new food-safe singulated OASIS® AeroMax™ PlugTray and OASIS® AeroSelect™ PlugTray provide growers with input-responsive substrate options that target specific crops, water demands, seasonal or year-round climate conditions, and more.
OASIS® AeroMax™ PlugTray, ideal for hydroponic cultivation in mild to moderate climates, excels at supporting crops, climates and systems with lower water demand. In contrast, OASIS® AeroSelect™ PlugTray targets water-demanding operational conditions; its higher water-holding capacity suits warmer climates, as well as crops and growing conditions with higher water demand — including finicky crops like spinach.
Vijay Rapaka, Ph.D., Oasis Grower Solutions Director of Global Grower Operations and Research, was lead scientist on the team that developed the core technology behind the new additions to OASIS® AeroSubstrates. He was also the driving force behind the Cradle-to-Grave Carbon Footprint Assessment that confirmed the engineered substrate technology’s remarkably low carbon footprint.
“Our purpose at Oasis Grower Solutions is to develop innovative solutions that solve problems for growers, from propagation and cultivation to sustainability,” Dr. Rapaka says. “With OASIS® AeroSubstrates, we brought precision growing into the root zone and made these next-generation substrates functional elements in the cultivation process. With new OASIS® AeroMax™ PlugTray and OASIS® AeroSelect™ PlugTray, both automated and manual growers of all sizes can now experience the benefits of these precision hydroponic substrates and grow more profitably and more sustainably.”
With labor-saving OASIS® AeroSubstrates, hydroponic growers enjoy optimal root zone water-to-air ratios, uniform germination, rapid root penetration, and unrestricted seedling growth. The ready-on-demand, preloaded plug trays prevent root tangling during propagation, eliminate root breakage and damage during transplant, and encourage superior post-transplant performance.
Dr. Rapaka adds, “Like our new OASIS® RhizoPlug™ Tray for vegetative floriculture propagation, these next-generation OASIS® AeroSubstrates for precision hydroponics also offer unprecedented cleanliness for hydroponic farmers. Food safe and free of pests and pathogens, they deliver a physically cleaner cultivation experience, from seeding through cultivation and harvest.”
OASIS® AeroMax™ PlugTray and OASIS® AeroSelect™ PlugTray engineered precision hydroponic substrates are available from national and international distributors in pre-dibbled and preloaded 72, 105, and 128 count single- and multi-seed plug trays. For more information, contact Oasis Grower Solutions at +1 (855) 585-4769 or visit the website at: www.oasisgrowersolutions.com.
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About OASIS® AeroSubstrates: With OASIS® AeroSubstrates, the Oasis Grower Solutions Research, Innovation & Development (RI&D) team made dramatic advances in the core technology of engineered foam substrates for precision hydroponics. With extensive research incorporating advanced chemistry, the team developed a foundational substrate with a unique open-celled structure. The resulting food-safe, pathogen-free hydroponic substrates target specific environmental conditions, climates, crops and growing systems to balance optimal air porosities with water-holding capacities.
About Oasis Grower Solutions: As a pioneer in propagation media, Oasis Grower Solutions has been innovating in direct response to commercial growers’ substrate needs for 55 years. With a passion for global impact, the Oasis Grower Solutions team of floriculture, horticulture and CEA researchers and specialists is committed to supporting grower success. From vegetative propagation media and hydroponic substrates to hydroponic fertilizer, wetting agents, postharvest products and greenhouse cleaners, Oasis Grower Solutions products, services and people help growers succeed. Visit us at oasisgrowersolutions.com/ and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/oasis-grower-solutions/. Oasis Grower Solutions is a Division of Smithers-Oasis.
About Smithers-Oasis: Smithers-Oasis’ global expertise in the plant and flower business stretches from propagation to presentation. With locations in more than 19 countries and resources around the world, Smithers-Oasis manufactures and markets floral foam and floral media, postharvest products, growing media, floral sprays and dyes, and flower arranging supplies for the floriculture and horticulture industries. OASIS®, FLORALIFE® and DESIGN MASTER® are three of the company’s most recognized brands, founded in 1954, 1938 and 1961, respectively. With 70 years of experience in foaming technology, Smithers-Oasis also manufactures and markets specialty foams for a wide variety of applications including temperature control packaging, cast-alternative impression, absorption and molding. The company’s driving purpose is Improving Lives Worldwide. Smithers-Oasis, a privately owned company, is headquartered in Kent, Ohio, USA.