PittMoss® Performance is a complete potting mix, peat-free and nutrient-rich, with a custom Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF). The material is derived from non-toxic, recycled, and natural inputs that have been re-engineered to optimize air and water holding capacity while ensuring efficient delivery of nutrients to the plant and providing an excellent environment for beneficial microbial growth. Performance is a great all-purpose nutrient-rich potting mix perfect for indoor pots and planters, flower gardening, soil improvement, grass seeding, and anywhere else you would use traditional potting mix. PittMoss® Performance is a very clean media with exceptionally low heavy metal levels, so you can take pride in good stewardship of the environment and your health (see our Scientific Studies for more).
Sustainable Growing with Performance
PittMoss fibers are manufactured in the United States, supporting green manufacturing. All of the paper and cardboard components are obtained from local recycling facilities and hand sorted at our facility in Ambridge, PA before being fiberized by our custom, patent-pending machinery. The end product reduces runoff with enhanced nutrient absorption and superior moisture wicking, so growers can be confident in PittMoss® Performance’s optimization of applied resources. The carbon-rich nature of the material also encourages a living soil environment with more labile carbon for microbes to feed on. PittMoss® Performance’s physical structure (in reference to the aeration provided by internal and external pore sizes) makes for superior root development.
Superior Performance
Improving Soil Structure
PittMoss fibers are manufactured in the United States, supporting green manufacturing. All of the paper and cardboard components are obtained from local recycling facilities and hand sorted at our facility in Ambridge, PA before being fiberized by our custom, patent-pending machinery. The end product reduces runoff with enhanced nutrient absorption and superior moisture wicking, so growers can be confident in PittMoss® Performance’s optimization of applied resources. The carbon-rich nature of the material also encourages a living soil environment with more labile carbon for microbes to feed on. PittMoss® Performance’s physical structure (in reference to the aeration provided by internal and external pore sizes) makes for superior root development.
Maximizing Nutrient Availability
By using PittMoss® Performance or incorporating it into a blend, organic growers can reduce the rate and frequency of soluble fertilizer application to crops. PittMoss® Performance is charged with a balance of nutrients and optimizes the delivery of those nutrients to the plant by reducing nutrient tie-up and leaching. Because of accelerated root development with PittMoss® Performance soluble fertilizer application rates should be reduced (75 to 100 ppm N in bedding and potted plants). With lower application rates, leaching can be eliminated, reducing fertilizer costs and environmental nutrient run-off.
Proper pH in your blend is essential to deliver the best results. PittMoss® Performance has a slightly acidic pH. Since most crops do best at a slightly acidic pH (5.5 to 6.5), PittMoss® Performance is best combined with neutral to acidic fertilizers. The more acidic components help to keep the pH of the PittMoss® Performance down in the 5.5 to 6.5 range. It is always recommended that you monitor the pH and soluble salts levels regularly.
Optimizing Soil Biology
The engineered fibers in PittMoss® Performance provide the most possible sites with the right environment for beneficial microbial activity. Biological activity and naturally beneficial microbial systems thrive in the more aerobic structure of PittMoss® Performance. The optimal porosity and high cellulose surface area of the PittMoss fibers appear to help accelerate development of beneficial aerobic microorganisms. The supply of natural organic food stuff for the microbes and the plant promote strong development. Some have suggested that biological inoculum can thrive aggressively in PittMoss® Performance. Growers have reported the more rapid and extensive development of beneficial microbial populations. Expect natural and inoculated blends with 20% or more PittMoss® Performance to show enhanced beneficial microbial activity and strong plant growth.
Handling & Storage
The engineered fibers of PittMoss® Performance handle similar to other media components. PittMoss® Performance flows and blends well in most equipment. It can be fluffed up more than most components, but when blended, it will re-compact to its optimal state. The material tends to expand or fluff up more when dry than when moist, and growers suggest applying more compaction when filling containers. The hydrophilic properties of the product make it effective in absorbing excess water from excessively moist components. Note that excessive water in PittMoss® Performance can greatly limit its ability to blend uniformly and can cause clumping and balling of the fibers. If you are unsure when to water, we recommend sticking your index finger a couple inches down into the soil to see if the material needs re-wetted. Oftentimes the top layer of PittMoss will appear dry, but that is due to the material’s good drainage. As with any growing media, over-processing damages the structure of the blend. The PittMoss® Performance fibers are very resilient, but if over-processed when wet, the effectiveness of the structure can be reduced.
Containers are best filled with moistened substrate. Moisten the blend until it makes a ball when squeezed and then crumbles when disturbed. Compaction when filling containers should be a little greater when using PittMoss® Performance due to the very high porosity resulting from fluffing. This will ensure full containers when watered to saturation. Exposure to air and drying in PittMoss® Performance is less problematic than with most blends due to the easy rewetting of the hydrophilic fibers. However, storage of moistened blends in deep piles or large bins for more than a few days is not recommended. PittMoss® Performance blends can compost like most moistened and nutrient fortified grower blends. However, the biological activity appears to be greater in PittMoss® Performance due to the optimal nature of the fibers (see Optimizing Biology above). While composting of the substrate is not necessarily bad, ten days in a deep pile appears to be the limit for preventing excessive composting activity.
Suggested Fertilizer Application Rates When Using PittMoss Performance®
*Note: Further decreases in fertilizer application rates are suggested in finishing crops. Growers should adjust the ratios depending on the crop, season, and desired results.
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.