The role of available volume
The volume available to the plant defines the amount of active substrate, the water reserve, and the speed at which the system responds throughout the cycle.
It does not automatically determine yield or plant strength, but it regulates the water–nutrient–micro-life dynamic.
When the volume is excessive
A volume that is too large relative to the plant creates a slower system:
- Very slow drying cycles
- Higher water inertia
- Slower microbial stabilization
- Risk of inactive zones in early stages
It does not guarantee higher yield, but it requires greater irrigation precision.
When the volume is limited
A reduced volume creates a faster, more reactive system:
- Fast drying cycles
- More frequent watering
- More dynamic management
The biological and nutritional reserve is depleted faster, making supplementation necessary in later stages.
Volume, vegetative phase and plant size
The choice of volume must follow two key parameters:
- Final plant size
- Duration of the vegetative phase
- Large plant + long vegetative phase: more volume
- Small plant + short vegetative phase: less volume
A volume that is too small cannot sustain a large plant throughout the cycle without supplementation.
Final note
If possible, full soil cultivation is always the most favorable solution.
In open field conditions, available space exceeds the initial supersoil volume, allowing more natural root and biological development.
