Various materials are used as germination substrates, including paper, sand, or a combination of organic matter with mineral particles. In general, the seedbed should be:

Do not cause toxic effects on germination.
Free of mold, microorganisms and their spores,
Provide adequate moisture and ventilation for germination,
Its pH should be between 6 and 7.8
It has an electrical conductivity (salinity) of less than 20 mm Siemens per meter.

Features of seed germination bed:

In the following, we will discuss the suitable features of seed germination bed.

filter paper:

The paper may be in the form of filter paper (in different sizes) or paper towels. The paper should be as follows:

The roots grow on it and do not enter it
Have sufficient strength against tearing during inspection during the test.

Sand bed:

The sand particles must be uniform and free of very fine, coarse and sharp particles. It has been suggested that 90% of the particles should pass through screws with a diameter of 0.8 mm but remain on screws with a diameter of 0.5 mm.

Organic substrate with mineral particles:

Materials such as peat, coconut fiber or wood fibers with a size of less than 5 mm are used to prepare the substrate from organic materials. The mineral particles used in this substrate include sand, perlite and vermiculite, whose share in the environment is about 20% by volume. To produce this type of substrate, it is recommended that 90% of the particles pass through 2 mm diameter screws but not through 0.5 mm diameter screws.