mineral substrates

Mineral substrates are solid surfaces or supports made from natural minerals or rocks, providing a stable base for growth or attachment. In ecology and construction, they serve as foundational layers—like soil, stone, or concrete—that support plant roots, microbial communities, or other biological activity. These substrates influence factors such as nutrient availability, water retention, and organism attachment, playing a crucial role in ecosystems, landscaping, and engineering projects. Essentially, mineral substrates are the mineral-based platforms that help facilitate biological or environmental processes by offering a durable, mineral-rich surface.