Innovative and sustainable solutions for vegetable and soft fruit cultivation at Fruit Logistica
From Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 February, Fruit Logistica will take place in Berlin, Germany. At this international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, Van der Knaap Group will present its solutions in the field of rooting media and substrates.
Green Soil: a circular and peat free raw material
Van der Knaap's Green Soil is a circular, peat-free raw material that contributes to increased sustainability. It offers comparable properties to frozen black peat and contains virtually no ballast or mineral salts, such as sodium and chloride. The substrate has good water and air holding capacities and a bulk density comparable to garden peat. We already incorporate up to 20% without any problems and we are conducting tests in our own innovation centre with, for example, 30%.
In addition, Green Soil is an affordable option thanks to its return system, which offers a financial advantage for both the grower who returns it and the cultivator who uses it in their substrate mixture. There is also a positive sustainability aspect due to the lower footprint, as this is a reused raw material.
Total concept for pepper cultivation
Root problems and reduced yields in pepper cultivation cause a lot of unrest among growers. Van der Knaap Group has Forteco® coco growbags in its product range for the cultivation of various types of fruit vegetables. Coco has excellent cultivation properties; it is an airy and highly controllable substrate. It also lends itself very well to an active soil life. Trials with sweet peppers in our own innovation centre ‘de Kas’ showed that a rich and varied micro life develops in coco substrate during cultivation. This was demonstrated using Eurofins Agro's Soil Life Monitor. A rich soil life contributes to a resilient plant that is more resistant to diseases and pests.
Innovative and sustainable substrates
Our substrate blends are composed of responsibly produced peat and renewable raw materials such as coco. This combination ensures a stable structure, optimal water management and sufficient aeration for healthy root development. Thanks to the careful selection of raw materials, our substrates offer consistent quality and reliable growing results, supporting growers in achieving a sustainable cultivation.
Visit us at Fruit Logistica
Wondering what innovative solutions we can offer you? Come and visit our stand at Fruit Logistica. Our sales team is ready to advise you on the suitable rooting or propagation medium or substrate for your crop. You will find us at Holland Pavilion, hall 3.2, stand D-40.