Van der Knaap at IPM Essen
Van der Knaap Group is one of the major suppliers of substrates in the Netherlands. Our experience and expertise in rooting and growing media has supported growers of a wide variety of crops for more than forty years. We will be attending IPM Essen from 27-30 January to present the innovations in our product range.
Successful trials with peat-free Calluna and Poinsettia
The global demand for raw materials for substrate production is increasing and there is a stronger focus on peat-free substrates with a higher proportion of renewable and circular raw materials. The Van der Knaap Group has been working on making this transition for some years.
We have been researching circular raw materials and peat-free substrates for years in our own ‘de Kas’ innovation centre using an extensive programme of trials. We also perform outdoor trials and an increasing number of practical trials on site with customers.
Calluna
For the second consecutive year, we have run trials aimed at reducing the peat content in the substrate on site at a large Calluna grower in Germany. Insights gained during the first trial enabled allowed further optimisation of the substrate composition to suit the plants.
The results demonstrate the exceptional success of the trials. Calluna plants were successfully grown with a 50% peat-reduced substrate, a 75% peat-reduced substrate and an entirely peat-free substrate. Even the experts noticed no difference compared with Calluna plants grown on conventional substrate.
Poinsettia
Trials were also performed for the second time with Poinsettia to demonstrate the potential of growing on a peat-free substrate without compromising on quality. Research station Straelen trialled our 50% reduced peat and completely peat-free substrates and obtained very good results. No difference was noted between plants grown on substrate with peat, substrate that partially contained peat or peat-free substrate in terms of either quality or shelf life.
Local production, fast delivery
We produce high-quality substrates made from carefully selected raw materials at our site in Grubbenvorst (Limburg) . Our stocks and local teams enable us to deliver quickly and efficiently and thanks to our multiple locations, we can respond rapidly to your requests.
Visit us at IPM ESSEN
Curious to discover more? During the trade fair, you can see the results of the trials at our stand! We will also present our new, circular raw material. This raw material has recently been granted an exemption and may be used in RHP-certified substrates in professional horticulture. Our substrate solutions for crops including soft fruit and perennials will also be on display in our stand.
During IPM Essen, our sales team is ready to advise you on a suitable rooting medium or substrate for your crops. Find us at stand D18, hall 3.
Would you like to make an appointment for the trade fair? Please feel free to contact one of our specialists: Aldert Keessen and Connor Kusters. They can be reached on +31 (0)174 525050 or sales@vanderknaap.info.