Opportunity or threat
Rob Veenman, chairman of the day, opened the meeting with the question “Do you see peat-free cultivation as an opportunity or a threat?”. The opinions of the growers present were divided. While some see opportunities to make the cultivation more sustainable, others doubt whether they can sufficiently guarantee quality. However, they do feel supported by the substrate suppliers: “We are looking for solutions together.”
Challenges
The VPN (association of potting soil and substrate manufacturers Netherlands) represents seventeen companies that collectively produce about eight million m3 of substrate per year. Peat is by far the most important raw material, because of its cultivation properties.
Director Han de Groot gave those present an insight into the challenges facing the sector and the state of affairs. In 2022, a covenant was drawn up containing a number of targets aimed at reducing the environmental impact of substrates. The objectives for 2025, including 35% renewable raw materials in substrates for the professional market, appear to be met this year. A great achievement.
At the same time, demand for substrate is expected to quadruple by 2050. In addition to the quality of the new raw materials, volume poses a huge challenge. The substrate industry is responding to this challenge with new technologies and innovation, renewable raw materials and responsibly produced peat (RPP). “The ultimate goal is a product that grows, and safety and quality. That's at the top of the list,” Han said. “We are not running away from our responsibility, but there are challenges. Reducing environmental impact takes time!”
Safety and quality
Marco Zevenhoven explained that in addition to environmental impact and a responsible production chain, safety and quality are the main pillars on which the RHP assesses raw materials and substrates. That is why they check the entire production chain.
Marco also stressed that the sector faces a challenge in obtaining sufficient usable raw materials. The sector is working hard on raw material transition. The starting point is that the materials must be safe and meet quality criteria. Risks can lead to damage, such as plant diseases and pests. Therefore, the RHP does thorough research to enable higher doses of new raw materials in a safe and responsible way. “Starting point is that it not only meets safety and quality, a substrate must also perform,” Marco emphasises. “Also, a sustainable substrate must not lead to a higher footprint at the grower by higher consumption of control, fertilisers or water. A higher percentage of renewable raw materials also requires a different way of growing.”
Research
Marco already mentioned it: new raw materials must be extensively researched. Van der Knaap Group is also convinced of this. Dirk Zwinkels, manager Research & Development, shared with those present what kind of research the company does in its own innovation centre ‘de Kas’. “The raw materials go through a whole process: from chemical and physical analyses in the lab to growth tests and practical trials with raw materials that have potential”, Dirk said. They also look at how new raw materials react in combination with peat and coco.
In addition, the researchers are looking at the effects of different fertilisation and irrigation strategies. A multi-year project with peat-free kalanchoe also involves growers to jointly test the feasibility in practice. Van der Knaap has research into new, as well as existing, raw materials high on its agenda in the coming years.
More information
Would you like to receive more information about the possibilities in innovation centre 'de Kas' or would you like to visit one of the trials? Then please contact us.
