Tree nurseries wager an important character in keeping our world liveable . peculiarly now , with urbanization , climate change , and the decline of our ecosystems being three major developments , we need plants to increase our wellbeing . After all , survey show that nature relieve stress , promotes an active lifestyle , and make societal cohesion .
Fit for purpose , sustainability in tree nurseriesA sustainable substratum is first and first of all a substrate in which the tame harvest grows most efficaciously . In addition , sufficient infinite for the grower to control or steer is required . The mates between a substratum and the grow process at the grower is what makes polish , and therefore a substrate blend , effective . A Substrate in which a plant grows poorly is not an effective and therefore not a sustainable growing medium . After all , it ’s free of weeds and pathogen , and its buffering capacity are excellent . Besides that , many agriculturist love the way of life wet behaves within the peat . Because of all these agent , peat is a sustainable material if you think about it from a “ fit for purpose ” view . Although extensive inquiry has been channel throughout the diligence , no other unsanded textile has yet been ground that bid the same versatility as peat .
Complimentary raw materialsHowever , there are other materials that , combined with peat , also produce high-pitched – quality substrates . you’re able to opine of bare-ass material such as Sphagnum moss , wood vulcanized fiber , bark , and coir . It is impossible to completely substitute peat with these other raw materials in all of horticulture . However , people can apply them to reduce the percentage of peat within a mixed bag . These fabric can also be used to complement certain properties . It entirely depends on the harvest and the operation at the raiser how to make a substrate that is set for the purpose .
dissimilar materials do need unlike pretreatments . They often also require adjustment within the grow method used . In determination , all these materials also have their vantage and disadvantages . Coir , for example , need to be chemically handle before use to prevent the discharge of salt during cultivation , and adding wood fiber expect change within a grower ’s fertilization strategy because it can shape the N prerequisite of the recipe .
Peat in sustainable substratesIn the discussion about the use of peat in substrates , masses often only rivet on a perceived CO2 emanation but fail to properly look at the harvest home process . European peat for substrates is harvested responsibly ( certified by RPP ) from already debauched wetlands . As a event , the biodiversity after the restoration of the peatlands ( which is compulsory ) is greater than before the extraction . Furthermore , peat harvest for growing culture medium only takes place in an area the size of 0.05 % of all peat orbit worldwide . Want to know more about peat manipulation and how it ’s reap ? Have a expression at Kekkilä - BVB ’s web site .
Show the real impingement through a biography cycle analysisThat intend that if you want to create the most sustainable substratum , you need to expect at all the aspects involved , and not just one .
At Kekkilä - BVB , they look at the chemical substance , strong-arm and biologic properties of the cloth , as well as its availability . But also use a life cycle analysis ( LCA ) to downplay the value chain impact . Check out the article on the troupe website if you would care to recognize more about the LCA .
In summary , if you care about sustainability , you need to be mindful of the implications for the cultivation method acting , but you should also take one step back and look at the sourcing of the in the altogether materials . This is something the intact sphere needs to do responsibly , both environmentally speaking and socially utter . Next to that , you should see if in the raw materials can be sourced topically to reduce logistical impact . That run to checking if it can produce the substrate efficiently and safely and think about possible options for a second life .
For more information : BVB Substrates[email protected]lwww.bvb - substrates.nl / en
