In the Lensli Academy we regularly inform you about practical situations that we encounter in the sector, we talk about insights gained in practice, we give you cultivation tips and we share our knowledge about other interesting substrate-related matters.
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Do you ever encounter higher temperatures in substrate and do you want to know how to deal with this? Then read on quickly!
The literal definition of scalding as described in the encyclopedia is:
SCREWING: Heat development in a substance through an internal conversion, often leading to a rise in temperature. Explanation: This conversion is of a chemical or bacterial nature and can lead to spontaneous combustion. Section(s): Fire
Found at https://www.encyclo.nl/local/10655
Forcing is a microbiological process that can occur in raw materials and substrates, as a result of the natural soil life created by the combination of different raw materials and fertilizers. This slow or suddenly rapid temperature development certainly does not always occur, but various processes and circumstances can cause the temperature to rise.
As an RHP-certified company, Lensli is obliged to monitor the temperatures of all our raw materials. When an increase is detected, action is taken to ensure that the standard set by RHP is never exceeded.
Substrates that go from our factory to the end user are 100% safe for use and are covered by the guarantee that there has been no heating before, during and after the production process that could jeopardize plant safety.
With the increasing use of raw materials such as compost, wood fibre, our Basic BioMix and bark products, we more often see this microbiological process (soil life) occurring after production at the end user. This is because water, fertilizers and biological additives are used in the production of substrate, which can accelerate the development of soil life.
It depends on these factors in combination with time whether or not there will be a rise in temperature. A small increase in temperature is not harmful in itself and therefore does not pose a risk to plant safety. Through targeted and extensive research, we now know that this process in renewable raw materials cannot be compared to heating in peat.
It is advisable to process the supplied substrate quickly after delivery at all times. Especially for substrates with coated fertilizers, it is highly advisable to process the substrate quickly to prevent overheating. Once coated fertilizers have been used, the temperature can rise relatively quickly. This is purely a biological process that is initiated by the specific composition and combination of these fertilizers.
What can you do if you notice that your substrate is getting too hot?
- Space packed substrate slightly apart.
- Make sure that the perforated foil sides of big bales do not touch each other.
- Do not store the substrate for too long and process the substrate as soon as possible after delivery.
- Use first in – first out with substrate supplied in bulk and do not let the pile get too high. Spread out a strip of substrate when you notice rising temperatures.
- Preferably store in a dry, dark and cool place.
Do you have questions or would you like to know more about this subject? Please contact your Lensli account manager or our Substrates Technical Product Manager Nick Vollmer by email n.vollmer@lensli.com or telephone +31 (6) 51269415.
We are happy to talk to you.