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.
Academy – Kapillar
Some time ago Lensli introduced and marketed the Kapillär product. In the constant search to purchase responsibly and sustainably produced raw materials, this raw material came our way. To provide more clarity about the advantages and disadvantages, origin, sustainability and area of application, we would like to highlight this raw material again in our Academy.
What is Kapillar?
Kapillär is the working name that Lensli has given to this product and consists exclusively of processed Acrotelm from Finland.
Acrotelm consists of the top layer of a peat bog and contains still living sphagnum plants. Below the Acrotelm layer is the regular peat, which we are used to from, among others, the Baltic states and Scandinavia, also called Catotelm (see the image below). Catotelm is the peat layer that has developed over a very long time from sphagnum plants that grow and decompose layer by layer. The major difference between the Acrotelm and Catotelm layers is the processing method and the associated environmental impact.
For the extraction of peat from the Catotelm layer, the regular peat extraction process, the peat swamp must be drained. During this process, the peat begins to oxidize, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. The dewatered peat bog is then excavated deeply, which has an impact on the environment. Under RPP (responsible produced peat), the field is given the opportunity to recover after extraction. This process takes a relatively long time. Recovery after peat extraction is an important part of the RPP standard. Lensli works exclusively with RPP peat. For more information about this, see our article about RPP-Veen: Lensli Academy/rpp-veen.
The big difference compared to production from the Catotelm layer is that the peat swamp is not drained with production from the Acrotelm layer. During extraction from the Acrotelm, a shallow layer of the field is harvested with still living sphagnum plants. After harvest, the field is given time to recover, allowing CO2 to be captured again during re-growth. In about 30 years the layer will have grown back and can be harvested again. This process gives the Kapillär product a short-cycle character and can therefore be compared to sustainable forestry. This means that the Kapillär product can be a valuable addition to sustainability objectives.
Characteristics
Peat moss from Acrotelm (or Kapillär) naturally has a number of specific properties that can be found in the Kapillär product. Due to the cell structure of peat moss, Kapillär absorbs a lot of water very easily. Yet it has an open structure so that there is sufficient air. The absorption and release of water is comparable to a sponge. Furthermore, Kapillär has a low pH/EC, an antibacterial effect and a pH buffer. Kapillär is a natural product; clean but not sterile.
Application, availability and price
Kapillär has a fine structure due to its processing and can therefore be used in a wide number of substrates. The product is particularly effective in sowing/cutting substrates. Due to the limited availability, a semi-finished product including wood fiber is being considered for applications outside seed-cutting substrates. Due to the laborious nature of the product, it is more expensive than regular peat.
Regulations and Code of practice
Forests, peatlands and wooded peatlands are valuable biotopes in terms of biodiversity. Selecting areas for peat moss harvesting must therefore be done in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act. For example, peat moss may not be extracted in protected nature reserves. The method for peat moss harvesting is laid down in a code of practice. This includes, among other things, that areas may not be drained, plants and trees must be protected and that the surroundings of springs and streams must remain untouched. Kapillär meets all these requirements and is also RHP certified.
Footprint
Because peat moss grows, it acts as a CO2 sink. Because there is no dewatering, as during the production of regular peat, Kapillär's CO2 footprint is relatively low. If peat is replaced by Kapillär we can assume a better footprint. However, precise calculations will follow.
Renewable raw material
Lensli and the VPN regard Kapillär (Acrotelm) as a renewable raw material and is therefore a desirable, but also necessary addition to our complete product package. With Kapillär in our product range, we are able to offer a variable raw material package, which is necessary to meet current and future market needs in the context of peat/non-peat developments.
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.