Vermiculite is a rock with a laminar structure containing mineral water trapped between the layers. This water vaporises at high temperatures and causes the material to expand. Expansion pushes the layers apart, resulting in a harmonica-shaped structure containing many pores.
These many open pores make it a light, airy and porous raw material. An airy substrate is vital for good root growth and, ultimately, the plant’s overall resilience. When added to peat-based substrates, vermiculite improves the water distribution and absorption capacities. Vermiculite is also pH-neutral with a good nutrient buffering capacity. Vermiculite naturally contains magnesium and potassium, which are partially released when fertiliser is applied.
The main application of vermiculite is in the seedlings and cuttings segment.
Insight into sustainability and eco-footprint
The themes of sustainability and environmentally-conscious cultivation are gaining traction throughout the horticultural sector. To support growers in this transition, all our substrates are categorised into a sustainability class. This class gives our customers continuous insight into the sustainability and circularity of a substrate and the corresponding properties. This classification system not only aims to offer CO2 and peat-free substrates, it also examines the origin and type of organic raw materials and fertilisers.
Four different classes are used: A, B, C and D. The sustainability class of a substrate is determined based on a set of pre-defined standards. By taking these criteria into account when formulating a substrate blend, we can produce a product with the desired sustainability class.
The table below shows the different classes and the applicable criteria ranging from the peat percentage to increasing use of circular raw materials.
A Class
- 100% Peat free
- At least 50% green raw materials
- Maximum 35% mineral raw materials
- No inorganic fertilizers
CO2 Footprint Class A
(<60kg eq/ENm3)
B Class
- 100% Peat free
- At least 15% green raw materials
- Maximum 35% mineral raw materials
CO2 Footprint Class B
(<60kg eq/ENm3)
C Class
- Maximum 65% peat
- Exclusively RPP peat
CO2 Footprint Class C
(50-150kg eq/ENm3)
D Class
- More than 65% peat (unlimited)
- Exclusively RPP peat
CO2 Footprint Class D
(70-350kg eq/ENm3)
Discover more about our sustainability classes? Go to values > Sustainability or contact us.
Contact us!
Are you eager to discover all the benefits we can offer your crops? We are happy to advise you! Or do you believe in the importance of sustainability and want to make your own contribution? Let us help you. Contact one of our specialists at +31(0) 88 22 44 800 or sales@lensli.com.
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