"There will be a growing demand for peat-free growing media, and Lensli's peat-free potting soil is certainly a great option".
Wouter de Waal (grower) and Hendrik Hak (CEO) of Vredebest in Waddinxveen share their experiences with Lensli's peat-free substrate.
Vredebest is always looking for ways to improve the processes at the nursery and the quality of their plants. The concept of peat-free growing media is very much in the spotlight, and demand for it is only expected to increase. For this reason, Vredebest, together with Lensli, set up a trial using peat-free potting soil. "We want to find out what growing on that type of substrate will be like in the future and see the reactions of our customers to this new offering. This trial can provide a good opportunity to learn more, certainly in terms of increasing the sustainability of our growing methods", says Wouter de Waal of Vredebest.
Trial with peat-free substrate
Trials started in June 2020. The pots were filled with a Lensli substrate combining bark, coconut and wood fibre. Using a different substrate meant taking a different approach to growing the conifers. "This type of substrate is lighter and airer and retains fewer nutrients. To boost the buffering capacity, we added some clay and a dose of osmocote to the substrate. This offers the advantage of a constant, slow release of nutrients. The airy substrate drains well, and it releases the nutrients fairly quickly. But as the osmocote continuously releases nutrients to the roots, there is no risk of the plant suffering from a deficiency. In fact, adding osmocote had many benefits for us".
De Waal is extremely satisfied with the results. "The supply of nutrients was good. The pH did not exceed 5,1, which is ideal for us. We always start growing with a pH of 4,8. This often rises slightly during the season, but with no detrimental effects. Another plus was that root ball development in the peat-free substrate was better than in the regular potting soil".
De Waal can’t really name any disadvantages. "I suppose the looser soil may keep the crop more compact. But that can, in fact, also be a good thing. However, in a moderate growth season it might have the opposite effect so the crop actually stays too small. I think we can compensate quite adequately by ensuring we have the right water to nutrient ratio in the potting soil. But I would expect smaller plants if we didn't add osmocote".
All the conifers grown on the peat-free potting soil have been sold. De Waal is now considering a possible follow-up to this trial. "In 2021, we first try the substrate again so we can compare the results of different years". Making a complete transition now is a too radical change for Vredebest. "Using this potting soil involves a higher investment. That would have to be passed on to our customers. And for us, any demand from buyers for peat-free growing media is not a real issue, although I expect the demand to rise at some stage. And when that time comes, Lensli's peat-free potting soil is certainly a great option".