Stable, airy substrate based on renewable raw materials
Our many years of practical experience, knowledge and extensive research, has resulted in the development of an efficient substrate for soft fruit cultivation. Our substrate contains a balanced mixture of coconut, Swedish sphagnum peat and perlite, which creates an open and airy substrate, rapidly absorbs water and retains its structure and stability.
This composition enables us to adapt 100% coconut or 100% peat substrates, without compromising on quality. In fact, in some cases we can even improve the quality. We offer a readily available product that contributes to the environmental friendliness of soft fruit production. After all, the more sustainable raw materials are used, the smaller the footprint. Due to the increasing scarcity and cost of coconut and peat, the sooner these raw materials can be replaced by good, practical alternatives, the better.
Partnership leads to proven success
Similar to all our other substrates, the proven substrate for soft fruit can be formulated to suit the specific needs of growers, plants and the situation. We consider our customers to be our partners. We consult and work together to achieve the very best results. Our customer base includes propagators and strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry growers. We continually explore ways of adapting the substrate to boost its effectiveness.
Key principles
The volume of soft fruit cultivation has increased in recent years, and so have the factors that influence crop resilience. The substrate must have a good moisture balance, the right buffering capacity and fertilisers that suit the crop’s needs.
Substrate used to grow soft fruit must offer the following properties:
- Good drainage after intense irrigation.
- Good water absorption capacity. The substrate must be able to absorb water quickly.
- Good buffering effect to allow water uptake during periods of drought.
- Stable moisture balance. Reducing moisture fluctuations helps reduce the stress experienced by the plant and has a beneficial effect on root formation. Maintaining a constant, correct moisture balance is important.
- A good air balance is also essential. The open pore structure of the substrate must be retained.
Suitable raw materials
Together with our growers we examine which raw materials best suit their crops This all starts with creating the right proportions and an optimal balance between the different raw materials. At Lensli, we stock a wide range of renewable raw materials. They all offer their own, specific added value for all the crops in the soft fruit segment:
- Perlite influences the air balance and drainage properties of substrates.
- Structured bark creates the correct moisture balance in the substrate.
- Coconut ensures good water distribution.
- Swedish sphagnum peat ensures good water absorption, benefits the air balance and buffers nutrients. It also makes sure the top layer of the substrate dries well, which reduces the risk of pests and diseases or fungi formation.
Despite considerably reducing the proportion of peat and coconut, and using high quality alternatives, these raw materials still constitute the main ingredient in substrates for soft fruit. Peat-free and low-peat solutions are also available. These options can be developed and used in consultation with the grower.
Benefits and properties
The benefits of our substrates for soft fruit:
- Extensive knowledge of the soft fruit market, our products and raw materials.
- Continuous product development and innovation.
- We offer good, high-quality alternatives for peat and coconut.
- Reduced reliance on coconut, while preserving its beneficial properties thanks to the use of our high quality alternatives.
- Stable and homogeneous substrates that ensure constant, guaranteed quality and delivery.
- Suitable for year-round cultivation.
- Our substrates help growers increase their sustainability and achieve the smallest possible footprint. The more sustainable raw materials are used, the smaller the footprint.
- Contains natural, organic raw materials.
- All raw materials are RHP certified, so safe to use.
- Personal approach, with a focus on cooperation and partnership.
- Available in various types of packaging. Choose from: Bulk, big bales, big bags and 45L bags.
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!
Would you like to know more about the possibilities of our substrates for your cultivation? We are happy to talk to you! Or do you think sustainability is important and would you like to contribute to this yourself? We can also advise on this. Contact one of our specialists in the field of small and soft fruit:
Martin den Brok
Account manager
m.denBrok@lensli.com
+31 6 51344735
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