ADAS, part of the RSK Group, has joined forces with growers and growing-media manufacturers to accelerate the development of new growing-media mixes to support the transition to peat-free horticulture, and has made significant progress on the development of growing-media blends, made up of alternative materials from more sustainable sources.
A lab-based testing services has shown it is possible to design peat-free growing media mixes that have similar characteristics to peat-based products.
Although not a straightforward process, sustainable raw materials exist, and a blend is often necessary to produce a high-quality growing medium that is a suitable alternative.
ADAS have been conducting intensive research on peat-free growing media and have now developed an innovative new approach to designing media mixes.
Between 2015 and 2019, the AHDB and Defra provided funding for ADAS to carry out a large programme of peat-free growing media trials with commercial growers on a range of crops including bedding and pot plants, hardy nursery stock, protected edibles, soft and top fruit, and salad crops.
Dr Jill England, ADAS Head of Horticulture, said: “These trials showed us and the growers than we can produce peat-free mixes that perform as well as peat.
“Most peat-free growing media mixes are produced by blending a mix of materials, predominately wood fibre, bark, coir, and green compost.
“It is important to get the ratio of materials used right as this will impact on the quality and characteristics of the growing media. ADAS has developed a new rapid-screening and blending programme to help do just that.”