Peat-reduced substrate solutions for tomorrow’s horticulture

As the international horticultural industry moves towards more climate-friendly and sustainable practices, Klasmann-Deilmann continues to focus on advanced substrate solutions. One focus is on peat-reduced growing media for young vegetable plants – especially blocking substrates that combine excellent cultivation performance with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

Press pots with 20% peat substitute: Proven and established
The Advanced Blocking Substrates, such as the Potgrond H 80 + GreenFibre®, have quickly become the new standard for conventional vegetable propagation. With a 20% share of the renewable wood fiber GreenFibre in extra fine structure, they provide stable shaping in automated blocking lines and ensure a secure and uniform growth of seedlings – particularly in smaller press pot sizes such as 3.7 × 3.7 cm.

"These substrates are the result of our many years of experience in organic cultivation and our use of alternative raw materials in this area," says Linda Esters, Technical Advisor at Klasmann-Deilmann. "All our Advanced Substrates are fully RHP-certified, crop-safe and nutritionally optimized – no matter the peat content."

Higher shares of peat alternatives in blocking substrates are ready for tomorrow
For specific customized applications and requirements, Klasmann-Deilmann has already successfully increased the share of the renewable and circular raw materials to 50% with very good results.

© Klasmann-Deilmann Benelux

In some trials, the R&D team achieved even more, for example 60% peat substitution has proven effective in 3.7×3.7 cm press pots, and up to 70% substitution works well in larger 10×10 cm formats.

These blends include components like GreenFibre extra fine, TerrAktiv® green compost, TerrAktiv FT, and a specific high-grade black peat – all contributing to strong plant development and reliable propagation results even under demanding conditions.

Biochar as a carbon sink
One of the latest innovations of Klasmann-Deilmann is TerraCoal®, a high-quality biochar recently integrated into blocking substrates. It improves buffering abilities and microbial activity in the root zone while serving as a long-term carbon sink in the growing media. "With TerraCoal, we're taking a major step towards net-zero substrates," Linda Esters explains. "This new technology allows us to reduce emissions significantly and create substrates with a smaller environmental footprint."

© Klasmann-Deilmann Benelux

With its extensive experience and international logistics network, Klasmann-Deilmann supports growers worldwide in the transition to modern and more sustainable substrates and cultivation processes. The company offers expert advice with a strong global technical team on crop management, fertilization, and pH regulation – always tailored to the specific needs of each grower and cultivation system.