In commercial horticulture, the search for sustainable and reliable growing media is more important than ever. Greater supply security, consistent quality, and reduced pressure on natural ecosystems are all playing a significant role. Sphaxx from Klasmann-Deilmann is a solution to these issues.

The orchid grower Opti-flor is one of the major users of Sphaxx. Here, Ruud Duijvestijn, Head of Cultivation and Energy at Opti-flor, shares his experiences.

“When we first came across Klasmann-Deilmann’s greenhouse-grown sphagnum about five years ago, we were actually still in an exploratory phase,” explains Ruud Duijvestijn. “We had already been working with compressed peatmoss sheets from the southern hemisphere for a number of years. However, we were faced with delivery times of three months and inconsistent quality. So we did see potential in a locally grown alternative, provided it could match what we were used to.”

From small-scale trial to significant volumes

The initial steps were taken with caution, beginning with small-scale trials before moving on to larger-scale production. „We started with a pilot of 48 plants in 7 cm pots, maintaining strict confidentiality. We monitored these closely together with Klasmann-Deilmann. The results exceeded expectations, and from that moment on, we began scaling up step by step. The volume of purchases has since grown into a significant production stream. We now use Sphaxx in around 15,000 pots per week.“

According to Ruud Duijvestijn, mutual trust was key from the outset. “Trust is something you build together. By continuously testing, evaluating, and making adjustments, we got to know the product better and better. Close collaboration and short lines of communication make all the difference.”

Consistent quality and direct lines of communication

The consistent, pure quality strikes him most of all. “The Sphaxx is grown by Klasmann-Deilmann under controlled conditions, which makes it cleaner. As irradiation is required for imported trays, it is not necessary here. Sphaxx owns greater biodiversity and it is free from weeds.”

He continues: „What’s more, the seedlings are very uniform. That’s hugely important in practice. It means we can predict the growing results more easily. If anything comes up, we can quickly liaise with Klasmann-Deilmann. Their proximity is a real advantage.”

Resilient and adaptable

Supply reliability also plays an important role. “With overseas products, it can easily take three months for your order to arrive. That makes your value chain vulnerable. With a local supply chain, that risk is much smaller. You know where the products come from, and you can anticipate things more quickly. This provides peace of mind when planning and ensures business operations run smoothly.”

Moreover, Ruud Duijvestijn also recognises clear sustainability benefits. “Sphagnum from pristine peatlands is around 40 years old by the time it is harvested. In contrast, Klasmann-Deilmann’s sphagnum is ready for harvest within a year as it is a cold-climate crop. That, too, is innovative, and I think it’s really impressive. For us, that is the future: a combination of quality, innovation, supply security, and nature conservation.”

Author: Anita Bassie

Der Beitrag Locally grown Sphaxx takes over Opti-flor erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Our Lithuanian team proving excellence, safety, and professionalism

On April 24, the Lithuanian Forklift Championship 2026 brought together the best forklift operators from across the country. It is the largest and only event of its kind in Lithuania, where everyday operational skills are transformed into a true professional challenge.

Our company was represented by a team of four forklift operators: Laimonas Balseris, Donatas Rudys, Povilas Baltutis ir Svajūnas Vykertas, ready to test their abilities among the top professionals in the field. Participation alone in such an event requires courage, self-confidence, and a strong commitment to continuous professional development.

On the championship course, speed was not the key factor – precision was. Participants faced technical tasks that demanded accurate maneuvering, strong concentration, and flawless control of the forklift down to the very last movement. Our team handled these challenges with confidence, demonstrating professional equipment handling, quick reactions in non-standard situations, and a responsible approach to safety. Only minimal differences separated our team from the leading positions.

Importantly, the championship emphasized not only technical excellence but also a strong culture of safety. During the first part of the event, all participants attended dedicated safety training sessions, where they enhanced their knowledge of efficient material handling, the latest safety systems, and responsible working practices. Such experience is a valuable investment in even safer and higher-quality daily operations.

Events like this remind us that professionalism is measured not only by everyday performance but also by the ability to demonstrate one’s competencies on a national stage.

We are proud of our team, which once again proved that excellence, precision, and safety are the values we bring with us to work every day.

Der Beitrag Forklift Championship erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

The expansion of Sphaxx’s production capacity is continuing with the commissioning of the new site in Bergschenhoek. The former nursery, covering an area of around six hectares, has been completely converted for the cultivation of sphagnum. The first three hectares have been in use since 1 March 2026, and the second half will also be operational from 1 May 2026.

Part of the greenhouse in Bergschenhoek is already around 25 years old. By opting for an existing greenhouse rather than a new build, we are underlining Sphaxx’s sustainable approach in production as well. For Sphaxx, the greenhouse has been technically adapted to the specific requirements of sphagnum cultivation, including new flooring and a modified irrigation system. The new site is thus future-proof and efficiently designed for the heating-free production of high-quality raw materials.

Combination of production and research strengthens innovative capacity

In addition to production, the site also serves as a research centre. The focus here is on further optimising Sphaxx’s cultivation methods, quality and scalability. By combining cultivation and research at a single site, market developments and the needs of nurseries can be taken into account even more directly and consistently. This aligns well with the overarching goals regarding product availability, cultivation reliability and innovation.

By expanding production capacity in Bergschenhoek, Klasmann-Deilmann is strengthening the foundation for the further development of Sphaxx. The new site supports the ambition to make renewable raw materials available on a larger scale without compromising on quality and homogeneity.

Author: Anita Bassie

Der Beitrag Sphaxx from Bergschenhoek erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

How Dieffenbachia and Calathea respond in cultivation
Insights from recent R&D greenhouse trials

Current efforts to reduce peat use in horticulture raise the question of how alternative materials perform in demanding foliage crops. A recent R&D trial in our Geeste greenhouse examined the effect of our new TerraCoal^® biochar in substrates for Dieffenbachia ‘Camilla’ and Calathea rufibarba, focusing on plant quality, pH behaviour and general cultivation performance.

Reliable growth at 10% TerraCoal^®

Both crops showed stable development in substrates containing 10% biochar.
Dieffenbachia formed uniform root systems and maintained consistent growth throughout the trial.
Calathea, a crop sensitive to fluctuations in substrate conditions, produced good leaf substance and leaf colour in the same treatment. These observations indicate that moderate biochar inclusion can support and stabilise reliable growth in peat-reduced and peat-free mixes.

Improved pH stability

The trial also showed that mixes containing TerraCoal^® maintained more stable pH values, particularly in the peat-free formulations. This is relevant for Calathea, which can react quickly to pH shifts. More predictable pH behaviour may help reduce cultivation challenges for the grower related to nutrient uptake.

CO₂ considerations

Replacing part of the peat in the substrate recipe with alternative constituents and incorporating biochar reduced the calculated CO₂ emissions per cubic metre of substrate. This reflects both the lower peat content and the carbon retention characteristics of the biochar used. Emissions from the substrate as a whole can be largely or even fully offset by TerraCoal^®, depending on the amount used in the substrate.

Points to watch

The peat-free mixes without TerraCoal^® in these trials required closer attention to irrigation and nutrient supply and showed weaker plant development. This underlines that adjustments in water and fertiliser management during cultivation generally are important when moving towards peat-free production systems. However, adding TerraCoal^® biochar to the peat-free growing medium can also help the grower manage the crop.

Conclusion

For Dieffenbachia and Calathea, the use of 10% TerraCoal^® supported stable plant growth and improved pH behaviour while contributing to a lower substrate-related carbon footprint. These results indicate that biochar can be a useful component when developing peat-reduced and peat-free substrate concepts in future, provided that cultivation parameters on the nursery are adapted accordingly.

Der Beitrag TerraCoal® biochar in peat-reduced substrates for green plants erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Moritz Böcking is leaving the company; Jan Astrup appointed Managing Director 

After fifteen years of successful collaboration, Managing Director Moritz Böcking and the Shareholders of Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH have mutually agreed to part ways. Effective 1 May 2026, Moritz Böcking will hand over his position as Managing Director to Jan Astrup, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer at the company in 2021/2022. Jan Astrup and Damian Ikemann will henceforth form the Board of Managing Directors of the Klasmann-Deilmann Group. 

Klasmann-Deilmann thanks Moritz Böcking for their collaboration and the progress achieved in the transformation of the Klasmann-Deilmann Group. Moritz Böcking expanded Klasmann-Deilmann beyond the growing media business into new areas of commercial horticulture and promoted innovation and digitalization within the company. In addition, his achievements include the expansion of resources derived from renewable raw materials, as well as the acquisition of a subsidiary in Australia and production facilities in France and Canada, which are operated in cooperation with external partners. He also significantly advanced Klasmann-Deilmann’s positioning as a global pioneer of sustainable development in the growing media industry, thereby making a decisive contribution to the company’s economic growth. 

With Jan Astrup, Klasmann-Deilmann is gaining an internationally experienced manager who has proven himself within the company and possesses extensive expertise in raw materials, production, process optimization, and technology. With the new Managing Director, the growing importance of raw material- and technology-driven areas for the substrate industry is now firmly anchored at the top management level. Jan Astrup will strengthen the core business in commercial horticulture and help to further develop the company in a future-proof manner. 

Der Beitrag Klasmann-Deilmann: Change at the helm erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Over the past twenty years, Klasmann-Deilmann has charted a clear strategic course toward sustainability and raw material innovation. The global leader in the growing media sector is increasingly focusing on renewable raw materials and alternatives to peat. In this transition, innovation is an integral part of ensuring maximum cultivation reliability and product quality. Sphaxx® is the controlled solution to the demand for sphagnum.

The key difference from sphagnum, which comes from natural bogs, is that Sphaxx is grown in greenhouses under controlled conditions and then processed. This results in consistent and uniform quality, high purity, reliable availability, short transport distances, and a low environmental impact. Due to the long growing season and high demand for the product, scaling up production capacity remains a key challenge. Last year, Klasmann-Deilmann invested in an expansion of 9.5 hectares.

Applications in Various Crops

Sphaxx® is ideally suited for the propagation of epiphytes, with the current focus on its use with Phalaenopsis and bromeliads. These crops are not heated and place high demands on uniformity, hygiene, and water management. Thanks to its stable structure and high water-holding capacity, Sphaxx® supports uniform germination and root development.

RHP certification as proof of quality

The RHP certification in early 2026 demonstrates that this approach is innovative and reliable. For the first time, a sphagnum product has been certified according to this strict international standard. To this end, both the production process and the physical, chemical, and phytosanitary properties were tested. This underscores that Sphaxx® is a sustainable alternative and meets the highest standards for cultivation reliability and consistency.

Broad Innovation Base in Raw Materials

In parallel with the development of Sphaxx®, Klasmann-Deilmann has invested in a broader portfolio of renewable raw materials such as wood fibres, compost, bark, and coco. The resulting knowledge, including the infrastructure, forms the foundation upon which Sphaxx® is further developed and integrated into substrate solutions. The combination of material expertise and practical applications—such as cuttings, propagation systems, and propagation concepts – ensures that the innovation is directly tailored to the needs of nurseries.

Future Prospects for Propagation

With Sphaxx®, Klasmann-Deilmann is taking a significant step forward in the substrate market. The product offers a local, sustainable, and pure alternative to traditional peat or sphagnum from raised bogs. It fits into the broader movement toward peat reduction and circular cultivation systems.

By combining innovation with scalability, certification, and practical application, Klasmann-Deilmann demonstrates that the propagation of the future requires new raw materials. Sphaxx® can play a key role in this. With Sphaxx®, Klasmann-Deilmann relieves horticultural businesses of concerns regarding raw materials, quality, and sustainability, offering the reliability they can count on.

Author: Anita Bassie | ANIQ Projectorganisatie B.V.

Der Beitrag Sphaxx supports the strategic shift toward greater sustainability erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

A century-long era comes to an end

In mid-April, a historic event for Klasmann-Deilmann took place at the Schöninghsdorf factory site: for the very last time, a train carrying black peat from local sites arrived at our factory. This marked the end of a century-long history: our company grew up on peat from the Emsland region, but now the local resources have been exhausted.

This moving moment was honoured during a small ceremony. Alongside Jannis Staelberg and Matthias Hermsen, managing directors of Produktionsgesellschaft Süd, managing director Damian Ikemann and Twist’s mayor, Petra Lübbers, had also come to accompany the train’s entry into the factory and to receive the final black peat in a fitting manner. Guests of honour were our shareholders Jochen Brandewiede, Petra Altevers and Bernhard Altevers.

However, the moment was of particular significance for our Schöninghsdorf team, which had made the extraction and production site a reliable factor in Klasmann-Deilmann’s success for decades. And so the applause was directed not only at the final train, but above all at the team.

Damian Ikemann paid tribute to the site’s importance for the region: “On this historic day, as we see this final train pass by, we are reminded once again of how deeply the tracks, the lorries and the raw material have bound us together. The Moorbahn was the link between Klasmann-Deilmann, the colleagues employed here, nature with its rich treasures, our home region of Emsland and the municipality of Schöninghsdorf. Our thanks go to the men and women who have remained loyal to us over many years and stayed with us virtually until the very last ‘train’. You have been a real asset to our company and to numerous nurseries. Without you, Klasmann-Deilmann would not be what it has been over the last 100 years: a reliable partner for our customers, suppliers and also the local community. Our thanks also go to the municipality of Schöninghsdorf, which has been our host for many decades and has worked with us in a spirit of trust.”

In his welcoming address, Matthias Hermsen once again recalled the site’s long history: “The former Heseper Torfwerke took over this site in the 1920s. At that time, the works already had fifty years of peat extraction behind them. Peat, Schöninghsdorf and Klasmann-Deilmann were inextricably linked for a long time. Schöninghsdorf will continue to exist, Klasmann-Deilmann will continue to exist, and the former extraction areas will be rewetted. Today marks the end of a long history, yet it also points to the future – the story for the community, the company and nature will continue.”

Jannis Staelberg spoke about the valuable black peat: “Schöninghsdorf – that wasn’t just peat. Our plant in Schöninghsdorf produced a special raw material that was processed into growing media and delivered unpackaged in whole lorryloads to nurseries, primarily in north-west Germany. Schöninghsdorf meant frozen black peat, which was particularly sought after for growing vegetables and herbs. In the broadest sense, this site was part of the food industry’s value chain. Despite all the criticism of peat extraction, we were sustained by the awareness that something good and meaningful was created from our products.”

Mayor Petra Lübbers also expressed her gratitude on behalf of the community for the long and fruitful partnership: “After 150 years, peat extraction is coming to an end here, marking the close of an era that shaped the former municipality of Schöninghsdorf – and today’s municipality of Twist – across generations. The past decades have not only transformed our landscape but also shaped our identity. The extraction sites have been transformed into agricultural land and, in recent years, into renaturalised moorland landscapes – valuable habitats that demonstrate that change also brings new opportunities.

We would like to thank Klasmann-Deilmann for being a reliable employer. Thanks to this, many families have been able to build a life here. Numerous employees have purchased land here, built houses and are deeply rooted in our community. This sense of belonging is the foundation upon which our community life still stands today. This day is not a full stop; rather, it marks the beginning of the transition from a past steeped in tradition towards new horizons.”

The site will continue to operate until the summer, before the gates close for good. Then the dismantling of tracks, machinery and buildings will begin, as well as the rewetting of the remaining areas. In the end, a large area will remain that is permanently dedicated to nature conservation and climate protection.

Der Beitrag Last train to Schöninghsdorf erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

From tradition to transformation

Azaleas are regaining their spotlight – and FlorAmor is leading the way. In this article, we explore how the company is reinventing this classic plant, from breeding to branding, and setting the course for a more modern and sustainable future.

FlorAmor brings together the breeding, production and marketing of azaleas under one roof. The company has deliberately chosen to manage its entire supply chain in-house. While this offers opportunities, the lengthy process of cultivating azaleas from cutting to flowering plant requires foresight and the right partners.

Piet Ravelingien is well versed in the industry. With decades of experience in azalea cultivation, he has witnessed the evolution of the sector: „In 1980, there were 100 million azaleas; now there are just 15 to 20 million. Orchids and other flowering pot plants have taken over the azalea’s market share. We are trying to do something about that. We can only achieve this if we differentiate ourselves, hence the breeding. Using genetics to improve the product is innovative, but it is especially important for the future.”

„Breeding and searching for new varieties is no easy task,“ explains Steven Engelen, Breeding & R&D Manager. „We have to be several years ahead of the consumer. Azaleas need to be pruned to encourage growth. This is done three or four times while they are here at the company. What we start today will only yield a finished product in one-and-a-half to two years.”

From cutting to flower

The main cultivation takes place in a 13-centimetre pot. The plant remains in this pot for an average of 18 months. During that period, a handful of cuttings in one pot grow into a fully fledged plant. „We pinch them back an average of three times to encourage the cuttings to branch out and provide new cuttings for ourselves. So, once you start pinching back, it becomes a self-sufficient cultivation process,” explains Piet.

Steven continues, “The cut cuttings are handled with care and placed in boxes in the refrigerator. We can store them there for several weeks. This allows us to solve the puzzle in a way that is feasible in terms of practical time management. When taking the cuttings, it is impossible to see the colour of the flowers, so it is important to take a structured approach and maintain an overview. Mixing up the cuttings is a costly mistake that becomes apparent 18 months later. In the meantime, that batch has also been topped three times, so it becomes an expensive mistake.”

Azaleas are naturally spring-blooming plants that require a period of dormancy in the cold to flower when the first signs of spring warmth appear. At FlorAmor, they control this natural process. „We mimic winter once the flower bud has developed. The plant is then placed in the greenhouse, where it opens as a result of the warmth. This enables us to work year-round, particularly as new varieties are being developed for this purpose. The season is therefore much longer than it used to be.“

Piet: „At two degrees, the plant goes into hibernation. That’s when you ‘stretch’ the winter, although we don’t do that indefinitely. Once the plant has experienced the minimum required cold, it’s fine. When you take it back out of the fridge and put it in the greenhouse, it starts to grow again at temperatures between seven and twenty degrees, and it flowers.”

Hortinno and Flandresse: Two brands, one strategy

Steven: „We want a more modern look for the azalea. We’re aiming for an international, prestigious product that flowers for longer and appeals to a wider audience. We need to move away from the old-fashioned image. The threshold of ‘winter care’ and reflowering, among other things, gives the azalea a reputation as a disposable plant. We absolutely must move away from that.“

They are translating this new, modern image into their own brand: Hortinno Home & Garden. „The range still includes traditional azaleas, but also our new, improved hardy indoor varieties. The new flowering types have larger, longer-lasting flowers and extend the plant’s life indoors. After the initial flowering period, the hardy variety can be given a new lease of life outdoors. This is a step towards a more sustainable product. The new indoor azalea is therefore a plant for the living room, patio, and even full garden soil.”

This fits in with the brand strategy of offering a total package. Piet: „By managing the entire chain ourselves, from breeding to commercialisation, we can also tell the story behind the plant. Our azaleas are of a quality that we develop, grow and market ourselves. That’s what sets us apart.“

Cultivation in containers

The substrate plays an important role in this story. „Open ground is a thing of the past. Nowadays, we grow everything in containers, so the quality and composition of the substrate is crucial. We want uniform results every time.“ Azaleas, rhododendrons, skimmias and euonymus are all acid-loving plants, but each species has its own sensitivities and requirements. Even within the azalea family, new varieties sometimes require a different approach.

Steven explains, „Up to 40% of the nutrients we provide to the plant flow out of the bottom of the pot. We recycle that water and the fertilisers it contains because we don’t want to waste anything. Cultivation takes place separately from the substrate, forming a closed circuit. Rainwater, which is the best quality, provides the necessary supplements. The first phase of cultivation, the cutting, always takes place indoors. The more extreme conditions mean we have to spend a little more time indoors than before, although it’s still important that the late summer is spent outdoors. This results in a stronger, more robust plant.“

Knowledge partner

When it comes to acid-loving crops, Alain De Witte of De Witte/Gravelart acts as Klasmann-Deilmann’s permanent knowledge partner. The soil handler can draw on decades of experience, both his own and that of previous generations. „Since 1968, our history has run parallel to that of Klasmann-Deilmann. First with peat directly from Germany, and later with finished substrates from Ingelmunster and Bruges. Those substrates are evolving, just like the raw materials we use to make them.

In the beginning, it was forest soil. The humus layer from coniferous forests is acidic, airy, and permeable to water. Later, peat was added, which eventually led to ready-to-use substrates. The substrate requirements are considerable, which is logical for a plant that has to get everything it needs from one pot for one and a half to two and a half years.” Hannelore Verbeeck, R&D engineer for substrates at De Witte/Gravelart, adds: „The low pH and draining effect of the former forest soil can be found in peat. The origin of the peat, its hardness, structure and stability all play a role in this. And it doesn’t stop with peat. For over 15 years, we have been adapting compositions with coconut fibre and GreenFibre®. Tests with advisors proved its success. In fact, the ‘old’ azalea cultivation was already ahead of today’s sustainability story.“

Peat-free(er)

New substrates were being tested at FlorAmor 5–10 years ago, and interest in alternatives has increased ever since. „Our retail customers were asking for it,“ they say. „’No peat’ used to be the idea, but people now seem to be moving away from that. Cost and quality also play a role, as does the ban on chemical agents. For us, the goal is to use as little as possible. We have experimented extensively in this area. We know that it will be a year and a half to two and a half years before we see the results. This makes us a little cautious. Currently, 50% of our products are alternatives, which is positive.”

Alain: „The biggest challenge is controlling the acidity level. Over such a long period of cultivation, peat has just the right properties and qualities. You can’t change the substrate and expect the plant to remain unaffected. A substrate without peat has less buffering capacity in various areas, so you have to refine everything. It actually becomes a different type of cultivation.“

Piet: „Expectations are high among customers, who naturally want the best plants. Their concerns are our concerns, and we have made significant progress in recent years.“

Steven: „The company currently has rhododendrons growing in an alternative substrate. So we can do it! The peat-free option is available. It has been tested, and with sufficient additional guidance, it delivers results. Given the current quality standards, we realise that we cannot simply replicate the watering and fertilisation methods and that the pH factor requires particular attention. We are proud to have already taken many steps forward. This applies to peat-free (or peat-reduced) working methods, crop protection rules and energy efficiency, for example.“

Hannelore Verbeeck: „We have considered alternatives, but not with the intention of blindly replacing existing practices. Our choice is a vision for the future. We use raw materials that we trust and that will be available in the future. As a supplier, producer and grower, our goal is to reduce the footprint of each link in the chain. It’s not about replacing peat with an inferior alternative that requires more transport or has no security of supply.“

Piet: „That will only work if we work with the right partners. Partners who think along with us, share knowledge, and believe in innovation without compromising on quality.”

Der Beitrag FlorAmor’s vision for the Azalea erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

From plantation to substrate, everything under our own management

In order to own enough alternative raw materials, it is important to control the entire value chain. Klasmann-Deilmann relies on local teams for the production of coco in India. Reliability, quality, and availability are the focus.

“Everything to do with coco is handled by our team,” says Madura Amarasinghe, who is responsible for Klasmann-Deilmann’s coco production in Asia. “By working close to the source and keeping the processes under our own control, we can guarantee continuity and the highest quality.”

The coco fibers in Klasmann-Deilmann’s grow bags and other substrates are actually residues from coconuts that are carefully cultivated for food production. Klasmann-Deilmann’s production facilities in southern India are therefore located in the middle of coconut plantations. This means that the valuable coco fibers are delivered from within a maximum radius of 150 kilometers around the factory. This reduces transport costs, increases control over the supply chain, and strengthens cooperation with local suppliers. This network is of great importance for the overall production of the factories.

Coco production takes place at three locations in southern India. Most of the employees involved in this process live in the villages where the production facilities are located. This local anchoring ensures commitment, knowledge building, and stability.

Consistent quality and 20 years of experience

The factory in India is RHP and ISO certified and is considered the oldest RHP-certified site in India. With almost twenty years of experience in the production of coco as a raw material for substrates and growbags, the focus is on consistently high premium quality. A patented technology (Shakti Amla) enables control of the pH value of the raw material, which contributes to a stable and safe raw material. Exports are handled by the company’s own sales companies in more than 25 countries.

Availability requires forward thinking

Klasmann-Deilmann ensures a reliable supply through long-standing relationships with local suppliers, well-balanced inventories, and multiple production sites. This is because the availability of coco raw materials is seasonal. Coconut palms traditionally take three to five years to bear fruit, although there are now varieties that produce earlier. Harvesting takes place four to six times a year on average.

Sustainability in every respect

Sustainability is also particularly important in coco production. Drinking water for the local population always takes priority. The water used in the production of coco raw materials is collected and reused in other crops. Energy consumption, working conditions, medical care, and personal development are also constantly in focus. The production facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art RO recirculation systems to ensure that wastewater has no negative impact on the environment.

Coco is a renewable raw material of global importance for high-quality substrate mixtures. By controlling the entire value chain, Klasmann-Deilmann underlines its role as a reliable and sustainable partner for horticultural businesses worldwide.

Author: Anita Bassie | ANIQ Projectorganisatie B.V.

Der Beitrag The entire coco supply chain under control erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Why the growing medium determines cultivation success

The production of forestry young plants has undergone fundamental changes in recent years. Container cultivation in trays, paper pots or Growcoon now allows for precise control of cultivation practices and high space efficiency in the nursery. At the same time, the demands placed on the growing media are increasing significantly. It is no longer merely a growing medium, but a highly functional system that plays a decisive role in root development, plant quality and establishment success.

Physical stability as the foundation of crop security

The challenge begins with the physical properties. A suitable growing medium must remain structurally stable throughout the entire cultivation period whilst offering a balanced ratio of water-holding capacity and air capacity. These parameters are particularly crucial in forest tree production, where young plants are often cultivated in small cell volumes. Excessive water-holding capacity quickly leads to oxygen deficiency in the root zone, whilst insufficient water storage promotes drought stress. The ability to re-wet is equally critical, as dried-out growing media can become hydrophobic and then find it difficult to absorb water again.

Precise nutrient control for different tree species

In addition to the substrate’s physics, chemical controllability plays a central role. Different tree species have distinct requirements regarding the pH value and nutrient availability. Conifers prefer rather acidic conditions, whilst deciduous trees tolerate a broader spectrum. At the same time, the nutrient supply must be precisely tailored to the respective stage of development. During the propagation phase, low salt levels are required, whilst as cultivation progresses, a tailored supply of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as trace elements, must be ensured. 

Renewable raw materials alter substrate dynamics

With the increasing integration of alternative substrate constituents, complexity continues to rise. Wood fibres, bark or green compost alter the physical and chemical properties of the growing medium. For example, they improve drainage and promote aeration, but at the same time can lead to greater nutrient dynamics and increased leaching effects. In many cases, nitrogen requirements also increase, requiring an adapted fertilisation strategy. At the same time, these components offer benefits for biological activity within the growing medium, for instance by promoting mycorrhiza, which plays a key role in the establishment of forest plants in the field.

This is precisely where Klasmann-Deilmann comes in with its growing media solutions. The targeted combination of raw materials such as GreenFibre^® wood fibres, TerrAktiv^® composted bark and other components results in structurally stable mixtures with defined air and water capacities. These enable reliable crop control even under changing weather conditions. At the same time, carefully balanced recipes ensure homogeneous nutrient availability and support the development of a strong, well-branched root system.

Forest tree nurseries report that such growing media really come into their own, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Improved drainage reduces the risk of waterlogging and root damage, whilst the uniform structure promotes consistent crop development. At the same time, the plants benefit from better adaptability after planting, which directly translates into higher survival rates.

In an environment where crop security, efficiency and sustainability are equally important, growing media thus takes centre stage in the production strategy. For modern forest nurseries, it is not merely a production factor, but a crucial lever for ensuring predictable quality and minimising risks.

Der Beitrag Forestry nurseries in transition erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.