Together with leading horticultural businesses, we are testing the next generation of plant propagation

Innovations must prove their worth in the environments in which they will eventually be used, such as under real production conditions within existing cultivation systems and in conjunction with the processes of professional horticultural businesses. Rootixx is currently at this stage.

Our patented, peat-free plant propagation solution is currently being tested in collaboration with leading producers in Europe, North America and Australia. Initially, we only planned to work with a small number of selected trial partners. However, due to the high level of interest from within the industry, we are now supporting around 30 trials and projects. This response confirms that the professional plant propagation sector is open to new concepts.

Development begins with the customer

Every trial begins with an analysis of the conditions at the relevant farm. Which trays are used? How are the plants watered and fertilised? Which processes are automated? What requirements must a propagation solution meet to ensure it can be reliably integrated into the farm’s operations?

“First of all, we need to understand how the customer cultivates their plants, what system they use, and what their requirements are,” explains Dr Sebastian Kipp, Klasmann-Deilmann’s Director of Innovation.

In many cases, we therefore work directly with the trays and technical measures at the trial sites. Rootixx is not tested in isolation from its intended use, but rather compared with the established propagation media used by the respective customer.

The results so far are encouraging. At the same time, the tests provide concrete indications of where the formulation or application needs further adjustment. This is precisely where the value of this validation phase lies.”

Research and development under real-world conditions

Rootixx is being trialled in various crops and cultivation systems. Each trial accumulates information about the conditions under which the concept can best demonstrate its strengths.

It’s not just about visible plant growth. A new propagation system must produce consistently uniform results in the long term in professional operations. It must be possible to water it reliably and fit it into existing cultivation strategies. It must also function effectively in subsequent stages of the process.

“It’s not enough for the plants to grow well,” emphasises Kipp. ‘Ultimately, the automation must also function reliably.’

Consequently, the various specialist departments work very closely together. Findings from customer trials are fed directly back to the research and development teams. There, they are evaluated and verified in further greenhouse trials, and translated into technical measures where necessary. Our colleagues in the markets support businesses on the ground and ensure that experiences from different regions are brought together.

This ongoing exchange is an essential part of our development approach: testing, measuring, adapting and testing again under real-world conditions.

More than just a new propagation medium

Rootixx is not just a replacement for existing materials; it is an innovative, patented technology with a range of applications. The concept establishes a relationship between innovative, patented technology and an automated application.

In the long term, the starting material will be prepared directly at the producer’s premises and dispensed into the farm’s own trays. This enables farms to retain control over the production process and use Rootixx as required. At the same time, transport and logistics can be organised efficiently.

We are currently developing a suitable mixing and dosing unit together with an established automation partner from the horticulture sector. An initial prototype is expected to be ready by the end of the year. “Rootixx is not just a product,” says Kipp. ‘It is a system solution that also includes automation.’

Progress is already visible

Rootixx is still in the pre-launch phase. Many questions have already been answered, while others are currently being addressed in collaboration with our trial partners. The keen interest shown by growers, the international scope of the ongoing trials, and the results to date demonstrate that there is a genuine need for Rootixx. In the coming months, we will gain further insights into plant performance, operational handling and automation.

Until the full market launch, we will therefore continue to move forward together with experienced growers, technical partners, and our international teams. After all, the next generation of plant propagation isn’t developed behind closed doors. It’s developed in the greenhouse.

Der Beitrag Progress in Motion erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

The key to successful banana production lies in the early stages, long before the plants reach the greenhouse. The process starts in the laboratory, where tissue culture plants are propagated under controlled conditions before being carefully hardened and acclimatised for commercial cultivation.

The company Vitroagriannakhil (V2A) in Morrocco has specialised in this process for more than ten years. With state-of-the-art facilities comprising a tissue culture laboratory and two young plant nurseries located in southern and northern Morocco, V2A supplies high-quality banana plants to Banana producers in Morocco and other international markets, including Senegal and Burkina Faso.

Tissue culture enables the production of uniform, virus-free young plant batches that establish quickly and consistently in the field. V2A reports average yields of around 70 tonnes banana fruits per hectare on its own plantations — well above Morocco’s national average of around 40 tonnes per hectare, according to FAO data (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).

Creating the ideal environment for root development

The transition from the laboratory to the nursery is one of the most critical stages in banana propagation.

Plants produced in vitro initially have root systems that are not fully functional. During acclimatisation, they must develop entirely new roots that are capable of supporting healthy growth under commercial growing conditions.

According to Abdellah Bellanouenes, manager of the Vitroagriannakhil nursery and tissue culture laboratory, the type of propagation substrate used is therefore crucial.

„Propagation substrates of Klasmann-Deilmann are used throughout the entire process, from primary hardening to cultivation. They meet our scientific and professional production standards. They are essential for producing high-quality plants.“

The substrate provides the physical environment that young plants need during this sensitive stage. A balanced combination of water retention, aeration and structural stability supports rapid root development and helps the plants to become established successfully.

Healthy roots are the basis for healthy plants

At Vitroagriannakhil, strong root development is one of the clearest indicators of plant quality.

 „You can see the roots, they are dense. They have found an ideal environment in terms of water retention, aeration, and nutrient supply.“

The TS3 Substrate by Klasmann-Deilmann provides the ideal conditions for early development, the nursery can simplify crop management during propagation. „This means that we don’t need to use fertilisers.“

The result is a more efficient production process and consistently high-quality young plants that are ready for growers.

A partnership focused on quality

For Vitroagriannakhil, choosing the right substrate is about creating the best possible starting point for every plant.

„We opted for a substrate from Klasmann-Deilmann because it saves us time. In general, the roots of in vitro plants aren’t functional. The plant has to regenerate new roots. To do this, it needs an ideal growing media structure. That’s exactly what we find in Klasmann-Deilmann substrates.“

By combining tissue culture expertise with the carefully selected substrates of Klasmann-Deilmann, Vitroagriannakhil produces vigorous, first-class banana young plants that enable banana producers to establish very productive plantations from the outset.

Der Beitrag Producing the foundation for successful banana cultivation erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Klasmann-Deilmann opens new production facility in Papenburg 

Klasmann-Deilmann has a new site in Germany. The company officially opened its new factory in Papenburg in the presence of invited guests. From now on, customers in the DACH region will be supplied with unpackaged growing media from this location. 

In his speech, Managing Director Jan Astrup expressed his gratitude for the sustained and dedicated efforts of the partner companies and the teams responsible at Klasmann-Deilmann. “For a company of our size, a new factory is a major project offering many opportunities, but also risks,” said Jan Astrup. “We would like to thank our shareholders for their confidence that we will also make this site a success.” 

Reflecting on developments in horticulture in Germany and neighbouring countries, Jan Astrup explained: “Germany needs this factory with state-of-the-art equipment, streamlined processes and a reliable output. The German horticultural sector requires high-performance growing media made from a variety of raw materials. Klasmann-Deilmann is the only growing media manufacturer investing in the German horticultural sector on this scale. We are demonstrating just how important this market is, even though the debate over peat use is casting a shadow over the entire horticultural production sector. We are showing just how important our customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are to us, as they will now be supplied even more reliably.” 

The new factory currently produces around 5 m³ per minute. The aim is to increase this to 7–8 m³ per minute in the foreseeable future. Taking seasonal fluctuations into account, the site’s theoretical maximum capacity is approximately 350,000–400,000 tm³ per year. In the initial phase, production will be around 270,000 m³ per year. 

The port location is ideal for a modern and diverse supply of raw materials. Cocos from India and Sri Lanka, peat from the Baltic states, as well as wood fibres, bark and green compost from Germany are available. The factory specialises in loose substrates. 

Jan Astrup concluded: “This has realised what we had hoped for: a port location with international raw material links and a state-of-the-art factory whose horticultural influence extends as far as southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”  

Der Beitrag Germany needs this factory erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

How growers in Morocco are adapting to a new water reality

For decades, water was often taken for granted. Growers focused on crop selection, yields, plant health, and market demands. Today, however, water itself has become one of the most critical factors in horticultural production.

In regions such as Souss-Massa in Morocco, where the production of soft fruits and vegetables plays a key role in the local economy, water scarcity and declining water quality have fundamentally changed the way growers think about production.

As Lhassan Housni, Technical Manager at CASEM South of Morocco, explains: „It’s a question of cost, and of the global availability of water for existing farms, future expansions and people.“

His statement highlights a challenge that extends far beyond horticulture. Water is no longer just a production input. It has become a shared resource that must serve growers, expanding populations, and future economic development alike. For decades, Casem and Klasmann-Deilmann have worked closely together to adapt substrate solutions to the changing needs of Moroccan growers. Today, that collaboration is increasingly focused on helping growers respond to water scarcity, rising water costs and changing irrigation requirements.

Desalination: A Solution That Creates New Challenges
In order to ensure a reliable water supply, many growers in the Agadir region have invested in desalination systems. In parallel, a large public desalination of sea water plant has been set up to support agricultural production and the domestic water supply.

This local development is part of a broader national strategy. Morocco has invested heavily in desalination infrastructure in recent years and plans to source a significant proportion of its drinking water from the ocean in the future. According to CNN, policymakers increasingly view drought as a long-term structural change that requires new approaches to water management, rather than a temporary phenomenon. [1]

At first glance, desalination appears to solve the problem. Yet the reality is more complex. While desalination improves water availability, it also significantly increases production costs. Furthermore, desalination requires a complete change in cultivation strategy.

Every Drop Counts

As water becomes more expensive, growers are focusing more and more on efficiency. Traditional irrigation strategies often relied on relatively high irrigation volumes and drainage rates to maintain stable root-zone conditions. In the current climate, this approach is difficult to justify economically.

According to Housni, the goal today is clear: “Our idea is to create substrates that can hold more water, and to encourage customers to adapt the way they water and fertigate. The aim is to make water use more efficient and keep costs as low as possible.“

In practice, this can mean applying larger irrigation volumes at longer intervals while reducing drainage losses – a significant shift from traditional irrigation strategies.

However, implementing such strategies is not straightforward. Desalinated water introduces new management considerations, including residual elements such as boron (related to choice of the reverse osmosis membrane) and the need for adapted fertigation programs.

„The problem is multi-layered, so the solution is not just a matter of introducing a new product, but also of having the know-how to use it properly,“ says Anja Fritzen, Technical Advisor at Klasmann-Deilmann.

Irrigation strategies, fertigation programs and drainage collection systems may need to be adapted. The interaction between water quality, cultivation practices and substrate performance is becoming increasingly important.

Klasmann-Deilmann’s technical teams are working closely with growers and partners such as CASEM to evaluate how substrate composition, water retention and irrigation strategies can be adapted to these new conditions.

„We are still in the development phase“, explains Jean Roudier, Project Manager at Klasmann-Deilmann France. „Trials are running in the country; we still have to fine-tune the theory and adapt it to day-to-day practice.“

While Morocco provides a particularly visible example, the challenge is far from unique. Water scarcity, rising water costs and changing water quality are becoming realities in many horticultural regions around the world.[2]

The experience in Morocco shows that adapting to water scarcity is not simply a matter of installing a desalination plant or introducing a new substrate. It requires technical expertise, local knowledge and close collaboration between growers and industry partners.

As water becomes an increasingly valuable resource, those partnerships may prove just as important as the water itself.

References

[1] CNN. Morocco’s desalination strategy: A blueprint for Africa? 2026. Reported by CNN and referenced in coverage of Morocco’s national desalination strategy.
Morocco’s desalination strategy: A blueprint for Africa? | CNN

[2] FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture – Systems at Breaking Point (SOLAW 2021). Rome: FAO, 2021. Available at: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ecb51a59-ac4d-407a-80de-c7d6c3e15fcc/content

Der Beitrag When water changes, growing must change too erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Greater automation, more stable root balls and a significant competitive edge

The demands placed on modern forest tree nurseries are constantly increasing. Shorter cultivation times, greater automation and, at the same time, consistently high plant quality are crucial factors for commercial success. The example of the Spitzmann tree nursery illustrates how innovative propagation systems can support this. Florian Zorn, owner of the Spitzmann tree nursery, has now been successfully using Growcoon in the production of forest plants and reports significant benefits throughout the entire production chain.

The Spitzmann tree nursery produces around five to six million seedlings annually. In addition to young plants for further cultivation, the nursery also produces ready-to-sell containerised forest plants for professional customers. As a purely wholesale operation, the focus is on efficiency, consistent quality and reliable production planning. With increasing automation, new demands arose regarding the quality of the root balls. Compact and stable root balls were particularly necessary for automated transplanting processes.

“Our customers needed compact root balls for automated transplanting – both for field production and for container production,” explains Florian Zorn. “The problem was that the root balls were often too loose and did not have sufficient root penetration.”

More stable root balls for earlier sale

In its search for a suitable solution, the nursery tested various systems and finally opted for Growcoon.

The biodegradable Growcoon stabilises the propagation substrate and promotes the formation of a compact root ball. For the Spitzmann tree nursery, one advantage stood out in particular: “Growcoon enables us to fill the trays to 100 per cent very quickly, sell the plants much earlier and give both our customers and ourselves a clear competitive edge,” reports Zorn.

Positive results in root development

Before practical use, there were initial concerns regarding root development. In forest tree production in particular, ring-shaped root formation would pose a significant quality risk. However, the trial results were unequivocal.

“We were concerned that the roots might twist due to the structure of the Growcoon. That would have been a deal-breaker for our product,” says Florian Zorn. “So far, however, we have not observed this.”

Instead, the company observed targeted root growth along the tray structure. “The roots grow straight down between the Growcoon and the tray, guided by the grooves. On the contrary: the Growcoon actually helps the roots to grow even straighter and more robust.”

This development can also have a positive long-term effect on plant quality and reduce potential grounds for complaints.

Key technology for automation

In addition to improved root quality, Florian Zorn sees considerable advantages, particularly in the automation division. Although the introduction of the system initially required additional investment in appropriate stacking and handling technology, the switch is paying off in day-to-day operations. Automatic sorting and transplanting processes can be carried out much more reliably with stable root balls. This opens up new possibilities, particularly for batches with irregular germination.

“If we have batches with poorer germination rates, we can now group them together automatically. Previously, this would have taken us ten to twelve weeks. With Growcoon, we can complete this in around three weeks.”

Ensuring quality and reducing labour

For the Spitzmann tree nursery, Growcoon is now a key component of its production strategy. “Growcoon is very important for automation,” summarises Florian Zorn. “The aim is to produce a high-quality product whilst using as few labour resources as possible.”

This example shows that modern propagation systems can not only improve root quality but also unlock new potential for automated production processes. Particularly in labour-intensive crops such as forest tree production, this can make a decisive contribution to the long-term viability of horticultural businesses.

Der Beitrag Growcoon in forest tree production erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

50% renewable raw materials by 2030 | 2025 Sustainability Report published

Klasmann-Deilmann has published its 2025 Sustainability Report. This marks the tenth time the company has provided an update on its economic, environmental and social performance. Further progress has been made in the use of alternative raw materials and in reducing emissions.

The proportion of renewable raw materials in the total production of growing media for professional horticulture rose to 30%. Over the past year Klasmann-Deilmann used a total of 1.15 million m³ of wood fibres, green compost and cocos, as well as innovative raw materials such as sphagnum and biochar.

“We are on the right track,” said Managing Director Damian Ikemann, “and already have our sights firmly set on the next target. By 2030, we aim to increase the proportion of alternative raw materials to 50% of our total production. We are thus pursuing an ambitious growth programme, but not a plan to phase out peat. Furthermore, we will continue to expand the areas dedicated to the protected cultivation of sphagnum so that we can utilise this forward-looking raw material – which offers the same beneficial properties as peat – in an ever-increasing number of applications.”

Between 2013 and 2025, Klasmann-Deilmann reduced its product carbon footprint (cradle to grave) by 33%, from 90.7 kg CO2e/m³ to 60.9 kg CO2e/m³. This reduction is largely due to the increasing use of alternative raw materials. In contrast, the corporate carbon footprint (cradle to customer) has been rising slightly again since 2024, after having consistently declined between 2013 and 2023. This is due to economic growth, which leads to higher resource consumption and more transports. Nevertheless, the corporate carbon footprint fell by 12% between 2013 and 2025, whilst sales volumes rose by 30% over the same period.

“Klasmann-Deilmann is thus succeeding in an area where political and societal expectations are particularly high”, explains Managing Director Jan Astrup. “There is a call for a far-reaching shift away from peat towards renewable raw materials. The aim is to significantly reduce emissions from extraction sites and substrates. However, climate neutrality will not be achieved in this way, neither at product level nor at company level. The use of alternative raw materials instead of peat does not result in a net-zero substrate.”

Sustainable development requires a massive financial outlay from Klasmann-Deilmann, the careful integration of new business units, the refurbishment of production facilities, an ongoing review of the product portfolio and a high level of personal commitment from the teams. “Despite the need to move at a rapid pace, we will take every step on the path of transformation with due care,” said Damian Ikemann, “in order to safeguard both the financial viability and the long-term success of our company.”

You can find the sustainability report here: https://klasmann-deilmann.com/en/media-centre/brochures/

Der Beitrag Lower emissions in the substrate erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Managing Director Damian Ikemann answers TASPO’s questions

Damian Ikemann, CEO of the Klasmann-Deilmann Group, answered the following questions in an interview with TASPO. Excerpts from his answers were published in the TASPO supplement “Soils and Substrates”, which appeared on 19 June 2026. The full answers can be read below.

1. 1. What is your current business sentiment in view of the noticeable reluctance to spend among end consumers and the many negative signals, such as those from the Ifo and GfK indices?

Damian Ikemann: Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, one crisis after another with global implications has unfolded. As a result, business sentiment is subject to constant fluctuations. However, the fact remains that our business model is proving largely resilient to geopolitical influences. Internal mechanisms are now also in place to deal constructively with the situation at hand and to carry on with full commitment. We remain confident.

2. 2. How do you assess the risk that the ‘Round Table’ in Germany might falter for similar or other reasons, as the Dutch Peat Covenant did – and how can this be prevented?

Damian Ikemann: We do not wish to speculate on the failure of the Round Table before it has really got off the ground. It is good that the Round Table has finally been established. As long as the parties involved do not insist on maximum demands but remain willing to compromise and realistic, an appropriate and sustainable solution can be reached.

3. 3. How do you respond to the accusation by NGOs that domestic restrictions merely lead to an ecological shift of problems to the Baltic states, in which German companies are heavily involved?

Damian Ikemann: The Baltic states have been among the key suppliers of raw materials for horticulture for decades. In that respect, nothing is currently being shifted there. However, Baltic raw materials are becoming increasingly important as other sources dry up. Anyone who speaks of a shift in the problem in this context fails to recognise the considerable and successful efforts of the substrate industry to use sustainable (materials) on a large scale. Klasmann-Deilmann alone used 1.15 million m³ of alternative raw materials in growing media last year.

4. 4. What is the current proportion of Baltic peat in your professional range, and how do you offset the long transport distances and peat extraction there in your carbon footprint?

Damian Ikemann: Peat harvesting and transport generate emissions, and the increasing use of alternative raw materials and their transport also generate emissions. Unfortunately, the substrate industry is not climate-neutral. Even a complete ban on peat would not modify that. However, it is true that peat and transport offer the greatest potential for savings. By reducing peat use, the industry is therefore on the right track to cutting emissions. Klasmann-Deilmann is already going one step further here: we can mix a precisely calculated proportion of our biochar, TerraCoal, into growing media, thereby offsetting all emissions from raw materials, production and transport. This process has a strict relation to the purchase of official CO2 certificates. This means: in fact, we already have the option of full offsetting, but the higher price for this cannot usually be realised in the market yet.

5. 5. To what extent are the global economic and political situation, as well as high energy prices, affecting the supply chains for substitutes such as wood fibres or coco fibre, and does this jeopardise the peat reduction targets?

Damian Ikemann: There are painful price rises from which the entire horticultural sector is suffering. However, the raw material supply chains remain largely intact. This demonstrates once again that the substrate industry should secure its resources in as diverse a manner as possible, in terms of both type and location, in order to remain capable of acting at all times. Klasmann-Deilmann has therefore made intensive efforts in recent years to secure the supply of all necessary substrate raw materials through long-term supplier contracts and the development of new in-house production capacities. This has had a very positive effect, particularly last winter and spring, as despite the proclaimed peat shortage, we remained a reliable supplier to all our customers at all times. Our goal is now to increase the proportion of alternative raw materials to 50% by 2030, and this goal is not at risk.

6. 6. What specific investments are you making in regional alternatives (such as paludiculture and sphagnum moss cultivation) to decrease dependence on imports and fossil fuels for transport?

Damian Ikemann: We are investing in the innovative, protected cultivation of Sphaxx peat moss, thereby offering an environmentally friendly alternative to mosses from natural peatlands. Furthermore, our new biochar TerraCoal, as well as the well-established GreenFibre wood fibres and TerrAktiv green compost, are all local peat alternatives from the German-Dutch region.

7. 7. How far have you got in preparing for the implementation of the PPWR requirements, particularly regarding the use of post-consumer recycled materials in your substrate packaging, the 100% recyclability of films and pallet wrappings, and the avoidance of void space?

Damian Ikemann: We are well prepared for the first stage of the PPWR guidelines – as far as the legal ambiguities that still exist allow. The conformity assessment is underway; our substrate packaging already contains a high proportion of PCR, and there is no empty space in our packaging. The issue of recyclability itself has not yet been conclusively defined, and there are as yet no promising approaches for 100% recycling. However, we are working hard with our suppliers to find solutions.

8. 8. What experience have you had so far with the new biodegradable slow-release fertiliser wrappers, and how do you address the issue of reduced stability and the associated shorter shelf life of the growing media?

Damian Ikemann: Even in the past, substrates containing controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) were intended to be used as soon as possible, as nutrient release begins rapidly after mixing and storage can lead to an undesirable increase in salinity. In this respect, shelf life is not a new key criterion for the new CRF types with biodegradable coatings. The specific changes that will accumulate to release and stability rates, as well as to the product portfolio, are currently being examined in detail. Our Research & Development team is in close contact with all manufacturers of CRFs, and projects involving new types are in the pipeline.

Der Beitrag Klasmann-Deilmann: 50% reduction in peat use by 2030 erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Pepper grower Vink Sion is taking a significant step towards making its cultivation more sustainable and optimising its operations. The company operates 111,000 m² of glasshouses, producing around 250,000 plants per crop and over 20 million peppers per year. Last season, they grew their crops on the Growbag COCO from Klasmann-Deilmann for the first time. The experience has been so positive that the company will also switch a second greenhouse to this coir slab next season.

Cultivation manager Albert van der Ziel explains that the relationship with Klasmann-Deilmann is still relatively new. “We originally grew on rockwool. Last year, with a high plant density, we noticed that cultivation was becoming somewhat more difficult. That is why we decided to use the coir slab in one of our three greenhouses, each covering an area of four hectares”. The choice fell on Klasmann-Deilmann’s Growbag COCO. “The mat has good volume and sufficient height. Root establishment went well. At first, the plants were still a bit wobbly compared to the rockwool mats, but the roots simply needed a little more time to establish themselves properly.”

Enormous crop growth and plant resilience

The first few months of the season immediately showed a clear difference compared to rockwool. “The crop developed very vigorously,” says Van der Ziel. That strong vigour resulted in somewhat slower fruit set, prompting an adjustment to the cultivation strategy. “You realise then that you really have to take a different approach. We switched to a more generative cultivation approach, with cooler nights and warmer days. The close coordination with our crop advisor was very helpful in this regard.” Vink Sion has now observed that the plants grown on the organic coir substrate are stronger and more robust, with consistently good fruit set and uniform growth. The production figures are also encouraging. “At present, the yield of peppers per square metre on coir slabs is ahead of that of rockwool cultivation. It is still too early for definitive conclusions, but the outlook is promising.”

Vink Sion also observes differences in nutrition and plant resilience. Vink Sion opted to use the mats without pre-made drainage holes and to cut these themselves later. “That was a bit more involved, but in hindsight we’re glad we did it that way.” According to Van der Ziel, coir also requires a different fertilisation strategy than rockwool. ”At the start, we saw clearly different values through leaf samples and drain water analyses, and we see that reflected in good plant resilience.”

Making the right decisions faster

In addition to the substrate, data also plays an important role in the cultivation strategy. That is why Vink Sion works with Log & Solve’s sensors. ‘We already had moisture meters ourselves, but Log & Solve’s sensors give us a much more complete picture,’ explains Van der Ziel. “This allows you to monitor what is happening in the root zone much more accurately. The sensors are easy to use, and in practice we make quite a few adjustments based on the measurement data. That data gives us confidence and helps us make the right decisions faster.”

“I love growth. I think that’s one of the most important characteristics of a strong crop,” says Van der Ziel. “If you have a vigorous crop, it’s easier to produce peppers. On coir substrates, the crop continues to grow well, the roots develop excellently and we see no signs of stress. Moreover, the fruit set remains well balanced. We’re very pleased with that.” That is why Vink Sion has decided to set up a second greenhouse using Growbag COCO from Klasmann-Deilmann next season. It’s a choice that underlines their confidence in the performance of this organic grow bag.

Author: Anita Bassie

Der Beitrag Strong, robust plants convince Vink Sion of the benefits of coir substrates erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Today, the professional horticultural sector faces increasingly complex market expectations. Starting in Europe, pressure is also growing internationally to reduce peat consumption and improve the climate impact of production. Retailers and other players in the supply chain are increasingly demanding robust data and credible concepts for lower-emission production. At the same time, the requirement for reliable crop management remains.

This is precisely where Klasmann-Deilmann’s new TerraCoal biochar comes in. It has been specifically developed to offer horticultural businesses a practical solution to the growing demands regarding climate impact, peat reduction and credible sustainability communication. TerraCoal supports modern substrate formulations, can directly reduce the carbon footprint there and thus opens up a new way of presenting sustainability along the value chain in a traceable and certifiable manner.

TerraCoal makes the substrate part of the solution

TerraCoal is based on the idea of rethinking carbon. Not just as a source of CO₂ emissions, but also as a horticultural resource. The biochar is produced from organic raw materials using an innovative pyrolysis process, stores carbon long-term and thus forms a CO₂ sink. As a result, it can help to offset emissions from other substrate constituents in growing media and specifically improve the carbon footprint of plant cultivation.

“With TerraCoal, we are, for the first time, consistently pursuing an approach that not only reduces CO₂ but also specifically stores and offsets it within the substrate. This represents a genuine shift in perspective for professional horticulture,” says Dr Sebastian Kipp, Director Innovation at Klasmann-Deilmann.

This approach is particularly relevant as substrates can account for a significant proportion of a crop’s carbon footprint. An example from strawberry cultivation shows that a purely peat-based substrate accounts for 139 kg of CO₂ equivalents per cubic metre of substrate. A peat-reduced concept using wood fibre and coir, on the other hand, stands at 100 kg CO₂ eq/m³, and only a formulation supplemented with TerraCoal can be steered towards net zero.

Benefits to crops become evident during cultivation

However important the climate impact may be, in horticulture it is ultimately the practical suitability that counts. New substrate components must prove themselves in cultivation. This is precisely where TerraCoal demonstrates a profile that is of interest to many growers. In R&D trials with Dieffenbachia and Calathea, plants in substrates containing 10% TerraCoal developed very well. Uniform root development, consistently strong growth and intense leaf colouration were observed. At the same time, the formulations exhibited more stable pH patterns, particularly in peat-free cultivation. This is an important aspect for a reliable nutrient supply and thus crop reliability, especially with sensitive crops.

“Particularly in peat-free or strongly peat-reduced mixtures, we see that TerraCoal can act as a stabilising factor. This is of interest to many growers because climate targets and cultivation requirements cannot be separated anymore from one another,” explains Anja Fritzen, technical advisor at Klasmann-Deilmann.

As peat content is reduced, the challenges in crop management also increase. Water retention, air capacity, pH stability and nutrient availability must be balanced even more precisely in many crops. TerraCoal can make an additional functional contribution here. The biochar provides structural stability, supports water and air circulation in the root zone, buffers important nutrients and also promotes microbial activity. This makes the innovative TerraCoal biochar attractive for various applications, such as emission-optimised peat-free or peat-reduced pot and container substrates, as well as in propagation. The CO₂-reduced cultivation of fruit vegetables and strawberries in growbags is also a key area for the use of TerraCoal.

Sustainability requires verifiability

For many nurseries, the issue of sustainability only becomes relevant when they have to demonstrate it to customers, auditors or trading partners. This is precisely why it is often no longer sufficient today to simply produce plants peat-reduced. What is required is traceable data, reliable facts and certificates.

This is where TerraCoal offers added value. The CO₂ certificate available for TerraCoal helps to document the substrate’s climate impact. This contribution may become relevant in the future within the corporate carbon footprint of horticultural businesses. Klasmann-Deilmann acts as a service provider for all aspects of issuing and decommissioning CO₂ certificates.

A new selling point for retailers

Sustainability in horticulture does not end with the cultivation process, but must above all be communicated effectively to the end customer. Today, many decisions in the retail sector are no longer made solely on the basis of quality and price, as credible sustainability is becoming increasingly important. TerraCoal creates a simple and transparent product benefit for this purpose. The plants grow in a substrate that acts as a carbon sink, thereby becoming part of an active climate strategy for the end customer as well. This advantage combines high-quality plants with a clear added benefit in the market. In dialogue with the customer at the point of sale, this can make a significant difference.

Der Beitrag TerraCoal® – making climate targets achievable for horticultural businesses erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

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.