Over recent decades, the number of commercially available cultivation substrates has increased significantly. Various players are pushing for sustainability and trying to convince producers to grow crops using their substrates.
At Coöperatie Hoogstraten, we want to help you make an informed choice. That is why we test various innovations extensively at Proefcentrum Hoogstraten (Hoogstraten Research Center), in cooperation with other research centers and our growers.
Organic substrates
In 2023, Tom Vlaemynck of Tomato Masters decided to plant all the company’s 12.6 hectares of tomatoes on an organic substrate. For the entire Tomeco group, the area with this substrate amounts to almost 40 hectares. The mixture consists of rice husk, bark, peat, coir and wood fiber.
Upgrading local residual waste flows
For Tom, sustainability is a high priority when choosing a cultivation substrate: “I am particularly interested in growing mediums in which local residual waste flows are upgraded to beneficial ingredients. Wood fiber, but also rice husks, bark and coir have a lot of potential in that respect. The presence of increased microbial life benefits improved plant resilience, thus creating a healthier root environment.“
However, tomato growers are rather suspicious of using compost in substrate mixtures. After all, plant safety and hygiene are both very important, and tomato growers want to avoid pathogens such as viruses sneaking into the greenhouse via composted tomato leaves at all costs.
“I am particularly interested in growing mediums in which local residual waste flows are upgraded to beneficial ingredients.”
Tom Vlaemynck, Tomato Masters
Backed up by test center trials
Last season, various test centers conducted cultivation trials using alternative substrates.
Tom: “I see this research as complementary to my initiatives. So, I think it can only be a good thing. More often than not, these trials tend to yield numerical evidence of what I think I observe in my own crops.”
“Test center trials tend to yield numerical evidence of what I observe in my own crops.”
Tom Vlaemynck, Tomato Masters
Also at Proefcentrum Hoogstraten (Hoogstraten Research Center), last season saw another trial comparing the production results of Marinice tomatoes on a stone wool substrate with a coir and wood fiber bagged substrate.
Hoogstraten through and through
Want to know more about innovative and sustainable cultivation methods?
Our specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have.
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Source: S. Craeye, in Proeftuinnieuws 5, March 8, 2024
