Novel growing media

The expected rapid decline of the use of energy peat in Finland challenges the availability of low-humified Sphagnum peat used as a growing media. The over 150 million container tree seedlings that are annually produced are grown exclusively in peat and the tunnel cultivation of strawberries and raspberries also relies on this substrate. This project aims to support tree seedling nurseries and the forestry sector as well as the locally important berry industry in the process of moving from peat to other growing media. In the first work package (WP) of the project novel growing media solutions and mixtures are tested in commercial scale production of Scots pine and Norway spruce container seedlings. The out-planting success and stress tolerance of the seedlings is also studied. In the second WP the effect of the growing media for the crop size and plant health of strawberry and raspberry high tunnel cultivation is studied. The economical and life cycle impacts of altering the growing media are assessed in the third WP. In the fourth WP pilot measurements of the different substrate alternatives are conducted to assess the work safety aspects. The fifth, communication WP concentrates on increasing the knowledge of companies developing the novel growing media solutions of the needs of the industry and to provide data-based support for nursery managers of the implementation of them.