Agro-Research examines 17 substrates on durability

This week, research and consulting agency Agro-Research will commence its annual survey of substrates. No less than seventeen substrates are tested for durability. "Every year there are substrates that don’t pass the test,” says Kees Ammerlaan of Agro-Research. “Which shows why this project is important.”

In the study, ten different substrates are tested for twenty companies, including peat, rock wool and coconut. For the first time, three chemical substrates will also be part of the selection. Within the next three weeks the samples are subjected to chemical and temperature treatments. The tested slabs are being sold on the market this season, and samples are supplied by growers, who also contribute to funding the research, together with Agro Research. In order to ensure objectivity, the suppliers are themselves not involved.

According to Ammerlaan the quality gets better every year, but unpleasant surprises remain. "Three years ago, a foam product completely failed the tests. It quickly disappeared from the market."