Changing circumstances, such as the increasing demand for peat-free products, drive Van der Knaap Group to continue to innovate. In response, they perform trials at their innovation center 'de Kas' with their well-known rooting products, such as Fibre-Neth, Obturo, and paperpots, but in a slightly different way.
Comparative trials
During this trial, they compared the rooting performance of their Fibre-Neth and Obturo plugs with a reference product. A plant grower who uses a system with substrate-filled nets to propagate plants supplied the reference product.
The plant material, comprising various varieties of green plants, was also supplied by the grower. The cuttings, originating from tissue culture, were placed directly in the plugs. One of the trial sections contained tables, each with just one rooting medium and the reference. The plants were assessed for parameters including leaf width, root system, and the length of the plant.
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The trial revealed that Fibre-Neth and Obturo plugs ensure that cuttings root quickly. This is a very positive finding, as it means these plants can be delivered faster. Notably, all three plant varieties performed least well in terms of growth on the reference material. This was most likely caused by the physical characteristics of the substrate.
Research into peat-free paperpots
In 2024, a rooting trial was performed in 'de Kas' with Pelargonium using various types of paperpots. The aim was to study how well the plants rooted. In addition to paperpots filled with their standard mixes including peat, paperpots with acrotelm and coco were used.
Results
The paperpots containing coco and acrotelm showed good root penetration in the plug. The paperpot with the peat-free mixture combined with compost had a slightly lower score due to less favorable physical properties. One challenge of using this mixture in a rooting medium like a paperpot is maintaining the pH value, as the initial pH is higher. Adjusting the value is possible but requires changes to the fertilizer.
Follow-up research
They will continue with their research and a new trial has already been set up in 'de Kas'. Research into new renewable and circular raw materials is also ongoing to find suitable substrate mixtures to expand their range of completely peat-free plugs. The knowledge and cultivation experience gained this way can be used to benefit their customers by providing optimal advice.
For more information:
Van der Knaap
www.vanderknaap.info
