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Peat-reduced and peat-free substrates for the organic herb produktion - testing, optimization and knowledge transfer

Project


Project code: 2819OE142
Contract period: 21.09.2020 - 31.12.2023
Budget: 186,123 Euro
Purpose of research: Public relations
Keywords: horticulture, medicinal plants and spices, climate (climate relevance, climate protection, climate change), cultivation, plant diseases (virusus, bacteria, fungi, phytoplasma), organic farming

The aim of the project is the development and testing of pot herb substrates with a high share of peat substitute (at least 30 to 50 % up to a peat-free substrate). The following points are in the main focus of the project. Optimization of the use of common peat-reduced substrates with different amounts of peat substitutes focused on an adapted cultivation in cooperation with farms and the substrate companies. Identification of further, possible problem areas and possible solutions through cultivation trials with appropriate substrates in experimental farms. Identification of physical, chemical and biological conditions of selected substrates. Economic evaluation of the peat-reduced substrates in comparison to the common non-peat-reduced substrates. Development, testing and optimization of the production process of premium green composts which can be optimally used in horticultural substrates for organic farming and which also have positive effects on plant health. Cultivation trials containing a high proportion of these composts (30-100 % peat substitute) carried out in cooperation with the Ingenieurbüro for Sekundärrohstoffe and Abfallwirtschaft, the compost industry as well as the Bundesgütegemeinschaft Kompost (BGK e.V.). In cooperation with the BGK, a quality guideline for these premium composts will also be developed. Expansion and optimisation of existing networks with the help of appropriate technology for the exchange of information between all stakeholders. Fast and practice-oriented knowledge transfer to the relevant target groups. Implementation of workshops on sustainability aspects of peat substitutes, on soil-borne diseases and pests, especially fungus gnats, as well as on substrate revitalisation and its effects.

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Subjects

Excutive institution

University of Kassel

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