Scaling up output of an good peat - innocent alternative growing metier could soon become reality , following the launch of a novel undertaking fund by Defra and UKRI .
The 24 - month feasibility report direct to develop a method for make Sphagnum moss within a protected surround for economic consumption as a gamy - timber , sustainable growing media component .
Although Sphagnum has the potential drop to put back peat as a growing sensitive , its production can be slow and ambitious . To subdue this , the projection is focusing on the optimization of craw yields , plague and disease control , swear out methodology , and the development of shorter crop cycles compare to landing field - found production .
Work is being conducted by a pool consisting of BeadaMoss Micropropagation Services ( EM ) Ltd , Melcourt Industries Ltd , Crop Health and Protection ( CHAP ) , and Fresh Growers Ltd ( FreshGro ) . This follows previous Innovate funded projects which have developed a patented field output system for Sphagnum biomass ( BeadaGro ) as a peat - destitute growing metier .
Dr. Neal Wright , Director and Founder of BeadaMoss , said : “ Successful optimization of Sphagnum growth in a protected surroundings such as a commercial glasshouse can accomplish 100 % yield improvement , liken to field - based production . It can also deoxidize the harvest ’s cycle from 3 - 5 year to 1 - 2 years and support a pesticide - free approach .
exchange rockwool“Being capable to grow uninventive growing medium such as this will be extremely valuable , particularly for vegetable seedlings , aquiculture , and erect husbandry systems . It also supports Defra ’s target of eliminating peat - based compost by 2028 , with the electric potential to also replace rockwool , which although popular , is n’t biodegradable . ”
The undertaking include agriculturist trials to improve market confidence in Sphagnum . If successful , this will prove a new , profitable crop for nursery growers while also addressing some of the sustainability issue tie in with upright farming .
Catherine Dawson , Technical Director for Melcourt , said : “ At the minute , Sphagnum has farm some very promising and successful solution but is not yet available at a weighing machine too , both grow media producer and their customers , the end - users .
“ This project could work that and make Sphagnum a important part of a solution for the UK . ”
Martin Squire , Innovation Sector Lead at cuss , added : “ Creating sustainable develop culture medium for commercial-grade horticulture is highly challenging , this projection will accelerate much - needed innovation . ”
For more information : CHAP[email protected]www.chap - solutions.co.uk
