The critical jury selected Legro as the proud winner of the innovation square at the Expo TCO from wide-ranging submissions. The jury report stated: “The coir substrate is an effective alternative for peat which is becoming increasingly scarce. A wealth of research has been carried out and the results are substantiated with excellent figures.” The jury also valued the sustainability of the innovation.
What innovation exactly?
In partnership with WUR-PPO, Legro submitted the innovation in the growing of trees on Legro coir substrate in gutters for the Expo TCO 2015 innovation square. Coco as an ingredient in arboriculture substrates is rather new. In order to show that coco is actually a serious ingredient, Legro asked WUR-PPO to research the growth of a number of crops on a peat substrate and also on a coco substrate with the U crop system in Randwijk. The result? No growth differences were observed. We can therefore conclude that coco is an alternative for peat, also for outdoor crops.
Growing in gutters
Growing in gutters has various advantages with respect to potting. For example, the weather is no longer an essential factor during planting and harvesting; there is optimal control of water and nutrients and the spindles grow more equally. Furthermore, there is a reduction in game damage and vulnerability to disease. By using this new substrate, a consistent end product is grown which shows better results in the next phase of growing.
Legro continues to innovate, therefore research will continue in 2015, but then the focus will shift towards the next phase of growing.
For more information
Legro
Ted Buis, Commercial Director
T: +31 6 30060060, +31 6 30060060