Cut flower cultivation in the soil presents a number of challenges. Plant health, water, and environmental aspects, energy consumption, and cultivation optimization are just a few of them. Reason for ErfGoed to look for an all-around solution together with a number of partners, including Van der Knaap. After previous trials with Chrysanthemums, a follow-up trial with Lisianthus took place this summer in the ErfGoed testing facility in Moerkapelle.
The aim of these trials was to grow cut flowers that are normally grown in the soil, with an ErfGoed system. The advantage of ErfGoedFloor with an ebb and flow system is that water rises simultaneously from below. This allows the grower to continue irrigation, even when the flowers are close to being harvested. The crop itself remains dry, which is a plus in cut flower cultivation.
Substrate
For substrate ErfGoed turned to Van der Knaap. With the expertise that they have as a substrate manufacturer, they can offer a choice of various customized solutions. Their horticultural advisors also have practical knowledge of various crops, with which they can advise on the optimal cultivation conditions.
A layer of approximately 20 cm of soil was applied on top of the ErfGoedFloor. In this trial, ErfGoed experimented with various substrates in collaboration with Van der Knaap. Two traditional substrates from practice, one substrate from practice with additional coco peat mixed in, and a new, specially developed Lisianthus substrate. This sustainable substrate is based on coco peat, which has an open structure and is, therefore, suitable for multi-year use.
Left to right: Dirk Zwinkels (VDK) - Twan van den Berg (VDK) - Sander Vermeer (van Iperen) - Cock van Bommel (ErfGoed) - Hugo Paans (ErfGoed)
Results
There was a very low failure rate on all substrates; a maximum ofd 1%. In practice, this figure can rise to approximately 20%. On the specially developed coco substrate only one branch was rejected; a score of 0.1%.
The substrate from practice with the added coco peat had the best total score. On this substrate, the plants developed the heaviest branches and it also scored high on the number of open and closed flowers. The added coco ensures a good and uniform moisture distribution.
During the trial, it became clear that the sustainable Lisianthus substrate has more moisture available for the plant compared to the other substrates. This makes it possible to add more nutrition, which was optimized step-by-step during the trial. The moisture buffer in the coco fibers makes the substrate more manageable.
According to Cock van Bommel, Business Development Manager at ErfGoed, it is clear that the ErfGoedFloor in combination with a high-quality (coco) substrate provides an excellent basis for the cultivation of cut flowers. Due to the upward and downward water flow of the ebb and flow system, the substrate does not dry out and the water intake remains constant during cultivation. This makes the cultivation process easy to control, especially in the field of fertilization and irrigation.
For more information:
Van der Knaap
www.vanderknaap.info