Wood fibre substrates as an alternative to peat for a future more sustainable technology-based horticulture industry

SUBTECH focuses on evaluation and development of new alternatives to peat growing media based on Norwegian spruce wood fibre. In 2018, NIBIO conducted a series of preliminary growth trials with different wood fibres as growing media. The obtained results for cellulose fibres (from Hunton fiber AS) were especially promising. After initiation of the SUBTECH project, several trials have provided additional knowledge on the performance of wood materials as growing media. As a result of the close cooperation between the industrial partners (Hunton Fiber/Fibergrow and NORGRO) various combinations of wood fiber and peat have been tested in different plant species. This has resulted in release of new fiber qualities from Fibergrow and three fiber-based products by NORGRO in 2024. Also, the possibility of long-term use (recycling) of wood fiber have been examined. Chemical analyses of the different substrates have been conducted. A third study conducted, concerning various fertigation strategies and drain water monitoring in everbearing strawberry production. Design and production of different wood-based materials was completed together with NIBIO Wood Technology. These materials were tested in a pot trial in greenhouse using tomato as a model plant. Additional trials utilized wood fiber materials as a potential growing media for hydroponic basil and potato production. All the trials were thoroughly monitored using both classical registrations and sensor monitoring systems. Further development of substrates with mixes of wood fiber and compost have been focused. Drawing on the knowledge and experience of these trials, the aim of SUBTECH has been to develop, environmentally friendly wood-fibre-based growing media for future sustainable plant production. Strong industry partners are attached to SUBTECH, covering the industrial horticulture value chain, fibre material producers and research teams from horticulture, precision agriculture and wood technology. This interdisciplinary approach have ensured the success of the project. A new project (SUBTECH 2.0, 2024-2027) will continue the work of SUBTECH, and will develop peat free growing media.

SUBTECH has developed fully functional spruce fibre-based growing media from Norwegian resources. Project outcomes has considerably changed the way we think about growing media. Together with technology based sensor solutions, these new production systems will be the next step in the development of a more sustainable horticulture. The target group for the new growing media is the professional horticulture industry, working in controlled and semi-controlled environments. The proposed solutions will be suitable not only for the domestic market, but will also be applicable worldwide and have a large potential for value creation, job security and job creation. The new growing medias will bring us closer to fulfilling the ambitious goal of the Norwegian Government to phase out peat for professional horticulture industry by 2030. The substitution of peat based growth media with domestic, renewable substrate systems are means to reducing peatland devastation.

SUBTECH focuses on the development and evaluation of new alternatives to peat growing media based on Norwegian spruce wood fibre. The exploitation and degradation of peatland is an important issue when discussing substrate sustainability. Therefore, the Norwegian Government has ordered a plan for phasing out peat for the private gardening market by 2025, and for the professional horticulture industry by 2030. By today, sustainable alternatives are missing and it is environmentally and economically inevitable to find alternatives to peat and promote more sustainable solutions. In 2018, NIBIO conducted a series of preliminary growth trials with different wood fibres as growing media. The obtained results for defibrated fibres (from Hunton fiber AS) were especially promising. Drawing on the knowledge and experience of these trials, the aim of SUBTECH is to develop, environmentally friendly wood-fibre-based growing media for future sustainable plant production. In dialogue with the industry, the following R&D tasks are prioritized: 1) We will conduct physical and chemical analysis of different wood fibre fractions and mixes, and select the most promising growth media prototypes for further examination. 2) At NIBIO, we will examine growth and development of model crops grown in selected substrates. 3) Based on novel sensor technology solutions, precise watering and fertigation strategies for the new substrates will be developed and adapted to the individual crop species for different growth stages. 4) Professional Norwegian plant producers will test selected growing media prototypes. We will use the obtained experience and feedback for improving substrate prototypes and maximizing market suitability. Strong partners are attached to SUBTECH, covering the industrial horticulture value chain, fibre material producers and research teams from horticulture, precision agriculture and wood technology. This interdisciplinary approach will ensure the success of the project.