Implementation methology

In the new substrates, laboratory soil analyzes will be carried out to determine nutrients, the necessary adjustment of the oil treatment per plant species based on new protocols, which are determined by the availability of macro- and trace elements of each original substrate and the needs of the plant species. The physical and chemical properties of the substrates, such as characteristic water retention curve, pH, electrical conductivity and availability of elements N,P,K,Ca,Mg,Na,Fe,Mn,Zn,Cu,B will be examined through laboratory analyses.

The replacement of peat by compost in the substrates will be done in 5 proportions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) for 8 plant species (4 saplings, 4 ornamentals) with 50 replications per substrate and plant species ( 2000 pots total). The species that will be selected will be of different biological cycles (e.g. 2 months, 6 months, 12 months) so that the gradual qualitative analysis of the final nursery products through leaf diagnostics (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe ,Mn,Zn,Cu,B).

Based on the results, the optimal use of the substrates will be selected based on the availability of compost/peat and the prices of the two materials through a techno-economic study in order to achieve the partial or total replacement of peat through a circular economy in the future.