Growing media supplier says new blocking substrate meets rising demand for low-peat products
UK growing media and crop nutrition firm ICL has launched its first peat-reduced blocking substrate to help propagators, growers and supermarkets comply with peat-reduction targets.
Levington Advance Blocking FT contains Fibagro modular and milled peat, as opposed to the more contentious wet dug peats. ICL says it offers a viable solution as the legality of some peat-based products becomes challenged.
The product is designed for the propagation of leafy salads, brassicas and field crops, and is formulated with ICL’s FSC-certified wood fibre, Fibagro Advance.
“Locally sourced and produced at ICL’s growing media facility in Scotland, Fibagro Advance supports the transition to lower peat usage, while maintaining reliable performance,” says Stuart Gammage, ICL’s technical manager for growing media. “The new peat-reduced Levington Advance Blocking FT standard blend has been developed for consistency across all grower operations.
“Featuring ICL fusion technology (FT), it offers excellent block formation that holds until the roots are fully established. Meanwhile, to optimise performance, Levington Advance Blocking FT contains H2Gro to aid water distribution and plant hydration. This ultimately also helps the propagator conserve water, while extending the shelf life of the block.”
ICL’s new peat-reduced blocking substrate is formulated with a slow-release starter feed, providing the young plants with nutrition for at least the first four weeks. ICL also offers technical support and advice on follow-on nutrition programmes.
“Working with several leading UK vegetable and leafy salad growers, we’ve field tested Levington Advance Blocking FT in spring and summer conditions,” adds Gammage.
