Horticulturae, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11(4), P. 378 - 378

Published: March 31, 2025

The ability to substitute peat use in horticulture with potentially more sustainable alternatives hinges on the local availability of suitable biomass resources and whether these can be easily processed achieve similar agronomic effectiveness peat. This review estimates potential Ireland by reviewing production statistics industry reports identifying current uses hypothetical quantities. Annual major available are 488,935 m3 woody residues (mainly Sitka spruce pine) 789,926 arable straws (from oats, wheat, barley, oil seed rape). processing pathways for mechanical (extruded, thinscrew, hammer milled, disc refined), carbonization (pyrolysis hydrothermal carbonization) composting. literature indicates that challenges pyrolyzed growth media include high alkalinity, salinity low water holding capacity. When is into fibers, it requires additional address nutrient immobilization (nitrogen calcium) presence phytotoxic compounds. We discuss possible solutions terms management (altering fertigation, irrigation rates etc.), conversion process optimization (changing conditions processes applying additives) novel formulations various material inputs complement each other. conclude while national alternative sufficient volumes meet growing requirements, significant further research demonstration required convert materials acceptable both commercial retail sectors. Research needs focus transforming media, how they will impact crops. Furthermore this, incorporating multiple types need as we transition from products professional horticulture.

Language: Английский