Phosphorus availability in peat-based growing substrates

Peat-based growing substrates are often used in Swedish nurseries and greenhouses. As peat commonly has a low ability to adsorb phosphorus, the risk of phosphorus leakage is high. Better possibilities for controlling the availability of phosphorus during the cultivation period is desireable to reduce nutrient losses from the substrate. We investigate whether the addition of clay or other components with a high phosphorus adsorbing capacity may be used to control the availability of easily soluble phosphorus in peat-based growing substrates.

Funding: Partnership Alnarp - Bara Mineraler 

Contact: Siri.Caspersen@slu.se