A team of Aberdeen scientists has been awarded £100,000 to develop alternatives to peat for use in the commercial horticulture sector.
The project has developed out of a partnership between the University’s Department of Soil Science, which has renowned composting expertise, Swedeponic UK Ltd, a leading producer of potted herbs, and Organic Recycling, a composting company.
“Composting is becoming more and more important in the UK as a waste management operation, but there are quality and quantity issues that have restricted the development of markets for composts”, said Chris Ward who developed the project while working for the University’s Department of Plant and Soil Science.
“This project will utilise the latest in composting technology to overcome the quality issue, and by working with industry we can develop composts to the specification of the end user thus creating a market for the product,” he said.
“Despite environmental concerns, peat is still used widely in commercial horticulture as a growing medium. We intend to produce an economically viable alternative that is consistent and can be used with confidence by growers.”
The new project will also involve a postgraduate student, Claire Donkin, working at Swedeponic’s production facility in Bourne, Lincolnshire over the next two years as part of the Teaching Company Scheme. Dr Mike Wilson, of the Department of Plant and Soil Science, will supervise her project at Swedeponic, while Chris Ward, who is now with Aberdeen company Waste Solutions Group, will provide scientific support.
Patrick Bastow, Swedeponic UK’s Managing Director has also been deeply involved in the development of the project, and will oversee the glasshouse trials of the new compost mixes.
“Peat-free growing media are now readily available for UK commercial horticulture but here are still quality and cost issues preventing wider use. This project is exciting because it focuses on the development of consistent, cost effective, high quality composts that can be incorporated into our highly specialised herb production process.
Funding for the two year project has been provided by Swedeponic UK Ltd, DEFRA (through a Teaching Company Scheme), the Hanson Environment Fund (through Landfill Tax Credits) and by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC). The project will be formally launched on September 26 at a seminar in Spalding, Lincolnshire.
Further information from Chris Ward on (07811) 619604, or Angela Begg on (01224) 272960.
Issued by Public Relations Office, External Relations, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: 01224 272014 Fax: 01224 272086.