Wageningen University research examines growth media and nitrogen fertilization

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has released findings indicating that a low CO2 footprint in growth media does not automatically equate to the most sustainable option. Research into twelve raw materials and thirty growth media mixtures revealed that while alternatives like coconut fiber have a lower climate impact than peat, they may contribute more to acidification, nutrient loading, and air pollution due to cultivation, processing, and transport to Europe.

In a separate agricultural development, WUR is working on the BAAT project to create a new nitrogen fertilization method for arable farming. This balance method aims to provide more precise advice by accounting for specific plot and crop conditions, such as nitrogen uptake, soil mineral nitrogen levels, and organic matter delivery. The project, which runs until March 2027, seeks to move beyond generic economic optimization toward advice that considers emissions to soil, water, and air.