Growing Media Report highlights reduced peat use
A joint study by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), Growing Media Association, Defra and Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which looks at the growing media sold by manufacturers to the UK’s retail, professional and export sector between 2011 and 2019 has highlighted several trends – and raised questions - concerning the use of alternatives to peat-based growing media.
The volume and proportion of peat used in growing media for the UK has decreased significantly between 2011 and 2019, replaced by Coir and wood-based materials in professional media and wood fibre and bark materials amongst retail users. However, the report has suggested further uptake of alternatives to peat may be limited by their availability and affordability.
As Europe transitions from energy generation using fossil fuels to alternatives, demand for biomass in energy generation has increased. The UK Government currently incentivises biomass use for energy, meaning the availability – and affordability – of wood-based materials for producers of growing media is becoming limited. COVID-19 has reduced the availability of coir imported from Sri Lanka and south east India.
Local sources of peat are likely to be limited in the future, as countries who currently supply peat consider the environmental effects of harvesting. The Republic of Ireland – who currently supply most of the peat used in growing media in the UK – is likely to limit future extraction, meaning sources in the United Kingdom or from Europe may be explored. Transporting peat from Europe is likely to have increased transport costs.
Despite the progress made since 2011 regarding reduced use of peat in growing media, consumer and legislative demand for further reductions is likely to put pressure on the industry who face challenges regarding sourcing alternative growing media - as well as peat.
Further reading:
Growing Media Monitor: Trends in the composition of UK growing media supplied 2011 to 2019