Important considerations for the use of peat-based growing media in CEA

Photo courtesy of Berger

Guillermo Maldonado studied at the University of South Carolina, and then completed an Agri-Science degree at Massey University in New Zealand. During his 17 years of experience, he has been involved in many aspects of the horticulture industry in both parts of the hemisphere, exploring a wide range of products and techniques. He worked in Colombia and Venezuela in the floral and ornamental export industry, and then moved to the USA to fill the position of head grower at Len Busch Roses in Minnesota. He also took the position of Growing and Innovations Manager at Bloomia-Fresh Tulips USA. During these years, Maldonado is experienced with hardening of TC plants, growing media (especially bulb crops), rooting processes, forcing and hydroponics in a commercial environment. Maldonado intends to use his knowledge to develop products that meet customers’ specific needs and to help improve the production of growers around the world.

Produce Grower: Can you speak to the importance of water quality and water source for CEA systems?

Guillermo Maldonado: CEA facilities and greenhouse designs are intended to be energy efficient and sustainable with all its inputs, and water quality being one of the most important factors for food production, it is an input that requires attention from early stages in production.

Berger’s lab services and technical services can provide guidance to ensure that chemical water content is adequate and support growers navigating the risks of latent plant pathogens.

PG: Why are consistency and physical properties of growing media relevant in CEA?

GM: The current growing systems and designs for CEA and food production create a challenge for the traditional annual/bedding growing media products which were designed for larger and different types of containers.

An ideal growing mix for these systems has to be capable of sustaining and supporting germination, but at the same time have the correct particle size and porosity to perform well under a more active growing environment and be able to perform well over more complex soil handling and filling equipment.

PG: How does food safety testing apply to growing media and what protocols does Berger have in place in this regard?

GM: Ensuring a safe food supply is of utmost importance for the world’s ever growing population. Growers must always be cognizant of the risk for contamination and exposure to food-borne pathogens. Understanding that growing media is a significant input for the CEA industry, Berger has put in place protocols to ensure that we mitigate contamination concerns which include FST production protocols, FST lab testing and traceability. Our production protocols include cleaning and sanitation of our plant prior to every FST production, testing and UV treatment of water, as well as lab testing of inputs to ensure we are reducing any potential exposure to our customers. FST Certificate of Analysis is provided to our customers for each load delivered.

PG: You mention traceability, why is it important and how does this work?

GM: Every bag, bale or SKU produced at Berger has a product code printed on the packaging. This product code contains all needed information to trace a product back to its origin. This includes the product, format, Julian date, year, unit number, site and shift.