Substrate consistency and crop-specific mixes shape grower decisions

“Substrate choice is always extremely important for growers because it’s at the base of plant production.” For Frederic Gagnon of Lambert Peat Moss, selecting a substrate is therefore closely linked to crop requirements, irrigation practices and the physical properties needed to support consistent production.

Stable market, favourable harvest conditions
He describes the North American substrate market as relatively stable, with good supply availability despite broader global uncertainty. Harvest conditions have also remained favourable in Quebec, although production depends on making the most of suitable weather windows.

“We are always ready to go in the field when the conditions are good,” he shares. “That gives us the chance to harvest really good quality peat fibres.”

He adds that the company expects to enter the winter season with sufficient inventory to support mixer production and customer requirements.

Matching substrates to production systems
According to him, substrate selection generally begins with the crop and the physical balance between drainage, water retention and air-filled porosity. Grower practices then influence the final choice.

“Some growers prefer a mix that dries quickly, allowing them to irrigate again every day or so. Others prefer a mix that retains moisture for longer.” Lambert Peat Moss categorises mixes broadly according to drainage requirements, while different component combinations allow further adjustment. Options can include peat-based mixes as well as formulations incorporating perlite, wood fibre or bark.

“Water quality is another consideration that can be overlooked when managing irrigation and fertilisation,” Fred notes. “It’s really important to know your water quality and to make sure you begin with good quality water for the irrigation and fertilization.”

Fine-tuning physical properties
He says relatively small changes in screening can alter how a substrate behaves. Adjusting the proportion of coarse peat particles, for example, can influence air space, drainage, and drying rate without fundamentally changing the recipe.

“By letting some peat chunks in the mix, that will give you more airspace, a little bit more drainage, and the mix will dry a little bit faster than if you keep those chunks aside.”

This approach is particularly relevant where growers have established irrigation strategies and know how a substrate needs to respond within their production system.

Consistency from harvest to delivery
For Fred, consistency is a central factor in substrate performance because predictable physical characteristics allow growers to manage crops with greater certainty.

“If your mix is consistent, it’s almost always the same, year after year, the mix will react the same, and the results will be more predictable.”

He added that this consistency begins during peat harvesting and screening, with attention to fibre quality and the removal of excessive fines and dust before the material reaches the finished product.

Sustainability and certification
Lambert Peat Moss remains involved with the Canadian Peat Moss Association and follows practices intended to support peatland management and restoration. Fred highlights the company’s work with the VeriFlora certification, which evaluates multiple aspects of production and operations.

“The certification is looking at every aspect of the operation, the harvest, the factory, the employees, the management of the peat bog, the utilization of the bags; everything is involved,” he shares.

The company will attend GreenTech North America, where substrate technology, production requirements and crop-specific solutions will be among the topics discussed.

For more information:
Lambert Peat Moss
Alexandre Lambert
[email protected]
Frederic Gagnon
[email protected]
https://lambertpeatmoss.com