ZHAW researchers search for alternatives to peat in EU project

(CONNECT) The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and its Wädenswil-based Department of Life Sciences and Facility Management are participating in the EU research project PEATLESS as a Swiss partner university, according to a press release. The aim is to provide a scientifically sound decision-making basis for a sustainable transformation of horticulture. The focus is on the reduction of peat for mushroom cultivation, young plant cultivation and ornamental plant production.

Instead, substrate alternatives are to be used for professional horticultural production systems and cover soil for mushroom cultivation. They are to be developed on an interdisciplinary basis as part of PEATLESS and evaluated in terms of sustainability. The interdisciplinary research project funded by the EU's Horizon Europe funding program and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) was launched last week in La Rioja, Spain.

The ZHAW's Geography of Food and Horticulture research groups are taking part. According to the announcement, they will take on coordinating tasks in the further development and evaluation of new substrate alternatives. The research will also focus on systemic obstacles in existing value chains and how to eliminate them. The Life Cycle Assessment research group is also involved, which is investigating the ecological and social impact of the new substrates throughout their entire life cycle.

Gardening with peat has disadvantages in terms of climate and biodiversity protection. Peat extraction causes high CO2 emissions, destroys peatland ecosystems and stands in the way of sustainable development. PEATLESS is expected to make significant progress towards the goal of saving 2.5 million cubic meters of peat by 2050 by 2028. This should avoid around 900,000 tons of CO2 emissions. 5000 horticultural businesses should have switched to more sustainable substrates by then. ce/heg