ISHS Acta Horticulturae 294: II Symposium on Horticultural Substrates and their Analysis, XXIII IHC
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PLANT SUBSTRATES: TOWARDS A EUROPEAN STANDARDIZATION |
| Authors: | D. Ir. R. Gabriëls, D. Ir. O. Verdonck |
| Abstract:
Composition of potting substrates and fertilization techniques have undergone dramatic changes with regard to production of vegetables, floral and ornamental crop production, landscaping and the hobby market. A shift from mineral soils to a wide range of potting soils has happened. Scientific research quality control of growing media, based on several organic components, has changed consequently. Throughout the world, almost each individual laboratory has developed his own ways for analyzing and characterizing potting soils (sampling, bulk density, air and water capacity, nutritional status…). Intercomparison runs, recently carried out in the context of the I.S.H.S. Working Group for Standardization of Analytical Methods and Evaluation of the Results, have shown to result in chaotic situations. Because this disagreement between data is quite unacceptable, a reference method with which other procedures in different countries can be compared, is needed. A workshop, bringing together European analytical chemists and physicists, has already been held in Belgium (Feb. 1988). The method proposed at this occasion and described below is now being tested and adjusted. On Sept. 7th - 8th 1990, our Working Group is planning to hold another Workshop with demonstrations and discussions. During the working sessions competent specialists in the field will evaluate the Reference Method and the intercomparison runs. Consequently, the I.S.H.S. Symposium on Horticultural Substrates and their Analysis is taking place in Guernsey, the Channel Islands, Sept. 10th – 14th 1990. | |
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