STANDARDIZATION OF SUBSTRATES

The Foundation R.H.P. (Regeling Handels Potgronden) is an organization for quality control of substrates in the Netherlands. The Foundation R.H.P. checks peat products, other raw materials, and substrates according to established standards and requirements. After analyzing and approval the substrate receives the R.H.P. hallmark.

The quality standards and requirements have been formulated by the Technical Commission of the R.H.P. which consists of the substrate experts of the Horticultural Research Stations and other leading substrate experts in the Netherlands.

Till 1990 the Foundation R.H.P. was mainly involved in quality control of organic substrates. In the last few years standards have been developed for all kinds of substrates.

In 1994 a new research project was started, in cooperation with the Research Station for Floriculture and Glasshouse Vegetables, to develop chemical, physical and biological standards for all kinds of substrates like perlite, bark, coir, expanded clay granules, wood fibre, pumice stone, rice husk, rockwool and foam products.

After standardization, producers and suppliers of these substrates can participate in the RHP regulation for substrates.

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