DE LIER, the Netherlands, February 2, 2010:  Substrate supplier BVB Substrates in De Lier (the Netherlands) is launching a brand new substrate for the international vegetable-growing sector at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. BVB Sublime enables growers to achieve optimum crop control and maximum yields. The raw material supplier, the foam producer and BVB Substrates have been working together on this innovation for three years.
BVB Sublime is made of Polygrow, a polyurethane foam with a high pore volume. It has been specially formulated for use in horticulture, so it is extremely airy, hydrophilic and retains its shape well. The material is inert, which means that it does not react with other substances. Jaco Dijkshoorn, director of BVB Substrates: "The food safety of this substrate has been extensively tested and confirmed. Neither we nor our partners are taking any risks in this area at all." It is also a pure and consistent substrate because it is produced industrially.
Extensively researched
Over the past few years the substrate has been extensively tested by horticultural companies and at the Sint Katelijne Waver vegetable-growing research station in Belgium. In the 2008-2009 growing season, the yields achieved at the research station were 5% higher on average over three cucumber crops and 7% higher from one tomato crop. “These are fantastic figures indeed. In 2010 the practical trials in the Netherlands and abroad will show whether these results can be achieved again. As many as 51 growers are currently trialling BVB Sublime, some of whom are using it in half or all of their greenhouses. We are also launching pilots in Spain, Greece, Canada and Korea,” says Jaco Dijkshoorn.
Resaturate at any time
The tests in 2008-2009 revealed more benefits for growers. The substrate can be resaturated at any time. And the quality of the slab is maintained throughout the entire growing process. So the grower can control moisture levels well, achieve optimum crop control and grow in a more generative way. This is a big advantage for growers in warm climate zones too. Dijkshoorn: “We have every confidence that together we have developed a fantastic product. And at a competitive price. This confirms our reputation as an innovative substrate specialist. And we are extremely proud of that."