Innovative and regional cut flower production for greater sustainability
The Hyp4Blume project is using a hydroponic cultivation process to further develop the sustainable, environmentally friendly and regional production of cut flowers and greenery.
Cut flowers are very popular on special occasions, such as Mother's Day. However, these are often associated with high CO2 emissions and high water consumption in the production and supply chain. The project Schnittblumenproduktion in einem hydroponischen Kultursystem - nachhaltig, umweltgerecht und regional (Hyp4Blume) of the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT), the Erzeugerring für Blumen und Zierpflanzen Bayern Süd e. V. and the Staatliche Fachschule für Blumenkunst Weihenstephan addresses these issues and strives for a high sustainability standard for the innovative cultivation system, which includes cultivation in minimal substrate quantities, no peat and no chemical plant protection and the lowest possible energy and water consumption. In hydroponic cultivation, the plants are grown in special pots with minimal amounts of substrate. The pots are fixed in hydroponic plates and supplied with water and nutrients through regular watering.
Environmental relief at several points
The project aims to achieve a holistic reduction in CO2 emissions. On the one hand, these are reduced by selecting crops with the lowest possible heating energy requirements and, on the other hand, local production directly at the retail outlet ensures short transport routes and thus CO2 savings. Furthermore, peat is not used as a growing medium, the aim is to minimise water consumption through closed cultivation systems and chemical plant protection can be largely dispensed with. Plastic consumption is also reduced by using pots made of organic, renewable material (e.g. sphagnum or wood fibre) instead of conventional plastic grid pots and by using reusable hydroponic plates.
Advantages for retail nurseries
Hydroponic cultivation on existing, temporarily empty ebb and flow tables offers a solution for businesses to utilise free production capacity economically and sustainably. Through the appropriate selection of crops and the low-water, low-emission and space-saving production of cut flowers and cut foliage, retail nurseries can expand their range of fresh, local and environmentally friendly produce. This also increases the competitiveness and profile of these medium-sized businesses compared to food retailers and DIY stores.
