Weeds are one of the many problems that occur in nurseries, so it is important to be able to prevent them with proven methods and ? if possible ? that do not have a negative impact on the environment.
– One method of fighting weeds in pots is to use various types of herbicides. In our opinion, reducing the amount of chemicals used in crop production should be a priority among growers, and mulching is a tool that makes this possible. At Ceres, we decided to use buckwheat hulls for this, which served as the base for the innovative SAN TOP mulch ? says Michal Stuchlik, Director of the Commercial Department at Ceres International. – The product is 100% biological and does not contain weed seeds or pests. Effectively protects the surface of pots and multiplats, preventing unwanted plants from poking up above the soil surface ? he adds.
Advantages of using buckwheat hulls
Buckwheat hulls are mixed with an eco-friendly glue that is activated upon contact with water. Thanks to such a solution, the mulch forms a compact shell after being rolled. This, in turn, makes it much easier to transport the plants (with traditional solutions we have to reckon with the risk of product spillage). In addition, not only does the sun’s rays not get into the ground through the compact shell, but also the risk of weed growth is greatly reduced.
– The effectiveness of SAN TOP is confirmed by numerous laboratory tests and those conducted on plantations. Last year, many nurserymen trusted this product ? because of not only the quality, but also the price, which is comparable to other less efficient products with lower effectiveness. This is definite proof that SAN TOP hits the mark ? says Maciej Juchacz, President of Ceres International.
Performance first
Important, both financially and environmentally, is the performance of the products used by crop producers. The use of SAN TOP in manufacturing means benefits in these areas as well. All you need is a thin, 6-millimeter layer of product ? This is a significant difference from the solutions that nurserymen have been accustomed to for years, products that require a much thicker layer of mulching agents.
– For example, 1m3 of SAN TOP is enough to fill about 20500 P9 pots, and 1m3 of products requiring a 30 mm layer meets the need for about 4000 pots. That’s a difference of nearly 17,000. pieces. Thus, we achieve unprecedented efficiency ? Michal Stuchlik explains. Big bag packaging was used to pack the mulch, so there is not a lot of extra waste accumulated.
Streamlining work in nurseries
The use of SAN TOP is beneficial to nurserymen for other reasons as well. Weeds take up water and nutrients, thus limiting them to plants. The ground is also being lost in the process of chaffing. By using mulch, water, fertilizer and substrate are saved, but also machinery, storage space, logistical costs for unloading and transporting pallets. Plants do not require frequent watering, as the buckwheat husk shell reduces pot drying, while not affecting plant growth and health. Efficiency in reducing weed growth also means reducing labor costs and losses associated with the need to weed pots.
– What end users particularly pay attention to is the aesthetics of the product they buy. Healthy plants are a guarantee of excellent sales, but when the product not only does not generate the need for cleaning after transport, but also looks good, plants in pots kept clean are more likely to be purchased by customers ? Michal Stuchlik adds.
SAN TOP mulch permeates water, air and fertilizers, forming a compact structure. It is free-flowing, lightweight and easy to use, and can be fed both by machine and by hand. It is suitable for all types of pots: round, square, as well as multiplats. Its performance and composition are a response to both the needs of nurserymen and their customers.
To learn even more visit the page dedicated to this product: San Top – Ceres.pl
