This method gives insight in the stability of an organic raw material and if IT CAN SUCCESSFULLY BE APPLIED IN AN RHP SUBSTRATE
A high microbiological activity in an organic raw material means that it is easily decomposed and therefore is unstable. At decomposition processes the structure of the soil changes, oxygen is used and harmful substances can be released. That is harmful to the roots and the crop. The respiration method developed by RHP gives insight in the stability of an organic raw material. And if it can successfully be applied in an RHP substrate.
It is important to previously know if you can safely use an organic raw material, without risks for your culture. An organic raw material can only successfully be used in an RHP substrate if it is stable enough for this purpose.
What is tested?
At products like compost and tree substrates it is tested if the microbiological activity is no longer too high. For example compost that is already sufficiently decomposed, is stable with regard to structure and oxygen level and no longer releases harmful substances. At coir the stability of the structure is mainly considered. With the RHP-respiration method, the stability of a raw material can previously be determined. In this way you can prevent risks for your culture.
Do you want a stable raw material?
Do you want to know if a raw material is stable and safe enough to use for your culture? One of the RHP certified companies gladly advises you.
The RHP-respiration method is a standard for analysing the stability of organic raw materials for growing media. The method is developed by adjusting existing technology.
Respiration and stability
To process an organic raw material in an RHP substrate successfully, it must be stable enough. RHP regularly tests raw materials with the respiration method. The respiration number that results from these tests, indicates if the raw material can be processed successfully in an RHP substrate. The number has to stay under a certain level for this purpose.
Stable raw materials
A stable raw material is safe for the root environment and the growth of the crop. Various aspects are considered per raw material. At compost and tree substrates for instance, it is considered if the microbiological activity is no longer too high. If an organic raw material is not composted sufficiently, then it is organically easily degradable. And at decomposition processes the soil is settling, much oxygen is used and harmful substances can release. At coir, the stability of the structure is mainly examined.
Mixing raw materials?
Do you want to know if you can successfully process a raw material in an RHP substrate? RHP gladly advises you and can test a raw material for you with the respiration method.