In early 2025, partners of the Hort2thefuture project gathered in Oslo for a joint meeting hosted by NIBIO (the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research). This three-day event brought together scientists, researchers, and industry stakeholders from across Europe to share updates on the project’s first year and to witness innovative field trials firsthand.
First milestones toward sustainable soil management
Representatives from key work packages presented their latest findings and experimental approaches. Work Package 3 (WP3) partners, including Aarhus University, Growing Media Europe, and the University of Belgrade, are focusing on developing peat-free growing media. They shared progress on regulatory mapping and the creation of new fibre-based substrate blends, soon to be tested on six horticultural crop groups.
Meanwhile, WP4 partners such as Viaverda and NIBIO are pushing forward strategies to reduce horticultural inputs. Field trials highlighted irrigation reduction efforts with cauliflower, drought-sensitive celery, and strawberries grown on peat-reduced media. Innovative fertilisation trials using digestate-compost blends and optimised liquid digestate for vertical lettuce cultivation were also presented.
WP4 and WP5 are working together to address soil compaction issues. The Polytechnic University of Cartagena and partners demonstrated experimental use of micro and nano bubbles in irrigation water to improve soil oxygenation, alongside biological and mechanical approaches such as cover crops and pomace compost.
Exploring peat alternatives and circular solutions
The meeting culminated in visits to NIBIO’s Apelsvoll testing sites and several peat-alternative production facilities. Participants toured Fibergrow, a company producing wood fibre-based substrates, and visited the circular farm in Skjærgaarden, as well as Magic Factory, which is pioneering the digeponics concept, a nutrient-rich plant growth solution derived from recycled organic waste.
Exploring peat alternatives and circular solutions
The Hort2thefuture partners demonstrated strong progress in bridging laboratory research with practical field trials. Their collaborative spirit and shared vision for sustainable horticulture lay a promising foundation for the coming years. Continued testing and co-development of innovative tools and materials will be critical in shaping a more sustainable future for European horticulture.