PROFILE: AGS
Ensuring long-term raw material security
for growing media products in Australia By Heath McKenzie and Rohan Davies As supply chains become ever more challenging, AGS and other growing media suppliers have to adapt to ensure growers can continue to grow the highest quality stock. Heath McKenzie and Rohan Davies of Australian Growing Solutions detail some of the challenges faced by manufacturers in this space and what AGS are doing to ensure a secure and sustainable future for the horticultural industry. Australia's horticultural and agricultural industries heavily rely on growing media products to ensure successful plant growth and yield. These products, which include substrates like composted pine bark, coir, peat and sand, play a crucial role in providing necessary nutrients, water retention, and support for plant roots. However, the availability of these inputs presents numerous challenges. In this article, we will explore the long-term security of supply for each of these materials and examine the potential solutions to overcome supply challenges.
Pine Bark Pine bark has been a commonly used substrate in Australia for many years due to its favourable properties, such as excellent water retention and aeration capabilities. However, recent events have threatened the long-term security of pine bark supply. The devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2019/20 impacted over 50,000 hectares of Radiata pine plantations, leading to a significant reduction in available bark. Furthermore, the landscape industry's demand for pine bark has risen, leading to increased competition for this resource. Another issue arises from the lower age of pine trees harvested for bark. As trees are harvested at a younger age, the amount of bark per tree diminishes, affecting the overall supply. To ensure the long-term security of pine bark supply, it is essential to implement sustainable forestry practices,
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promote reforestation efforts, and explore alternative sources of bark, such as other tree species or agricultural waste.
Coir Coir, derived from coconut husks, gained popularity as a growing media substrate due to its renewable nature and favorable properties. However, the global shipping disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted coir imports. Increased shipping costs and delays have resulted in higher prices for coir-based products in Australia. Moreover, the environmental impact of shipping coir long distances, also known as ‘carbon miles’, raises concerns. The carbon emissions associated with transportation contribute to climate change and negate some of the environmental benefits of using coir. To address these challenges, local coir production facilities could be established, reducing the reliance on imports and minimising the carbon footprint.
Peat Peat, a traditional growing media component, has raised environmental concerns worldwide. The extraction of peat from wetlands contributes to habitat destruction, carbon dioxide emissions, and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, geopolitical issues, like the war in Ukraine, have further complicated the supply chain for peat products.
