The Soilless Substrate Science project brings together experts in soilless substrates, sociology, economics, and environmental science to tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing specialty crop growers. The team uses systems-thinking and team-science approaches to guide all research, management, and outreach decisions.

Peat is the foundation of most soilless production systems, but growers now face serious uncertainty. Limited harvests, poor weather, environmental concerns, and growing public pressure reduce access to peat and prompt some distributors to phase it out entirely. At the same time, demand for soilless production continues to increase, leaving growers with few research-backed alternatives.

Because these social, political, and environmental pressures evolve rapidly, solving the peat shortage requires a true systems-based approach. The Soilless Substrate Science team includes specialists in materials engineering, horticulture, substrate development, agricultural economics, life-cycle assessment, and stakeholder sociology.

Sociologists and value-chain experts analyse stakeholder perceptions to guide the development of new substrate materials and production systems. Economists and life-cycle analysts evaluate the financial and environmental impacts of each option to ensure real-world feasibility.

Science communication and Extension specialists translate research into clear, accessible guidance and standard operating procedures. These materials appear across multiple platforms so growers and substrate suppliers can easily find and use them.

A stakeholder Advisory Board made up of industry leaders provides continuous input throughout the project. Their feedback shapes ongoing research and outreach, strengthening the project’s impact. Altogether, the Soilless Substrate Science team represents a purposefully assembled, highly interdisciplinary group.