Container-based steaming solution supports large-scale substrate recycling
Source: VFD.com
Substrate availability is falling while demand continues to rise." Capacity Existing systems typically process between 10 m³ and 15 m³ of substrate per hour. Total Systems and Konflex are now introducing two new systems: one with a capacity of 10 to 55 m³ per hour, and a second capable of processing 60 to over 100 m³ per hour.
Research shows that pathogens and pests are eliminated when substrate is heated to a minimum of 70°C for 20 to 30 minutes. Cold feed water for the steam boilers is preheated using residual heat from flue gases in a stainless steel economiser, delivering an additional energy saving of approximately 7.5%.
"This makes optimal use of the energy available, and the overall efficiency, when using diesel, can reach up to 102%." The steam boilers are available for use with diesel, biodiesel, HVO100, natural gas, propane, and optionally electricity. "Using HVO100 fuel results in significantly lower emissions compared to diesel." © Total Systems Market demands reuse Both Total Systems and Konflex see substrate recycling as increasingly important.
Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality, which is exactly the kind of controllable efficiency gain a facility can build on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does substrate sensing matter in free-drain strawberry systems?
Because drain percentage tells a grower what already happened, while substrate moisture and EC data show root-zone conditions directly. That makes it easier to cut water loss without guessing.
What is the operator takeaway from this trial?
If the thresholds are understood well enough, growers can reduce drain water materially while protecting yield and fruit quality, which makes sensing an operational tool instead of a reporting tool.
