Turning innovation into traction
Source: VFD.com
© Next Step Solution Combining global experience The company was established after Ted and Jennifer, who have known each other for nearly a decade through their work in the substrate sector, found they shared the same view of where the market is heading and saw an opportunity to combine their expertise and networks. "We kept having conversations about where the substrate industry is going and what is needed, especially around new products and new ideas.
It works with suppliers, technology developers, startups, growers and investors to validate products through targeted commercial trials before wider market introductions while also supporting companies with market entry, partnerships and commercial growth. "If growers can safely reuse materials after steaming, they become less dependent on materials that they have to transport, stock and store." "We understand the market, the growers and the products," Ted says.
We want companies to gain experience with alternatives such as coir and other raw materials." Alongside peat, coir and wood fiber, the company expects locally available biomass streams to play a larger role in future substrate mixes. Technologies that enable substrate reuse are also expected to become increasingly important as growers look for more resilient production systems.
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.
