New Levington Advance Blocking FT

ICL has launched its first peat-reduced blocking substrate – Levington® Advance Blocking FT – to help propagators, growers and supermarkets meet rising sustainability demands and comply with peat-reduction targets.

With the legality of alternative peat-based products being challenged, and with greater pressure placed on, and by, retailers for more sustainable production, ICL’s new blocking substrate – containing Fibagro® modular and milled peat, as opposed to the more contentious wet dug peats – offers a viable solution.

Designed for the propagation of leafy salads, brassicas and field crops using blocking trays, this next-generation peat-reduced blocking media is formulated with ICL’s FSC®-certified woodfibre – Fibagro Advance.

“Locally sourced and produced at ICL’s growing media facility in Scotland, Fibagro Advance supports the transition to lower peat usage, while maintaining reliable performance,” says Stuart Gammage, ICL Technical Manager for Growing Media.  “The new peat-reduced Levington Advance Blocking FT standard blend has been developed for consistency across all grower operations.

“Featuring ICL fusion technology (FT), it offers excellent block formation that holds until the roots are fully established. Meanwhile, to optimise performance, Levington Advance Blocking FT contains H2Gro® to aid water distribution and plant hydration.  This ultimately also helps the propagator conserve water while extending the shelf life of the block.”

ICL’s new peat-reduced blocking substrate is formulated with a slow-release starter feed – providing the young plants with a full nutrition package for at least the first four weeks.  As with all Levington growing media products, ICL offers expert technical support and advice on follow on nutrition programmes.

“Working with several leading UK vegetable and leafy salad growers, we’ve field tested Levington Advance Blocking FT in spring and summer conditions,” says Stuart. “A proven, reliable solution, it meets environmental standards without compromising quality.”

Levington Advance Blocking FT is available in bulk, probale and bulk bags.

For further information or to place orders, please contact your local ICL Technical Area Sales Manager or call our sales office on +44(0)1473 237111 / prof.sales@icl-group.com