Programme Partner Meeting Emden:
Wednesday, Oct. 9 th, 2024 / Excursion Day
1) To Edewecht, Tree nursery Hinrichs Pflanzen (www.hinrichs-pflanzen.de/)
Synergy with BUFFER+: The tree nursery “Hinrichs Pflanzen” has been working for years to switch to peat-free substrates, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. “Hinrichs Pflanzen” is partner of the project “ToSBA”. Together with other tree nurseries they look at the opportunities, challenges and successes of using peat-reduced or peat-free substrates, focusing on soil quality and plant growth. This project gives us a chance to learn about the latest research and talk with experts from the tree nursery and the ToSBA lead partner Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Saxony / Niedersächsische Landwirtschaftskammer. We will also talk about implications of the German peat reduction strategy for their business. Information about the project “ToSBA”: www.lwk-niedersachsen.de/lwk/projekte/471 We explore synergies between both projects, its project partners and cooperation structures.
Message: Successful approaches for tree nurseries and other horticultural businesses based on the use of peat-free substrates.
2) After the tree nursery we will visit the Westermoor near Ramsloh. This raised bog area is part of the “Esterweger Dose” and is characterized by centuries of peat extraction. Part of this area has been in the process of renaturation. We learn about the past and future of peat mining in Germany and Europe. Additionally, we learn about the challenges and successes of the peatland rewetting process. All participants on the excursion will have the chance to learn about the success achieved in renaturation so far and to benefit from proven best-practice solutions. These insights can be applied to their own restoration projects.
Message: Peat extraction in Germany in the past and future and renaturation of peatlands BUFFER+
3) Visit of the Torfwerk Moorkultur Ramsloh. Presentation of the paludiculture project MOOSland. Information about Torfwerk Moorkultur Ramsloh: www.moorkultur-ramsloh.de/ Project MOOSland: www.fnr.de/projektfoerderung/ausgewaehlte-projekte/projekte/moosland
Synergy with BUFFER: As a leading company in peat extraction and processing, Torfwerk Moorkultur Ramsloh is involved in sustainable peat harvesting methods, developing concepts and model projects for land use after peat extraction and exploring different peat substitutes and their sources. We will get insights into the project MOOSland focusing on the use of paludiculture to produce peat substitute materials in revitalized wetlands. We learn about existing business models related to peat substitutes for horticultural substrates. Some substitute materials are produced by paludiculture.
Message: Successful business models have already been developed to find alternatives to the traditional use of peatlands while securing economic value.
Thursday, Oct. 10th / Workshop Day at Ökowerk Emden
With a session on peat-free substrates: Applied University Emden-Leer (HSEL) will present laboratory techniques used in BUFFER+, Bioclear Earth shows results of their microbiome research. In addition, HAEDES will present their digital twinning model including a user story exercise and BUFFER+ will participate in a communication workshop on addressing target groups. During the event there is a small exhibition with HTCL introducing hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) showing lab equipment and information materials 2) Posters and information materials from other projects and initiatives related to peat land protection