Advice

Hybrid fertilisation: a small ajustment with a big impact

Mineral plant nutrition continues to play a central role in professional crop production. At the same time, more and more growers are looking for ways to improve fertilisation efficiency without compromising yield. How can you achieve maximum plant quality while caring for the soil and the environment? The answer lies in hybrid fertilisation: a smart combination of mineral and organic fertilisers. This approach improves plant resilience, stabilises crop growth and helps plants cope better during periods of stress.

Greater crop stability and stronger plants

Every grower aims for uniform growth, consistent plant development without peaks or dips, and minimal crop losses. Critical moments, such as regrowth after potting or periods of extreme or highly variable weather, largely determine the final result.

At those moments, one factor is crucial: resilience. Plants must be able to recover without growth stagnation or setbacks and maintain their quality until delivery.

The good news: there’s no need to abandon your mineral fertilisation strategy. By gradually introducing organic fertilisers into a hybrid approach, even small changes can already deliver noticeable results.

Why adding an organic component makes the difference

Your fertilisation strategy directly influences the quality of your planting material. Many professional programs combine base fertilisation with supplementary fertigation. Partially replacing mineral with organic nutrients further strengthens this system because it:

increases natural plant resistance
stimulates root development
reduces nutrient leaching
activates and supports soil life

The result: more stable growth and fewer corrective interventions.

How to apply hybrid fertilisation in practice

How can you shift from purely mineral fertilisers to a more organic way of supporting your crops? This transition can be made easily and step by step. → Start by partially replacing your existing mineral fertiliser with an organic fertiliser that has an extra-long-lasting effect such as DCM ECOR® 5. The exact replacement rate depends on your crop, substrate and production planning. Contact one of our DCM experts for tailored product advice for your crop.

When do you see the greatest effect?

Hybrid fertilisation proves its added value especially at times when plants are most vulnerable, namely during the stages in which fluctuations can cause the most damage :

during initial growth or regrowth after potting
during periods of stress (heat, wet spells, changeable weather)
in the delivery phase, where quality must be maintained without triggering excessive growth

Practical results: trial at Streng Growers

A practical trial at Streng Growers nursery in Boskoop (The Netherlands) evaluated hybrid fertilisation in pot cultivation using peat-free substrate. After four growing cycles using DCM ECOR® 5, the grower reported high satisfaction with the growth and uniformity of Passiflora. In a second crop (Gaultheria), the combination of DCM ECOR-FOS® and DCM VIVISOL® already delivered a clear improvement in crop results and plant quality after just one cycle.

View the detailed trial results here.

Passiflora met reguliere bemesting

Passiflora met hybride bemesting

Such practical trials show that even a partial replacement of mineral fertilisers can deliver visible results.

View the detailed trial results here.

Technical benefits for professional crops

Hybrid fertilisation works because the two types of fertiliser complement each other:

complementary nutrient release periods of organic and mineral fertilisers
nutrient release according to plant needs
more uniform distribution throughout the substrate
lower EC peaks
more efficient water and nutrient uptake
little to no need for corrective liquid fertilisation

For growers, the practical benefits are clear: fewer fluctuations, fewer plant losses, and less labour.

A hybrid fertilisation approach tailored to your business

Hybrid fertilisation can take many different forms. The simplest first step is to replace part of your current fertilisation programme with an organic component. This allows you to measure the effects without having to make major changes to your work schedule.

For container-grown crops, implementation is particularly easy: organic fertilisers can be mixed directly into potting soil or substrate without requiring additional changes tot your working practices. This can be done by your substrate supplier or during potting at your own nursery.

To measure is to know: small change, big result

Hybrid fertilisation does not require a radical change, yet it delivers measurable benefits:

more stable growth
fewer adjustments to the fertilisation programme
greater crop uniformity
higher quality of marketable plants

For a professional grower like you, this means one thing above all: fewer concerns and greater predictability.

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Brief Summary

Hybrid fertilisation combines mineral and organic fertilisers to provide plants with a consistent supply of nutrients while supporting soil life and strengthening plant resilience.

Because it results in more resilient plants, fewer fluctuations in growth and more stable crop development particularly during periods of stress such as hot or wet conditions.

By replacing part of your existing fertilisation programme with an organic component, without requiring major changes to your work schedule.