EN Volume is a term that is often used when talking about the amount of substrate in a package or in a truckload. It is designed to help growers understand how much substrate they should order for their specific production site. This standardised European metric allows for consistency and reliability of order volumes.

EN Volume and Substrate

So, simply put, EN Volume was called into existence to avoid discussion and disappointment around the volume of substrate that a grower orders. You might wonder why we don’t talk about the weight of the substrate, or the size of the packages instead. Well, this has to do with the fact that these factors might vary per type of substrate. The weight is influenced by the composition, as some raw materials are heavier than others. The moisture content of the blend also influences the weight. Volume (in liters) in turn can be influenced by the coarseness and airiness of a mixture.

The properties of a substrate also determine how much of that specific substrate should be used to fill each pot. You likely understand that since all these factors are codependent, it can be challenging for growers and suppliers to make sure that there are no misunderstandings.

The European standard: EN 12580, strives to be a uniform and practical method to help growers and suppliers talk about order amounts in a clear way.

Watch our short animation video for an easy explanation of the topic.

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Measuring EN Volume

To measure the volume of substrate following this method does require precision. Substrate suppliers use standardised equipment and precisely follow specific instructions. They do this to make sure that the EN Volume is always measured in exactly the same way. This is something