Abstract: A molded body for improving the cultivating conditions of plants includes at least one tapering projection. The molded body is disposed such that the projection extends into a plant substrate from the bottom. The projection is a highly porous material for providing an exchange of water by capillary forces and/or air, between the interior and the area surrounding the projection. The molded body comprises a depression provided opposite the projection and serving as a water reservoir that is spaced apart from the plant substrate.

Abstract: A molded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The molded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The molded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The molded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.

Abstract: Organic materials, more particularly wood and woody parts of plants, are intensely crushed, defibrated, heated and physically broken up in a thermal screw press, an impregnation with previously added auxiliary substances being simultaneously effected. The thus prepared material has a peat-like appearance and provides optimal physical, chemical and biological properties for its use as a peat substitute and substrate component. Inter alia, it is suitable as an additive for the physical upgrading of strongly decomposed peat varieties and for drawing out and better aeration of peat and culture substrates produced on the base of peat. When vaccinated with suitable fungi or microorganism, it is also very advantageously used for the mycorrhization of mycotrophic plants and as an additive for the production of high-grade composts.