On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, an inspiring and instructive practical afternoon took place at VDBORNE in Reusel. The reason for this meeting was a trial at Jacob van den Borne, known for his cultivation on sandy soil in Reusel, and Anton Bartelen, who cultivates on clay soil in Fijnaart. Together they started a challenge in 2019: Is it possible to grow potatoes on sand and clay without the use of fertilizer?
FERTILIZATION STRATEGY
Both Anton and Jacob divided one of their plots into several areas. On each plane, they applied a different strategy in terms of fertilization. With this approach, they spent five years studying how potatoes grow without fertilizer. In addition, the focus was on improving soil quality through natural means.
RESULTS
The results after full crop rotation seem promising. During the field day, these results were shared extensively with the farmers, researchers and interested parties present. This meeting provided unique opportunities to learn about the techniques and insights gained during the trial.
PRACTICAL INSIGHTS
During the afternoon, visitors participated in several hands-on sessions. The interactive format ensured a lively exchange of knowledge and experiences.
In addition to the research results, tools were discussed that allow farmers to get to know their soil better without expensive analyses. With the help of these tips, visitors can immediately get to work improving the soil and reducing fertilizer use.
This afternoon highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and the potential of fertilizer-free cultivation. The experiment by Jacob van den Borne and Anton Bartelen shows that less or even no fertilizer is necessary to grow crops successfully.
STAY TUNED
Are you interested in sustainable agriculture and want to learn more about fertilizer-free growing? Become a member of Smart Farming Academy, where you learn all about precision farming.
Don't forget to keep an eye on the calendar VDBORNE Campus for future events and meetings.
