A Dutch farm has implemented a holistic approach to dynamic soil health, focused on restoring natural soil processes and strengthening plant-soil interactions. The farm grows crops such as leek, Astilbe, strawberries and peony, using diverse crop rotations to maintain soil health and productivity.
Key practices include hot water and CO₂ treatments for pest control, Japanese oats as a cover crop to suppress nematodes, and UV-C robots for mildew control in strawberries. Organic fertilisers and compost are also used to improve soil fertility and biological activity.
These measures have resulted in healthier plants, fewer pests and diseases, improved soil structure and greater biodiversity. Strawberry plants showed more uniform growth, while Astilbe and leek experienced fewer problems with weeds and nematodes.
The farm’s experience highlights the importance of adapting soil health practices to local conditions, taking into account factors such as climate, soil type and available resources. By combining biological, cultural and technological solutions, this approach demonstrates how soil-focused management can support more resilient and sustainable crop production systems.
