Our colleague Zilal Suleiman-Alkadour explores systems, such as zero-tillage (omission of tillage) for Farm2Future, a World of Walas company. Zilal gives Farm2Future workshops to farmers in which she goes into detail into the possibilities for conserving agriculture, whereby tillage is avoided as much as possible so the soil can be covered with organic material.
Walas is working hard on opportunities for farmers to realize a switch from non-organic to organic farms. One solution for this is minimizing the use of pesticides. Due to the system of zero-tillage, the soil structure and soil fertility are improved. The crop yield increases as a result and weeds get less chance to grow. This makes chemical pesticide unnecessary.
Tillage is still widely used by farmers worldwide and in the Netherlands for growing crops. It aims to create good conditions for the germination and growth of crops. What many do not know, however, is that intensive tillage has many drawbacks. Many organisms die in the soil during the process. Organic matter digests faster which results in less oxygen in the soil. Through tillage soil life actually decreases.
Last Saturday there was an article in the Dutch newspaper “Nieuwe Oogst” about the work that Zilal does. The newspaper is a widely read newspaper among farmers, gardeners and their colleagues with stories in the agricultural sector. An excellent opportunity to tell about conservative agriculture, zero-tillage and the workshops with consulting and advice that Zilal gives. Curious about the article? Then click on the link!