On June 11, our farmers visited Roland Velema, arable farmer in De Krim Overijssel, to exchange experiences on regenerative measures such as compost tea. Roland told how he got started with vitalising his crops, including through compost tea. Soil consultant Martijn van Vijfeijken went into more detail. How does soil work and what substances are essential? How do you help your crops grow?

Of course, a visit to the field was not to be missed. We looked at the potatoes and faba beans. We dug up some plants to see the roots and even smell them! A good sign according to Martijn is a sweet, cucumber-like smell and a root system to which the soil is still sticking. After all, soil life provides the exchange of nutrients for the plant in exchange for sugars.

Finally, the farmers shared what experiences they already have with compost tea and how they use it on their farms. From the temperature of the kettle to how best to clean it and whether oxygen is added. There is still a lot of knowledge to be gained by experimenting and learning from each other. To be continued!