Improving soil health practices for better results

Equinox Horticulture Ltd., a Kenyan producer of cut roses for the European market, has successfully revitalized aging rose crops through a focus on soil health. Founded in 2008 and located in Nanyuki town, the farm employs over 450 people, primarily women, and operates on 25.5 hectares of greenhouse production.

Addressing Crop Aging

By 2018, Equinox faced a challenge as its rose crops, typically productive for up to 15 years, began showing signs of premature aging after only eight to nine years. This resulted in declining yields, reduced stem length and bud size, increased susceptibility to disease, and the need for costly replanting. Initially, the farm considered shifting to hydroponic or soilless systems.

A Focus on Soil Health

Equinox instead chose to address the issue by prioritizing soil health. Crop Technical Manager Harrison Ndegwa Kirimi, with over 14 years of experience in agronomy, spearheaded this shift. The farm deepened its partnership with Koppert, a biological crop protection company, recognizing the potential of improving soil conditions.

Trials with the NatuGro Program

In 2018, Equinox initiated trials using Koppert’s NatuGro program. This program combines plant-based biostimulants like Vidi Parva, Vidi Terrum, and Vidi Fortum with complementary products including Vidi Funda and Trianum-P. The trials involved two years of data collection and assessment to evaluate the program’s impact.

Measurable Improvements

Throughout the trial period, Harrison and his team monitored key indicators in both the crops and the soil. Assessments included stem length, bud size, and overall yield. The results demonstrated transformative improvements, including sustained yield increases and enhanced crop resilience. Consistent improvements in stem length across all categories were also observed, indicating a gain in yield quality. The program also led to fewer fungal infections and faster recovery from stress.

The NatuGro System

According to Harrison, the NatuGro system aligns with Equinox’s philosophy of rejuvenating the soil to benefit the crop. The system addresses soil fatigue rather than just treating symptoms. NatuGro is a system approach that minimizes the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers by utilizing micro-organisms and natural agents to cultivate a healthy crop.

Looking Ahead

Equinox’s experience demonstrates the benefits of strategic soil health management in perennial crops. The partnership with Koppert has extended crop life, strengthened resilience, stabilized yields, and improved long-term sustainability. Koppert emphasizes that healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming, and investment in soil health yields significant results.

For more information:
Koppert
[email protected]
www.koppert.com