OUR VEGETABLE CULTIVATION
We produce high-quality vegetables according to Bioland standards. Know-how, commitment and a passion for organic farming help us to achieve our goals. We are also aware of the importance of sustainability, soil conditioning and resource protection of natural resources to produce best-quality fresh produce.
CULTIVATION IN THE CYCLE OF NATURE
On a surface of approx. 1,000 ha we grow high-quality organic vegetables. Our main crops are carrots, brassicas and peas. We grow strawberries in small quantities which are marketed directly at the farm gate. Crop rotation is an important requirement for successful organic cultivation. It is about plant protection, plant nutrition and weed control. Our crop rotation is shown below: 1. Year: clover/ flowering fields 2. Year: clover/ flowering fields 3. Year: brassicas 4. Year: grain 5. Year: carrots 6. Year: peas In the seventh year the cycle starts again. We produce according to the directives of the Bioland Association and fulfil the GOBALG.A.P.-Standard.
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Our location has several advantages and special characteristics to offer. Our fields are directly located in the western part of the Dithmarschen region close to the North Sea coast, therefore we benefit from good soils and clean air. To make a long story short, these are excellent conditions for vegetable growing. Our soils can be described as the so-called “junge Kalkmarsch”, or recent chalky marshlands. 300 years ago the soils were covered by sea water and today they are very good fertile soils. The “junge Kalkmarsch” is considered to be among the best farming land in the world. Another advantage of the region is the good air quality. This is a result of the West wind which comes directly from the sea and brings only very few pests (in form of insects) and provides our vegetables with a natural protection. Furthermore, the sea air has a good, low-pollution quality which very positively affects our plants
OUR SOIL
HEALTHY SOILS MEAN HEALTHY PLANTS
Healthy soils encourage plant growth A healthy soil is the basis of organic agriculture. Therefore it is our concern to improve the soil conditions, for example by increasing the humus content and supporting soil organisms. An important contribution to the stabilization of the humus content is the widespread cultivation of clover and flowering fields. In addition, flowering strips in the transport lanes and on headland turns loosen up the prevailing cultivation of carrots and offers bees and other insects food and shelter. Also, versatile, changing crop rotations support soil life and dissuade weed growth.
A special characteristic of the organic cultivation is the mechanical and/or manual weed control. We do not use any agri-chemical plant protection and can offer you 100% natural vegetables. Furthermore, the environment is protected while maintaining high quality and productivity. We consequently do without using synthetic fertilisers and agri-chemical plant protection. Instead, we use solely organic fertilisers moderately and only if necessary.
Thus, the groundwater is protected and soil pollution is avoided. Organic cultivation protects the climate from the energy-intensive production of industrial fertilizers and pesticides. Not using industrial fertilizers means reducing energy consumption. Naturally we exclude genetic modification. A primary goal of organic agriculture is to preserve and increase the agricultural biodiversity – to keep the biodiversity along with its natural resources on a high level.
TEAM
UNSER TEAM
We are a motivated, open-minded and dynamic team of twelve highly-qualified professionals who enjoy working and co-existing with nature. We definitely appreciate our very special natural environment blessed by the fresh air from the North Sea. Each year from May to November we are supported by 120 highly-motivated seasonal workers who help us in organic farming. We believe it is important to encourage a working atmosphere based on mutual respect and appreciation for every single team member.
DIRECTION
Dörscher & Carstens Bio GbR
Zum Westhof 6
25764 Friedrichsgabekoog
Tel.: +49 4839-9535-0
Fax: +49 4839-9105
info@westhof-bio.de
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