Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt (PSKW) organizes a free field visit to their SDA trial in Muilshoek 1, Sint-Katelijne-Waver (Belgium) on august 10th with the support of Vlaanderen, Belorta, CCBT and agentschap innoveren & ondernemen. The visit is divided in two parts: the first one, aimed at PSKW members, will take place from 15h to 15h45 and aims to discuss about dealing with white and green zucchini variety tests, Zucchini early crop fertilization, artichoke variety test, and celery drought/black heart trial.The second part, directed to all producers and stakeholders, will take place from 15h45 to 17h30 to deal with various topics, specifically the intensive vs. extensive soil management in lettuce for SoildiverAgro.
The objective of this case study is to test the positive effect of extensive and organic farming on the soil compared to intensive farming and to know which is the effect on the fertility of the soil and on soil pathogens when reversing to another farming system. The intensive vegetable production in Belgium with intensive tillage, limited crop rotation and unilateral fertilization has a negative effect on soil quality, so this could also lead to a favorable environment for pests and diseases and result in a lower yield and quality of the crop.