Biodiversity in the nursery: This is what we are doing about it

In addition to vlogs focusing on the range, last week we chose a specific angle: promoting biodiversity at our nursery. As any green professional understands, sustainability goes beyond just the right choice of species. It encompasses a wide range of practices and techniques that contribute to ecologically balanced operations. With this special, we aim to provide an in-depth look at the methodologies we apply to encourage and preserve biodiversity.
Organic manure, from local farmers

The use of organic manure is a factor not to be underestimated in achieving a Biodiverse nursery. Just like putting the right tree in the right place, the choice of manure should be done carefully. Sourced from local farmers, this manure contributes to optimal soil fertility, providing the basis for diverse plant and animal life.

Natural controllers: the role of birds

Birds play an important role in keeping our nursery healthy. This is because they help keep pests and diseases under control. This includes trapping harmful insects and small rodents.
For birds to do their job well, it is important that they feel at home at the nursery. That means more than just having enough to eat. Just as a tree needs certain conditions to grow well, birds need a suitable place to nest and shelter.
In practical terms, you can achieve this by hanging nest boxes and creating water spots, for example. These kinds of measures make the nursery attractive to different bird species and help us fight pests and diseases naturally.
By paying attention to these bird-friendly measures, we not only contribute to effective pest control, but also enhance the overall biodiversity of our nursery. It is a simple but effective way to improve both the productivity and sustainability of the nursery.

Biodiversity: how do we approach this at the nursery

In this vlog, we turn our attention to the various initiatives and actions aimed at promoting biodiversity and sustainability within our nursery. Johan offers viewers an insightful tour, highlighting the diverse operations that are instrumental in advancing these critical objectives.

Bees and green manures

At our nursery, we work with a domestic beekeeper who places bee hives in the spring and summer. These bees help pollinate plants and trees, and they also produce honey that we can use ourselves. In addition, we leave certain parcels of land fallow for a year between cultivation periods. On these lands, we sow various types of plants, such as sunflowers and leguminous plants.

This approach offers two major advantages. First, the plants on the fallow land also attract bees, complementing our beekeeper's efforts. Second, these plants improve the soil quality. During the winter, we incorporate these plants back into the soil, enriching it with organic matter, which in turn benefits the growth of our trees.

Furthermore, these areas serve as natural shelters for predators like beetles and spiders, which help in reducing the population of pest insects. This contributes to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem within our nursery.

Organic trees

For us, biodiversity also means growing organic trees. Here, we follow the strict standards of SKAL, the highest organic standard in The Netherlands. This certification ensures that we do not use any pesticides or herbicides in our cultivation processes. Regular checks ensure that we meet these strict requirements. By choosing organic cultivation methods, we contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment and strengthen the overall biodiversity at our nursery.

To conclude this article, we would like to emphasize that biodiversity is much more than a buzzword for us; it is an integral part of our business philosophy. Whether it is choosing the right organic manure from local farmers, creating a bird-friendly environment, working with a domestic beekeeper, or growing organic trees to the strict SKAL standards, every aspect contributes to enhancing biodiversity at our nursery.

This approach not only has environmental benefits, but also delivers concrete business benefits. A healthier, more biodiverse nursery is more resistant to pests and diseases, is more productive and ultimately more sustainable.