Fertile flowerbulbs
It is the end of May and the last flowering tulip varieties are withering. The petals fall from the flower stem and a thick seed ball forms from the pistil. The ripe fruit reproduces, something one would expect in nature. However, the fertility of a tulip bulb growing in an environment full of chemical pesticides is not so self-evident.
Benefits of organic cultivation
A major advantage of organically grown bulbous and tuber plants is that the flowers are seed-bearing and therefore multiply naturally. Another benefit of organic cultivation is that bees can collect nectar undisturbed from the stamens. The pollen grains are an essential food source for the larvae. It is therefore vital that flowers grow in a chemical-free environment.
The useful function of field edges
And what does that strip with countless different flowers along the flowerbulb fields mean? The field edges are sown with herbs and grains. Biological control agents are being developed here to combat harmful insects such as aphids. After the bulb flowers have finished blooming, they provide enough nectar so that bees and bumblebees can continue to protect the land. It is not only beautiful, but also very useful!
Control of harmful insects and soil improvement
The flooding of a piece of land after harvest is called inundation. This effective method is widely used in agriculture and horticulture. It helps combat harmful insects such as nematodes, but at the same time beneficial insects are also controlled. In addition to inundation, green manures can also be used.
For organic growers, soil resilience, vital soil life and the use of nutrients are essential. The use of green manures reduces the fear of harmful nematodes and provides the fields with useful nutrients.
Skal bio control and green manures
The green manures, just like the organic flowerbulbs, are checked and certified by Skal biocontrol. Green manures contain, for example, legumes that provide nitrogen fixation and many components that have a weed-suppressing effect. After the harvest, the green manures are sown and compost, which consists of bulb waste, among other things, is distributed over the land.