Building the future, harvesting asparagus with passion: De Pleynhoeve and the secret to healthy soil
In asparagus cultivation, everything revolves around patience, expertise, and a close connection to the soil. At De Pleynhoeve, they know just how important that is. Across nearly 15 hectares of sandy soil, the white gold is grown season after season and preferably sold directly from the farm or to local restaurants, with a strong focus on quality and taste.
From soil care to better asparagus
Ben, the driving force behind De Pleynhoeve, is not someone who takes things for granted. He combines scientific knowledge with practical experience. "Organic matter largely determines soil structure," he explains. "And with it, the soil’s water-holding capacity and its resistance to slaking." In other words, healthy soil is not a side issue; it is the foundation of everything.
However, that was not always the case. Ben relied exclusively on mineral fertilisers, including calcium cyanamide, a synthetic fertiliser that was certainly effective, but one he had reservations about. “I am convinced that calcium cyanamide has no positive effect on soil life. And poor soil life leads to poor soil structure. Poor soil structure, in turn, leads to poor soil life.” It was a vicious circle he wanted to break.
The neighbour who made the difference
Switching to DCM was actually quite straightforward. “DCM is a company located near De Pleynhoeve,” Ben explains. “I have always been convinced of the quality of their products.” Following a visit from a DCM expert a few years ago, he decided to make the switch. Convinced by the excellent value for money and by a product he trusted, he chose DCM MIX 5 as the standard fertiliser for his asparagus crop.
Four years later: a vigorous crop and healthier soil
The first results appeared quickly. “From the very first year I applied DCM MIX 5, I saw a vigorous crop,” Ben recalls. But real soil improvement takes time, a fact that asparagus growers understand better than most. “Now I can also see an improvement in my soil structure. You cannot expect soil structure to change overnight. This is about building for the future.” Year after year, Ben has seen the organic matter content of his sandy soils increase, as confirmed by soil analyses taken down to a depth of 60 cm.
One of the major advantages of DCM MIX 5 lies in the way it works. The fertiliser contains a small proportion of mineral nutrients for a quick initial effect, after which the organic fraction gradually takes over. Rather than a sudden nutrient release, it provides a long-lasting and stable effect that closely matches the crop’s nutritional needs. The application rate used by Ben depends on soil analysis results, plant age and harvest period. The final rate is determined by Ben’s expertise. DCM recommends an application rate of 500 to 1,000 kg/ha, preferably applied in split applications. The risk of nutrient leaching is lower with organic fertilisers than with mineral fertilisers, which can contribute to improved fertilisation efficiency. The fertiliser also offers advantages within the Belgian fertilisation declaration system, as only 60% of its nutrient content is taken into account.*
A crop that stays green for longer
These are the three key benefits Ben highlights himself: increased organic matter, stimulation of soil life and, perhaps his favourite benefit of all: “My crop stays green for longer. That means more sugars are transported to the roots, resulting in better production.” A crop that remains green for longer means more photosynthesis, more energy stored in the asparagus crown and, potentially, a higher yield of better-quality asparagus in the following season. Even fellow growers who visited the farm were surprised to see the growing season continue until the end of September.
The financial picture also makes sense. "With an additional yield of 3 to 4%, the investment in organo-mineral fertiliser pays for itself," he explains. "At the same time, I reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil structure. It is important that we think about the next generation."
Practical and local
Efficiency matters on an asparagus farm. The MINIGRAN® granule of DCM MIX 5 is easy to spread with a pendulum spreader and convenient to work with, as no mask or gloves are required during application. The product is available in convenient 25 kg bags, as well as in 500 kg and 1,000 kg big bags. “I am very pleased to work with a local, practical fertiliser rather than having to source everything from far away,” says Ben with a smile.
An active soil life supports nutrient uptake by the plant. Ben is also curious to see how this will develop over the long term. “There is still much to discover about the role of soil life. We will probably know more by the time I am walking around here as a grandpa while my children are carrying on the asparagus business.”
At De Pleynhoeve, asparagus cultivation is more than a seasonal crop. It is a story of generations, patience and a soil that, in Ben’s experience, continues to improve year after year.
*Always consult the local regulations currently in force.
