Ground

The soil is the foundation for plant growth on our plot of land, but years of agricultural use have depleted the soil of nutrients.

In May 2024, we took a soil sample for the so-called fertilizer compass (Düngekompass) and two soil samples to determine the humus content, and had them analyzed. At that time, we had already been grazing our approximately 4 hectares for the third year and had increased our stock from three lambs in July 2021 to seven sheep and four goats. The stocking density was therefore still low and the impact accordingly not large. We do not know how many years the area had lain fallow before that. However, no larger trees had grown yet. Possibly the previous owner mowed it once a year.

The analysis results of the fertilizer compass show that many nutrients and minerals are below the optimal level. Consequently, the fertilization recommendation is extensive.

The humus content was also in the lowest category (0-2%).

To date, we have not fertilized yet. However, we plan to lime and spread some boron this year. In addition, part of our Johnson-Su compost is scheduled to be applied in May.

To be able to compare whether the values are improving, we want to send in another soil sample in 2029. A single soil sample every five years is not scientifically usable, but we hope that the comparison will help us recognize a rough trend in the conditions.

In addition, we can draw conclusions about the quality of the soil from the vegetation and the appearance of the soil structure. For this purpose, we want to set up a monitoring system in 2026.