Kitty de Jong
Grower
Agrofleur Select, The Netherlands
References
Hear what our customers say
First hand feedback from our customers and partners, sharing their experiences with our products and service. We have grouped the testimonials into the following categories and the following links will get you directly to your category of interest. Click on one of the 3 categories below that you are looking for.
Soil Resetting
About Agrofleur Select:
Breeder and producer of exclusive range of Nerines. 1 hectare of Nerine production in the Netherlands and large area of bulb production in the Netherlands.
Our breeding and production of Nerines is aimed at disease resistance, resilient cultivation, and less use of chemicals. We have always steamed our soil, but that destroys the soil life, while we are striving for a natural resilient soil. Soil Resetting fits in very well with this method of cultivation.
We are satisfied with the results of Soil Resetting. The Nerines are growing well, and we have not had any problems with Phytium. The biological soil disinfestation process has done its job well.
In addition, resetting the soil gives us more flexibility in our production planning, which is becoming increasingly important as we have an increasing number of different varieties, each with their own production planning.
We are satisfied with the results of Soil Resetting. The Nerines are growing well, and we have not had any problems with Phytium. The biological soil disinfestation process has done its job well.
In addition, resetting the soil gives us more flexibility in our production planning, which is becoming increasingly important as we have an increasing number of different varieties, each with their own production planning.
Vincenzo Cavicchi
Marketing Director
CBC BIOGARD® Division Italy, Italy
About CBC BIOGARD® Division Italy:
CBC Biogard is a leading developer and supplier of biological crop control in Europe.
Stringent EU regulations for achieving a sustainable pesticide use largely reduced and limited the use of chemical soil fumigants due to their very high-risk profile. For many years we have been searching for a sustainable and effective solution, with no impact on the environment and on human health, and that could be used also in organic production systems.
We have found this solution in “Soil Resetting” from SOILWISE. We have extensively tested the method in different conditions, over several years, and on various vegetable crops, such as tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, baby leaf lettuces, herbs and radish. We achieved excellent results in suppressing a broad range of soil-borne fungal diseases and plant parasitic nematodes as well as in increasing yields. Given these positive results, we decided to launch Soil Resetting on the market in Italy in 2020. We actually found a really sustainable solution for our customers.
We have found this solution in “Soil Resetting” from SOILWISE. We have extensively tested the method in different conditions, over several years, and on various vegetable crops, such as tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, baby leaf lettuces, herbs and radish. We achieved excellent results in suppressing a broad range of soil-borne fungal diseases and plant parasitic nematodes as well as in increasing yields. Given these positive results, we decided to launch Soil Resetting on the market in Italy in 2020. We actually found a really sustainable solution for our customers.
Thomas Ludwig
Flower Grower
Lubexflor, Spain
About Lubexflor:
7 hectares flower farm of which 5 hectares in greenhouses. Grows a wide range of cut flowers such as chrysanthemum, freesia, lisianthus, tulips, alstroemerias, dianthus, delphinium, limonium and a range of other summerflowers.
I had a severe infestation of Fusarium and other soil borne diseases in certain parts of my farm. It was impossible to continue growing there, solarization and even chemicals did not work anymore.
Disinfection of my soil with Soil Resetting really eliminated the fungi diseases. After the Soil Resetting treatment, I did not have any problems with Fusarium or other fungi diseases and the crops are growing stronger and have more dark green leaves. It really worked for me. Soil Resetting is more expensive than solarization, but it is more than worth the investment.
Disinfection of my soil with Soil Resetting really eliminated the fungi diseases. After the Soil Resetting treatment, I did not have any problems with Fusarium or other fungi diseases and the crops are growing stronger and have more dark green leaves. It really worked for me. Soil Resetting is more expensive than solarization, but it is more than worth the investment.
Prof. dr. ir. ing. Gert Kema
Professor of Tropical Phytopathology
Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
About Wageningen University and Research:
Wageningen University and Research is closely involved in researching solutions to the highly contagious disease in bananas, TR4.
Today’s global banana production is seriously threatened by Fusarium wilt (Panama disease), which is caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium odoratissimum and colloquially called Tropical race 4 (TR4). Countless efforts are being made by international research institutions, universities, and stakeholders to find solutions for stopping this devastating disease with enormous consequences for food security in major parts of the world.
For over 10 years, I have been involved in the international research on Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), seeking to find and assess various strategic solutions for this threat to the international banana production by (co-)developing various international initiatives and projects as well as by founding companies to fast-track solutions or to build enduring plant breeding efforts to diversify the crop.
Soil Resetting of SOILWISE is one of the potential solutions that we examined. Together with my PhD students, we have conducted very promising lab-scale tests and field pilots in the Philippines to determine the efficacy of the methodology to reduce Fusarium inoculum in the soil. The research papers describing these results are scheduled for 2021.
I see opportunities for large-scale Soil Resetting in banana cultivation to confirm our initial scientific data by collecting more extensive data sets.
Therefore, I see potential of Soil Resetting as an important biological method to knock-down Fusarium inoculum and thereby reducing the threat of FWB in various parts of the world, particularly since it is based on the application of a commercial product of constant quality.
Visit fusariumwilt.org for more information
For over 10 years, I have been involved in the international research on Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), seeking to find and assess various strategic solutions for this threat to the international banana production by (co-)developing various international initiatives and projects as well as by founding companies to fast-track solutions or to build enduring plant breeding efforts to diversify the crop.
Soil Resetting of SOILWISE is one of the potential solutions that we examined. Together with my PhD students, we have conducted very promising lab-scale tests and field pilots in the Philippines to determine the efficacy of the methodology to reduce Fusarium inoculum in the soil. The research papers describing these results are scheduled for 2021.
I see opportunities for large-scale Soil Resetting in banana cultivation to confirm our initial scientific data by collecting more extensive data sets.
Therefore, I see potential of Soil Resetting as an important biological method to knock-down Fusarium inoculum and thereby reducing the threat of FWB in various parts of the world, particularly since it is based on the application of a commercial product of constant quality.
Visit fusariumwilt.org for more information
Pierpaolo Monetti
Grower
Monetti’s Organic Farm, Italy
About Monetti’s Organic Farm:
Pierpaolo Monetti is owner of Monetti’s Organic Farm which grows 30 ha of baby leaf, radish, pak choi and watermelon in the South of Italy.
Some years ago, BIOGARD®/SOILWISE® asked me to carry out trials with “Soil Resetting” and I gladly accepted their proposal, since I was looking for an organic product for soil disinfection.
For a few years I have been testing and using this product on my farm with very good results in controlling soil-borne diseases and some weeds. I am currently using Soil Resetting because the product:
1. provides excellent control of Pythium, Sclerotinia, and Rhizoctonia,
2. supports weed control strategies (especially purslane)
3. constitutes effective biomass supply (my soils are sandy) and consequently improves the soil structure, texture, and organic substance content.
After many years of attempts with several products, I finally found the right one:
Soil Resetting from SOILWISE® / BIOGARD®!
For a few years I have been testing and using this product on my farm with very good results in controlling soil-borne diseases and some weeds. I am currently using Soil Resetting because the product:
1. provides excellent control of Pythium, Sclerotinia, and Rhizoctonia,
2. supports weed control strategies (especially purslane)
3. constitutes effective biomass supply (my soils are sandy) and consequently improves the soil structure, texture, and organic substance content.
After many years of attempts with several products, I finally found the right one:
Soil Resetting from SOILWISE® / BIOGARD®!
Yannick Smedts
Head R&D
Boomkwekerij Fleuren, The Netherlands
About Boomkwekerij Fleuren:
With 130ha. one of the Netherlands largest and most advanced fruit tree nurseries for professional fruit growers.
Apple Replant Disease (ARD) is a major problem in our cultivation of fruit trees. Replant disease is caused by a complex of fungi, but the exact mechanism remains a black box for the time being. As a result, we can only grow fruit trees on a plot once; after that we are forced to move to other plots.
A few years ago, we started a small-scale trial with SOILWISE Soil Resetting on a plot where apple trees had already been planted. We noticed a very big difference between treated and untreated plots. It was a difference like day and night. Our analyses showed an increase in healthy soil life, allowing us to grow more resilient fruit trees. The fruit trees grow at least as well or even better on the treated soil than on other new virgin plots. We now have more homogeneous growth, firmer and larger trees with large healthy leaves.
Moreover, we see less infestation by aphids and have to carry out far fewer sprays. So, Soil Resetting really breaks down the replant disease and makes it possible for us to continue growing fruit trees in a sustainable way on the same plots, instead of moving around like a nomad from plot to plot. We can return to our own trusted land, with existing infrastructure that allows us to work more efficiently and close by. Besides the improvement in quality, this is the biggest advantage for us.
We have worked intensively with SOILWISE to achieve good results of Soil Resetting for our specific company situation. Our ambition is to make Soil Resetting a standard way of working for the entire company.
A few years ago, we started a small-scale trial with SOILWISE Soil Resetting on a plot where apple trees had already been planted. We noticed a very big difference between treated and untreated plots. It was a difference like day and night. Our analyses showed an increase in healthy soil life, allowing us to grow more resilient fruit trees. The fruit trees grow at least as well or even better on the treated soil than on other new virgin plots. We now have more homogeneous growth, firmer and larger trees with large healthy leaves.
Moreover, we see less infestation by aphids and have to carry out far fewer sprays. So, Soil Resetting really breaks down the replant disease and makes it possible for us to continue growing fruit trees in a sustainable way on the same plots, instead of moving around like a nomad from plot to plot. We can return to our own trusted land, with existing infrastructure that allows us to work more efficiently and close by. Besides the improvement in quality, this is the biggest advantage for us.
We have worked intensively with SOILWISE to achieve good results of Soil Resetting for our specific company situation. Our ambition is to make Soil Resetting a standard way of working for the entire company.
Andrea Minuto
Head of the Center for Analysis and Phytopathological Laboratory
CeRSAA, Italy
About CeRSAA:
The Center for Agricultural Experimentation and Assistance (CeRSAA) is a Special Agency of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Handicraft and Agriculture of the Liguria Rivieras.
Soilborne diseases are probably the most limiting factor in intensive horticulture, particularly for greenhouse crops. Moreover, during the last 10 years, wide application of chemical tools for soil disinfestation has been significantly reduced due to increased environmental constraints. Considering this working playground, new or “renewed” non-chemical alternatives have been tested under several scenarios. CeRSAA had the opportunity to cooperate with SOILWISE and CBC-BIOGARD® testing “Soil Resetting” as a “soil disinfestation strategy”. Activities were carried out first under experimental conditions (2016-2017) and consequently under field scenarios (2018-2019).
We tested “Soil Resetting” on tomato, melon, lettuce and baby leaf crops (lambs lettuce, lettuce, wild rocket/arugula), basil across Veneto, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Campania and Sicilia regions against Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, S. minor, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici, F.o. f.sp lactucae, F.o. f sp conglutinans, Colletotrichum coccodes, Pythium spp. and root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Achieved results were consistent within the different experimental and demonstrative activities showing that Soil Resetting, if properly applied in accordance with application guidelines, really represents a feasible, sustainable, and effective strategy for soil disinfestation purposes.
We tested “Soil Resetting” on tomato, melon, lettuce and baby leaf crops (lambs lettuce, lettuce, wild rocket/arugula), basil across Veneto, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Campania and Sicilia regions against Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, S. minor, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici, F.o. f.sp lactucae, F.o. f sp conglutinans, Colletotrichum coccodes, Pythium spp. and root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Achieved results were consistent within the different experimental and demonstrative activities showing that Soil Resetting, if properly applied in accordance with application guidelines, really represents a feasible, sustainable, and effective strategy for soil disinfestation purposes.
Tonnie Vink
General Manager
Wouter Greens, The Netherlands
About Wouter Greens:
8 ha organic nursery of tomatoes and peppers. One of the first users of Soil Resetting.
Thanks to Soil Resetting, I have been able to grow trouble-free for the last 10 years. Ten years ago, we had a huge problem with Verticillium in our pepper production. We also had a great nematode pressure in tomatoes. Steaming was not an alternative; it kills everything and does not work well on our type of soil anyway. So, we were pretty much stuck in the situation we were in.
Then we came across Soil Resetting from SOILWISE (then called Thatchtec) and tested a section in our greenhouse. It was in this section that the pepper plants grew particularly well and remained free of Verticillium and other soilborne diseases, in contrast to the rest of the greenhouse. Laboratory tests also showed that the Verticillium was completely eliminated by the Soil Reset treatment.
From that moment on, we have been resetting all our greenhouses every other year. This keeps the disease pressure very low and provides a timely boost to healthy soil life each time. This leads to a better root system and a stronger and more vital crop, and ultimately, to the increased yield we achieve. In the production of tomatoes, the nematode pressure remained sufficiently low in the second year after the Soil Reset treatment. The eggs and larvae in the soil of thrips and spider mites are also killed, which ultimately leads to a much cleaner start of the cultivation. In addition, excessive populations of woodlice, centipedes and millipedes are suppressed.
After Soil Resetting, I always see a rapid return of healthy soil life, partly reinforced by the addition of the right compost mix, which allows the healthy soil fungi to re-colonize the soil quickly and more strongly. This leads to better rooting and good growth of the crop. Useful nematodes also grow quickly after Soil Resetting. They feed themselves with the dead anaerobic bacteria from the Soil Resetting and act as a solid line of defense against plant pathogenic nematodes.
We always work intensively with the people of SOILWISE to make the Soil Resetting process work well on our farm, because it is crucial to follow the protocols closely to get a good result. My advice is: if you do it, do it right!
Then we came across Soil Resetting from SOILWISE (then called Thatchtec) and tested a section in our greenhouse. It was in this section that the pepper plants grew particularly well and remained free of Verticillium and other soilborne diseases, in contrast to the rest of the greenhouse. Laboratory tests also showed that the Verticillium was completely eliminated by the Soil Reset treatment.
From that moment on, we have been resetting all our greenhouses every other year. This keeps the disease pressure very low and provides a timely boost to healthy soil life each time. This leads to a better root system and a stronger and more vital crop, and ultimately, to the increased yield we achieve. In the production of tomatoes, the nematode pressure remained sufficiently low in the second year after the Soil Reset treatment. The eggs and larvae in the soil of thrips and spider mites are also killed, which ultimately leads to a much cleaner start of the cultivation. In addition, excessive populations of woodlice, centipedes and millipedes are suppressed.
After Soil Resetting, I always see a rapid return of healthy soil life, partly reinforced by the addition of the right compost mix, which allows the healthy soil fungi to re-colonize the soil quickly and more strongly. This leads to better rooting and good growth of the crop. Useful nematodes also grow quickly after Soil Resetting. They feed themselves with the dead anaerobic bacteria from the Soil Resetting and act as a solid line of defense against plant pathogenic nematodes.
We always work intensively with the people of SOILWISE to make the Soil Resetting process work well on our farm, because it is crucial to follow the protocols closely to get a good result. My advice is: if you do it, do it right!
Invasive Plant Control
Johannes Regelink
Specialist
RANOX natuuraannemer, The Netherlands
About RANOX natuuraannemer:
Ranox Green Contractor provides advice on and guidance for ecological projects
In 2018, together with SOILWISE, we conducted the first tests with “Roots Reset”. The method was then carried out in a controlled environment against Japanese knotweed. In the process, all Japanese knotweed was eliminated. Subsequently, 100% control was achieved in both lab experiments and field trials.
After various trials and experiments, we treated several Japanese knotweed locations with the “Roots Reset” method. Thus, in 2019, at ‘De Keijenberg’ in Wageningen, Japanese knotweed was also completely controlled with the “Roots Reset” method. This result was achieved within one year, which is considerably faster than other control methods. This is also the first method by which Japanese knotweed can be completely eliminated within one growing season, without having to remove soil. Moreover, Roots Reset is much cheaper than, for example, controlling knotweed by excavating or by means of hot water treatments.
During the Roots Reset treatment at De Keijenberg, it was investigated what the treatment does to soil life. At the beginning, immediately after, and six months after the treatment, soil samples were analyzed for the presence of soil life using DNA techniques. These analyses showed that the soil life immediately after removing the oxygen-tight barrier did not differ significantly from the reference areas. Six months after the Roots Reset treatment, the fungus-to-bacteria ratio in the treated plots was higher than in the reference areas, indicating that the soil life has adapted well to the changed vegetation.
In the coming years, we will use this natural way of controlling different species of knotweed both on infected sites and for excavated soil at land banks.
Tip: To subtitle this YouTube video: click in the video and then click to choose ‘Subtitle’ and ‘Translate automatically’ to choose your own language in which you want the text to be translated. (Computer only)
After various trials and experiments, we treated several Japanese knotweed locations with the “Roots Reset” method. Thus, in 2019, at ‘De Keijenberg’ in Wageningen, Japanese knotweed was also completely controlled with the “Roots Reset” method. This result was achieved within one year, which is considerably faster than other control methods. This is also the first method by which Japanese knotweed can be completely eliminated within one growing season, without having to remove soil. Moreover, Roots Reset is much cheaper than, for example, controlling knotweed by excavating or by means of hot water treatments.
During the Roots Reset treatment at De Keijenberg, it was investigated what the treatment does to soil life. At the beginning, immediately after, and six months after the treatment, soil samples were analyzed for the presence of soil life using DNA techniques. These analyses showed that the soil life immediately after removing the oxygen-tight barrier did not differ significantly from the reference areas. Six months after the Roots Reset treatment, the fungus-to-bacteria ratio in the treated plots was higher than in the reference areas, indicating that the soil life has adapted well to the changed vegetation.
In the coming years, we will use this natural way of controlling different species of knotweed both on infected sites and for excavated soil at land banks.
Tip: To subtitle this YouTube video: click in the video and then click to choose ‘Subtitle’ and ‘Translate automatically’ to choose your own language in which you want the text to be translated. (Computer only)
Pim Smit
Specialist Japanese knotweed and soil
Municipality of The Hague, The Netherlands
About Municipality of The Hague:
The municipality of The Hague is one of the leading municipalities in the Netherlands in the control of Japanese knotweed.
In 2020, the municipality of The Hague applied a Roots Reset treatment against Japanese knotweed near the A13. To date, we have not observed Japanese knotweed regrowth in the treated section. However, it is important to keep a sufficient safety margin when determining the section to be treated so that the roots further away are also combated.
In 2021 we also applied the Roots Reset method to three other large Japanese knotweed infested areas in the Municipality of The Hague and look forward to the results of this in 2022. The sustainable and natural process of the Roots Reset coincides well with the sustainability ambitions of the Municipality of The Hague.
In 2021 we also applied the Roots Reset method to three other large Japanese knotweed infested areas in the Municipality of The Hague and look forward to the results of this in 2022. The sustainable and natural process of the Roots Reset coincides well with the sustainability ambitions of the Municipality of The Hague.
Scientific Research
CeRSAA, Italy (Centre for Research and Agricultural Assistance)
2016
Soil Resetting - Control of Fusarium ox., Sclerotinia and Rhizoctonia
Description of the Research
Several field trials were conducted by CerSAA on 3 nurseries in Italy. Different dosages and lead times of treatment were applied for a number of vegetable crops.
Main Results
- After 3-4 weeks of treatment at a soil temperature of >25°C: 100% elimination of Verticillium, Sclerotinia, Phytophtora nicotianae and Fusarium oxysporum.
- At 15°C, the same result was obtained for Phytophtora nicotianae and Fusarium oxysporum. For Verticillium and Sclerotinia, the 100% elimination occurred only at the higher dose rates.
CeRSAA, Italy (Centre for Research and Agricultural Assistance)
2018
Soil Resetting - Control of Fusarium oxysporum
Description of the research
Field trials on six nurseries in Italy were conducted by CeRSAA. Crops: baby leaf lettuce, tomato and strawberry. Control treatments: chemical fumigation and steaming.
Main results
- The results of controlling Fusarium infections by Soil Resetting were similar to those of chemical fumigation and steaming.
- Yields in the reset plots were 10-20% higher (depending on crop and treatment) compared to chemical fumigation and steaming.
Ranox Green Consultancy
2019
ROOTS RESET - Control of Japanese knotweed
Description of the research
In the study, a field trial was conducted at the Keijenberg in Wageningen; on a site with a heavy infestation of Japanese knotweed. 3 sites were treated with the Roots Reset method.
Main results
- On 2 of the 3 plots, 100% elimination of Japanese knotweed was achieved.
- On the third plot, some roots showed regrowth, which was the result of a leak in the plastic film that occurred during the treatment.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
2016-2017
Soil Resetting - Controlling nematodes and Verticillium dahliae
Research description
The research focused on the efficacy of Soil Resetting against various types of nematodes and Verticillium dahliae. The research was conducted in collaboration with Agrifirm and Eurofins. The treatments took place with three different dosages and with two different treatment durations (4 and 6 weeks respectively). The control treatment was carried out with Metam Sodium.
Main results
- In all cases, Metam Sodium had an efficacy of 80-90%. Soil Resetting gave better results in all treatment scenarios.
- Root knot nematode (Meloïdogyne chitwoodi): was no longer detectable after treatment with Soil Resetting
- Potato cyst nematode (Globodera spp): >99% elimination by Soil Resetting
- Stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci): > 99% elimination by Soil Resetting
- Verticillium dahliae: > 99% elimination by Soil Resetting
Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
2010
Soil Resetting - Control of Verticillium dahliae and root knot nematode in tomato
Description of the research
In this research, the efficacy of Soil Resetting was tested against Verticillium dahliae and root-knot nematode (Meloïdogyne hapla) at Van Schie Organic Tomato and Pepper Farm. Due to Verticillium and nematode infestation, production had declined to about 55% of normal levels in previous years. The company was in a dead-lock situation.
Main results
- Verticillium dahliae: > 98% elimination after 3 weeks and 100% after 4 weeks Soil Reset treatment
- Root-knot nematode (Meloïdogyne hapla): > 99% elimination
- Yields 9% above normal and fewer problems with Botrytis infestation.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
2018
Soil Resetting - Panama disease in banana (TR 4 - Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense)
Description of the research
The research tested the efficacy of Soil Resetting against Tropical Race 4 (TR4) in banana - Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Panama disease). This Fusarium poses a serious threat to global banana production. The research was conducted in the Philippines. Several field trials in a banana plantation were applied with 2 treatments on 3 plots.
Main results
- Different treatments showed a 20x to 100x reduction of TR4 chlamydospores, depending on the treatment.
- 3 months after new planting, there were no infections of TR4. However, in one of the treated plots, where the plastic film was damaged during the treatment, an infection of TR4 was observed.