Aki Laaksonen, the owner of Kivilä farm, has been committed to developing his crop production farm in Mynämäki, Finland, with a long-term vision. Embracing circular economy practices, he utilizes a variety of side streams to enhance his production and reduce reliance on external fertilizers. His dedication to improving soil health is yielding positive results.
Sustainability and productivity through the circular economy
The farm uses a number of recycled nutrients in its fertilisation, including chicken manure, pig manure, cattle manure, phosphorus-rich gypsum and Boost NPKS for potassium fertilisation. The slurry is enriched with Boost fertilisers, which results in lower application rates and better nutrient ratios than regular manure. Aki works for SoilFood, a company known for its recycled fertilisers, which has further inspired him to use recycled alternatives.
It has been almost ten years since phosphorus had to be bought in a bag – all the phosphorus needed has come from side streams, mainly from manure, gypsum and lime. The farm runs efficiently on recycled nutrients, which has reduced dependence on conventional fertilisers. Recycled nutrients at affordable prices have also been a good economic option.
Collaboration across borders
Aki has built up an extensive network with local agricultural businesses. Through these partnerships, he is able to use side streams as fertiliser and also offer back resources produced on his own farm. Close collaboration enables efficient use of resources and strengthens the local circular economy.
The aim is to create mutual benefit. For example, straw is offered to a livestock farm for bedding material, and in return, the used straw is returned with manure. Fodder is grown for the livestock farm and when needed, manure is received for fertilisation. The Kivilä farm has also grown starch potatoes, from which the side stream of the processing has been used to produce an effective Boost NPKS potassium fertiliser.
Improving soil fertility and ensuring crop yields
The use of side streams has resulted in positive changes in soil condition. The increase in soil organic matter has led to a diversification of soil biota and enhanced water balance. The improved soil condition has made yields more stable and reliable, even under extreme weather conditions.
”By adding recycled products and organic matter to the field, we make the soil stronger. When the soil condition is better, we have fields that are more resistant to extreme weather conditions, we also get water conservation aspect in there and it really benefits the farm in so many different ways. In addition, recycled nutrients are more affordable, which brings even more economic benefits to the farmer”
Soil health is a strong foundation for long-term productivity, and Aki believes that using side streams is not only a sustainable solution, but also a rewarding one. Improved soil health also reduces the risk of nutrients leaching into water bodies, which is valuable for the environment.