Farmers grow and thrive when their land is in good condition
Nourishing crops naturally
1
min
From the ground up
Soil is literally the foundation for great coffee. Its health can be improved by planting shade-giving trees on farms, tailoring fertiliser, increasing soil cover and reducing erosion. Farmer Dương Thanh Sâm knows this. “If soil is disturbed, polluted or not cared for, then plants find it difficult to survive,” he says. Sâm is a regular at our NESCAFÉ® training sessions, learning regenerative agricultural practices and techniques that help him ensure his soil stays healthy, productive and nourishing. “These sessions are extremely practical,” he affirms.
The benefits of healthy soil
Depleted soil can prevent plants from nourishing their stems and make them susceptible to pest attacks. “Coffee trees need certain conditions to grow well,” explains Sâm. “These include having healthy soil with adequate nutrients and moisture.” It’s all about getting the balance right, and if this is achieved, then productivity goes up. “The healthier the soil, the better the chance of a stronger coffee yield,” he says. This also helps farmers to cut down on the number of required resources.
Sharing knowledge
When it comes to the knowledge and skills he has acquired, Sâm plans to pay it forward. “I will educate the next generation on the importance of building a solid foundation from the very beginning,” he mentions. “And that foundation is healthy soil.” He’s very positive about what tomorrow holds. “I am grateful. Growing coffee binds me closer to this land,” he smiles. “It makes me feel optimistic about the future of the farm, my family and the community.”
