Which is more important: the wallet or the bottom?

You couldn't visit an event in the past 5 years without the theme 'soil' on the program list. A good thing, because it means that Dutch farmers are working on their soil again. The basis of every cultivation. However, hard numbers prove otherwise. What is the pivot function worth?

The preliminary acreage figures for 2017 show that the Dutch potato acreage amounts to 162.770 hectares, a growth of 3%. The sugar beet acreage increases by 20% and the onions acreage by 4,5%. The consequence? Historically little grain. The title of pivotal function in the building plan is thus being called into question. The difference with potato cultivation is only 1.230 hectares. Even if the acreage grows by 2018% in 1, the potato acreage will still be larger. A historical change.

Construction plan expansion
One of the most frequently heard changes for a better soil is expansion of the building plan. That means more grain. In practice, however, this turns out differently. Research by Eurofins Agro shows that the supply of compost and solid manure are decisive factors. The building plan and soil preparation are less decisive. Mechanization is also an argument. Potato cultivation is an attack on the structure. Planters are getting heavier.

The same goes for the harvest. Wider and larger harvesters. The interest in mechanization runs parallel to the interest in soil management. A search in the field of mechanization is noticeable. Seasonal tramlines are used, users opt for tracks or flexible tires to lower the pressure. Tippers are no longer allowed to enter the country. The benefit of this technology is still most noticeable among dealers and manufacturers. Huge investments have been made in 10 years.

The wallet is leading
Ultimately, the wallet is leading. Potatoes pay for land, machines and soil improvers such as farmyard manure and compost. Wheat does not. A price level of €150 to €160 per tonne yields meager balances. With potatoes there is always the chance that this is much higher. So: first grow more, earn more and put that back into the soil. Until then, the acreage will continue to increase.

This article comes from the recently published 'Potato Market, the Analysis 2017'. Click here to receive the magazine.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

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