VDL Cultivit B.V.- Revolutionary Soil Treatment Technology From the Netherlands Enabling Excellent Yield Improvements in Agri- And Horticulture Worldwide

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, November 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Increasingly agri- and horticulture face severe crop damage often caused by soil-borne nematodes. Products like tomato, potato, squash, lettuce, strawberry, chrysanthemum and lily are just a small selection of crops which suffer from nematode infestations. Traditional methods to suppress nematode populations are restricted (metam sodium), recently banned (methyl bromide) or have little economic feasibility (soil steaming). Amidst of these problems growing crops economically and friendly to the environment is a real challenge.

The VDL Groep has taken the lead with the introduction of the Cultivit concept, a patented high quality soil treatment tool, having proved to increase yields from infested soils without applying any chemicals. The Cultivit concept is a unique combination of innovativeness, industrial know-how and global relevance, confirming the leading position of the Netherlands in horticulture and floriculture.

Several years of research and development paved the way for a commercially viable and successful soil treatment tool. The Cultivit concept consists of a track-driven rotary spader, self propelled and GPS-controlled, spading the soil and intensively exposing the soil particles to ultra-heated air. Tests have been conducted internationally by Applied Plant Research (PPO-AGV), part of the Dutch Wageningen Agricultural University, and the results are phenomenal: For instance, in nematode infested Mediterranean sand and clay soils, Cultivit treatments improved yields of squash by respectively 90% and 150% when compared to untreated fields. Traditional metam sodium treatments were simply outpaced by Cultivit, showing a 55% higher yield.

According Oscar Mensen, manager of VDL Cultivit B.V., the Cultivit concept is the grower's perfect ally in the worldwide struggle against nematodes in vegetable, fruit and flower cultures. From now on proper yields are achievable again from infected soils, uninhibited by restrictions of traditional techniques such as inundation (water waste), solarisation (varying effectiveness) or steaming (energy waste); The Cultivit concept requires only 10% of the energy needed for steaming of soil, which is a relief with current energy prices. Additionally, tests have shown plants developing stronger and larger root systems and is weed growth retarded after Cultivit soil treatments. As a result, plants more effectively convert water and nutrients into harvestable crop meanwhile requiring lesser herbicides. Because of its wide scope of advantages the Cultivit concept has a large potential in many different crops and climates, in open fields as well as in greenhouses. To further develop this potential globally, the VDL Groep aims to co-operate with local partners in developing sales and applications of this world-wide patented concept.

VDL Cultivit B.V. is a company owned by the successful VDL-Groep from the Netherlands.

VDL Groep, with its head offices in Eindhoven, is an international industry focused on the development, manufacturing and sales of a wide scope of technical products. In total, the group's 69 subsidiaries generated a net sales of EUR 809 Million employing 5,200 people in 16 countries. SOURCE VDL Cultivit B.V.