Bodem, biodiversiteit en emissies bij drie melkveebedrijven

Three North-Brabant dairy farms—Sprangers, Verhulst, and Combe—were studied to evaluate fertilisation impacts on soil quality, biodiversity, and emissions. Sprangers (extensive, 62 Jersey cows, 80 kg N/ha) achieved high botanical richness with low yields, relying on natural grazing and hedges. Verhulst (biological, 95 cows, 170 kg N/ha) emphasized biodiversity with herbs and agroforestry, but saw a 50% yield drop when inputs were reduced, indicating limited clover substitution. Combe (nature-inclusive, 95 high-yield cows, 230 kg N/ha) had higher mineral content but degraded soil structure; a 25% fertilisation cut preserved yield via clover. All farms used the Kwatrijnstal system to reduce emissions and improve manure quality. The project, led by Stichting Duinboerden and Louis Bolk Instituut, explored trade-offs between productivity and ecological value, advocating for balanced fertilisation and natural resource integration. Funding came from the SABE-regeling. Verhulst’s milk was processed into fresh cheese; all farms were sustainability-certified (e.g., antibiotic-free). Findings show higher fertilisation increases yield but reduces biodiversity, while clover and extensive practices mitigate environmental impacts.