by Prisca Mwangi
A unique approach to soil management that earned them the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) Floriculture Pinnacle Award, reflecting a profound understanding of how healthy soil contributes to environmental stewardship and productivity.
At the core of Sun Floritech’s strategy is the use of crop residue mulch and live mulch with cowpeas — a practice that boosts microbial activity, essential for nutrient cycling and soil fertility.
Recent data from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) highlights the importance of such cover cropping — it can enhance soil organic matter from 1% up to as much as 4.5% over several years of consistent cover cropping practice, improving soil structure and microbial ecosystems that strengthens plant health.
The benefits of microbial-rich soil are immense — research has shown that healthy microbial ecosystems can improve plant nutrient uptake, which can lead to higher yields and a natural resilience to pests and diseases.
The farm also promotes biodiversity through a paradigm shift in weed management. Rather than eliminating weeds, the farm manages them, understanding that certain weeds bring nutrients from deeper soil layers to the surface, contributing to the carbon cycle. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), practices that promote biodiversity, such as Sun Floritech’s weed management strategy, increase soil organic carbon stocks, helping offset emissions and stabilize the global climate. By embracing this, the farm, not only preserves the natural biodiversity but also aligns with broader global sustainability goals in the agriculture/floriculture sector.
A natural approach to pest management, the use of high-brix crops — crops with increased sugar content — makes plants naturally resistant to pests. This is backed by research that shows that high-brix plants can reduce pest infestation by up to 50%, as they are healthier and less attractive to pests (ICRAF, 2022).
“Beyond this,” says Avinash, “we rely on Jeevamrit — a nutrient-rich organic concoction made from cow dung, bean flour, molasses, and cow urine — to foster soil microbial health.” Over eight years, Jeevamrit has yielded measurable benefits, increasing soil organic matter and creating nutrient-dense plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Research by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research supports this, showing Jeevamrit applications can boost soil nitrogen by up to 20%, effectively enhancing fertility without synthetic additives.
“Achieving a sustainable shift from synthetic inputs requires a full industry rethink, yet we are pressing forward, gradually transitioning flower by flower to holistic, microbiology-driven methods,” Avinash adds.
Precision floriculture technology also plays a vital role in Sun Floritech’s sustainability strategy. The farm employs the Scarab monitoring Monitoring System to track soil conditions and identify pest hotspots, allowing targeted interventions that minimize the need for widespread chemical treatments.
According to the World Economic Forum(WEF), precision agriculture can cut resource use by up to 15% while boosting yields.
Healthier soils result in more resilient crops, directly reducing the environmental impact of flower farming.
The farm’s commitment to soil health and productivity stands as an inspiring model within Kenya’s flower industry, where shifts to hydroponic farming often overshadow traditional soil-based methods. While hydroponics promises high yields in controlled settings, the farm values preserving and nurturing soil — an approach that, although challenging, aligns with sustainable principles and fosters long-term health for the floriculture sector.
The KFC Pinnacle award is not only a nod to Sun Floritech’s achievements in soil management but also a signal to the broader industry about the importance of soil health as a pillar of sustainable floriculture. For other farms aspiring to similar recognition, Avinash offers this advice; “Start with simple steps like composting and reducing fungicide and insecticide use, as healthy soil equates to resilient, high-yield crops.”
In an industry where environmental responsibility and high productivity are both essential, Sun Floritech exemplifies that with innovation, dedication, and a commitment to soil as a living ecosystem, it’s possible to cultivate both — earning a sustainable yield and a healthier world.
courtesy of The Kenya Flower Council (KFC)