HYPOTHETICAL PEAR PRODUCTION SYSTEM INNOVATION THROUGH PROMOTION OF SOIL BIODIVERSITY

We developed a hypothetical view on a pear production system innovation through promotion of soil biodiversity. Two types of measures form the central idea of the innovation. The first type of measure is to replace part of the current 100% mineral fertilisation by compost plus targeted use of specialised soil and leaf fertilisers. The second type of measure is to replace pesticides harmful for soil life by alternative measures or non-harmful pesticides. We anticipate that these measures would have three main effects. The first effect is improved soil life, the second is reduced environmental impacts, and the last is increased economic profit for the fruit grower.