Farma Blatnička

Introduction

The case study delves into the sustainable farming practices spearheaded by Martin Smetana at Farma Blatnička in the South Moravian region, specifically within the Hodonín district. Embracing a holistic approach to agricultural management, Smetana’s initiative encompasses various agronomic practices aimed at enhancing ecological resilience and biodiversity while mitigating the adverse impacts of intensive agricultural practices. Key focal points include the implementation of infiltration strips, tree alleys, biodiversity promotion, erosion control measures, and microclimate management strategies.

At the helm of this innovative endeavor is Martin Smetana, who established Farma Blatnička in 2010 with a vision to revolutionize conventional farming practices. Situated in the heart of the South Moravian region, the farm spans a medium-sized area of 65 hectares, with 11 hectares owned directly by Smetana. Despite its modest size, Farma Blatnička operates with a lean workforce, typically employing fewer than five individuals, albeit with seasonal fluctuations that occasionally see a maximum of ten workers engaged in various tasks. Primarily engaged in general field crop cultivation, the farm operates within a warm and slightly humid climatic zone, characterized by fertile soils conducive to agricultural productivity.

Related modules:

Module 10

Module 3

Name of the farmer/ entrepreneur or other initiative

Martin Smetana

Year of establishment of the initiative

2010

Location

South Moravia, Czech Republic

Case description

In 2015, the original 65 hectares of continuous agricultural monoculture was divided into smaller plots. This transformation has brought a diverse mix of farming methods to the area. There is now a variety of arable land managed by different owners. The landscape is enriched by low-maintenance landscape orchards, pear avenues supplemented by dogwood, and small copses of willows and blackthorns. The author of the project has also established grassy strips planted with various species of plants, meadows, and field fallows, which contribute to biodiversity. There are also organic orchards in part of this landscape, which support sustainable fruit production. In this way, the landscape has become much more diverse and ecologically balanced, contributing to better management and environmental protection.

CSA Activity

Reason for engaging in CSA/ Triggering moment for implementation

The starting point for the implementation of the measures at Blatnička Farm was the need to increase the ecological stability and biodiversity of the area, which was previously intensively used for agriculture. The soil suffered from severe water and wind erosion and drying winds. The author of the project, a graduate of botany, zoology and ecology studies at Masaryk University, identified the need to divide large land blocks into smaller parts in order to improve the permeability of the landscape and reduce erosion.

Description of the innovation

The innovation consisted in dividing 65 hectares of integrated agricultural monoculture into smaller areas of less than 10 hectares. This step enabled the introduction of diverse farming methods. The farm now alternates between arable land, undemanding landscaping orchards, pear tree avenues supplemented with dogwood, willow and thorn draws, grassy strips with various types of plants, borders and fallow fields. Ecological production sets are also part of the landscape. The aim was to increase ecological stability and biodiversity, improve adaptation to climate changes such as drought and torrential rains, and reduce soil erosion.

Implementation Process of the innovation & used methods of innovation management

The innovation implementation process began with an analysis of the current state and needs of the territory. The author of the project used his expertise in botany, zoology and ecology. Subsequently, concrete steps were planned and carried out, including the planting of avenues, the creation of grass strips and the establishment of borders and fallow fields. The implementation was financed by a combination of own resources, donations, volunteer brigades and subsidies, mainly from the Program for the Restoration of Natural Landscape Functions of the Ministry of the Environment. In the management of the innovation, the involvement of the surrounding farmers and the use of agricultural subsidies for co-financing were key.

Todays Results of this implementation

Today’s implementation results are positive. The territory of the Blatnička Farm has turned into an ecologically stable and biodiversity-rich landscape. The division into smaller areas led to better permeability of the landscape and reduced erosion. Diverse farming methods improved soil conditions and supported natural soil life. Ecological production sets and grassy strips have contributed to a higher resistance of the landscape to climatic fluctuations.

SWOT of the Case today

Strengths

Increased ecological stability, higher biodiversity, reduced erosion, better adaptation to climate change.

Weaknesses

Higher maintenance requirements for planted trees and grassy areas.

Opportunities

The possibility of extending similar measures to other areas, support for organic farming, and obtaining additional subsidies.

Threats

Possible damage caused by wildlife and climatic extremes.

Education/ Training of the decision makers/ leading persons

The author of the project drew on professional education and practical experience. Recommends freely available information resources for further education and training of managers. It is important to acquire knowledge in the fields of ecology, botany, zoology and agricultural practices aimed at sustainable management.

Outlook/ Aims and Goals

The goal for the future is to continue maintaining and expanding an ecologically stable and biodiversity-rich landscape. The expansion of organic production orchards and grassy strips, further planting of avenues and shrubs, and the improvement of infrastructure to support organic farming are planned. An important intention is also to increase cooperation with the surrounding farmers and other interested parties.

Lessons Learned/ Recommendations

The findings show that the division of large agricultural areas into smaller parts and the introduction of diverse farming methods can significantly increase the ecological stability and biodiversity of the landscape. The use of expertise in the field of ecology and agriculture, the involvement of local farmers and the use of available subsidy programs are recommended. Continuous maintenance and monitoring of the state of the landscape are key to the successful implementation of such measures.

Result, Success & Risk Factors

Actual today’s situation

Blatnička Farm, which was founded in 2010 in Hodonín, South Moravian Region, now thrives on 65 hectares, of which 11 hectares are its own land. After the introduction of the measures, there is a varied mixture of agricultural areas, including arable land, landscaped orchards, pear avenues with bushes, grassy strips, borders and fallow fields. There are also ecological production kits. The area enjoys increased ecological stability and biodiversity, which was the main objective of the measure.

Dependence of any kind of ongoing support/ subsidy?

The Blatnička farm uses various agricultural subsidies. Specifically, these are subsidies from programs such as SAPS, Greening, protection of the Crested Lapwing and the Landscape Care Program from the Ministry of the Environment.

Dependence of specific regional/ personal aspects?

The project is strongly dependent on regional aspects, especially on the climatic and soil characteristics of the South Moravian region, which is warm and slightly humid with fertile soil. It also depends on the professional knowledge and experience of the author of the project, who has an education in botany, zoology and ecology. Local farmers also play an important role as stakeholders who help co-finance the project and participate in its implementation.

Applicability in other regions/ other situations

The measures introduced at Blatnička Farm are potentially applicable in other regions, especially where there is a need to increase ecological stability and biodiversity. However, it is necessary to adapt the measures to the specific climatic and soil conditions of the given area. Having expertise and access to the necessary funding sources is also key. Examples of good practice and experience from Blatnička Farm can serve as inspiration for similar projects in other regions.

Project N. 2022-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000089615

Contact email: info@innocsa.eu

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