For example, the yield of potatoes: in the initial stages it was about 15 t/ha, and after several years of working with the soil it increased to 20–23 t/ha. At the same time, the fluctuations in yield between years have significantly decreased. For me, it is not the number itself that is important, but the fact that the yield has become predictable, even in difficult years.
Predictable harvest even in difficult years. How does life-sustaining production work?
28 June 2026, 06:10 432
The Kostiv farm, with a transition to organic production, which involves "economic" crop rotation, minimizes soil erosion, reduces soil compaction, and stops the loss of organic matter.
This is stated by the head of the farm, Bohdan Kostiv.
According to him, for this purpose, a set of crops that accumulate organic matter, green fertilizers (siderates) are grown. All this (together with other measures) ensures a deficit-free balance of humus in the soil.
Bohdan Kostiv clarifies that one of the most noticeable results was the growth and stability of yields without the use of mineral fertilizers.
Bohdan Kostiv, head of the farm Kostiv
The farm has an organic certificate, which certifies that no «chemistry» has been applied to the fields for almost 20 years. The farm did not start producing crops right away. For over 10 years, vegetables and grains were grown extensively.
They switched to organic production in 2006. The seed material is also not disinfected, and weed control is usually done manually or mechanically. Only natural fertilizers are used - humus, green manure, crop residues. Soil cultivation is superficial, 8-10 cm.
Bohdan Kostiv, head of the farm Kostiv
Life-giving production is a technology for growing crops that uses only natural means that do not disrupt natural processes. The technology applies measures and means that meet the principles of «technology for the plant, not the plant for technology». This allows for improved environmental quality of products and increased yields.
Among the rare crops that are also certified by the Organic Standard, the following are grown on the farm: black cumin, or black cumin — a spicy seasoning, from which perfumes, oil, and medicines are also made; gunba, or mushroom grass — it is used in baking.
They also grow golomsha, bare-grain barley and rice, phacelia, and others. Having introduced viable production, the farm introduces new crops and in the selection process leaves those that meet the requirements for quality characteristics and the needs of the market and end consumers.
For reference: The Kostiv farm is the winner of the All-Ukrainian competition POWER OF AGROCHANGES. The farm’s innovations were highly appreciated in the nominations Innovation in Agriculture and Profitable Niche.
The competition is organized by the online publication AgroPortal.ua with the support of the AGRO Program, funded by the US Government and implemented by Chemonics International.
Alla Stryzheus, AgroPortal.ua