Soil is arguably one of the earth’s most important – yet often neglected – natural resources. It is essential for life on earth because it nurtures plants, which in turn provide food and oxygen for humans and animals. A healthy soil is the basis for any sustainable development in agriculture and, managed in the right way serves as a remarkable solution to various environmental threats such as water scarcity, climate change, food security.
Organic farmers like Ernesto are committed to further develop soil and mineral resources through compost and other adequate soil treatment tools rather than just using them.  Important practices used by Ernesto to maintain and improve the health of the soil include:
• Using compost and other organic fertilisers – to improve soil structure and prevent soil erosion
• Not using any artificial fertilisers and chemical synthetic pesticides. This helps to protect soil life and with it the soils and plants health and natural disease resistance.
• Sowing between the apple and pear trees. – to prevent soil erosion and nutrient leaching
• Planting hedges and meadows – to prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss
At Bartusch they are constantly looking for ways to achieve optimum results for soil health and structure. This helps to maintain biodiversity both above and below the soil.  Due to the steps taken by organic growers like Ernesto, studies are showing that that organic farming leads to an increase in the number of beneficial organisms living in the soil, which in turn help provide healthy crops.