INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft

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INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021
The World of Beneficial Microorganisms

                                         Proven                                                                 Healthy
                                         Using the Multikraft system makes life in the garden a lot easier.     In Styria, Markus Lukas runs a poultry fattening farm and
                                         With the help of Multikraft‘s soil and plant additives, plants are     regularly uses the supplementary feed FHE (Fermented Herbs
                                         strengthened in a natural way thanks to Beneficial Microorganisms.     Extract) in chicken farming. It contributes significantly to the
                                         Discover tips for self-sufficiency in the smallest of spaces and get   fact that problems with the pathogen salmonella infantis are no
                                         helpful basic knowledge to start gardening. Page 4                     longer an issue. Page 20

                                         Powerful
                                         Near-natural methods are in high demand, while the availability of
                                         approved pesticides is on the decline. Frank Korting in Germany
                                         has investigated how plant strengthening agents such as Multikraft‘s
                                         products get along with the use of beneficial insects. Page 10
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
MULTIKRAFT INTERN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      VORWORT

     Quality is our strength!                                                                                                                                             2021                                                                                                                         // 14
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Markus Salcher
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               // 20
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Markus Lukas
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Organic specialities                                  Chairman Poultry
     „Quality is no coincidence, but the result of ongoing efforts to improve it.“                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Austria Cooperative

     Naturally occurring microorganism strains that comply with Class 1
     (food grade) and are 100% GMO-free are the basis of our plant forti-
     fiers, feed additives and probiotic cleaners produced using fermentation
     processes.                                                                                           Mag. Robert Rotter
                                                                                                          Scientific Director
     Quality control of Multikraft‘s end products is carried out in our own
     PCR laboratory and by research partners in Austria, Great Britain and           „Quality is not a matter of chance,
     Japan. The microorganism cultures and product quality are continuously          but the result of ongoing efforts
     tested internally and by external parties.                                      to improve it.“                                                                      02__MULTIKRAFT NEWS // Quality is our strength                                            18  __AGRICULTURE VEGETABLES // Organic for Babies –
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Robert Harmer
     Our seven-person Research and Development team is constantly wor-                                                                                                    04__COVERSTORY // Vegetables from your own garden
     king with universities and practitioners to improve the quality and ef-                                                                                                                                                                                        20  __LIVESTOCK FARMING WITH FHE // On the right track –
     ficacy of our products and to develop new products. For example, new                                                                                                 08__IN CONVERSATION // Blooming opportunities –                                           Markus Lukas
     plant strengthening agents are developed over a period of several years                                                                                              Klaus Bongartz
     and tested by research institutions both in glasshouse and field studies,                                                                                                                                                                                      22  __ LIVESTOCK FARMING WITH FHE // Organic specialities
     and in practice by professional gardeners.                                                                                                                           10__HORTICULTURE // Powerful combination – Frank Korting                                  – Markus Salcher

     Ongoing quality management and consistent production improvement                                                                                                     12__HORTICULTURE // Christoph Schoch, Lucerne                                             24__BIOEMSAN // Uplifting benefits – Katharina Krebs
     are the basis for maintaining our own high-quality standards now and
     in the future.                                                                                                                                                       14__AGRICULTURE BERRIES // Jürgen Benninghoven                                            26__MANJU IN ACTION // World of Manju
                                                                                                                                                                          16__AGRICULTURE ARABLE FARMING // Opportunities for
                                                                                                                                                                          the future – Markus Kaiser

                                                                                                                                Photos: Multikraft, Werner Dedl, privat

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02                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 03       3
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
COVER STORY                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              COVER STORY

Vegetables from
   your own garden                                                                                                                                                                                              Good spacing
Self-sufficiency strengths from the garden
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The anticipation of a large harvest can easily lead to planting
Crisp radishes, fresh lettuce, fragrant herbs, and sweet strawberries –                                                                                                                                          your vegetables far too close together. Falling for this trap
freshly grown vegetables taste better than anything else! Healthy food                                                                                                                                           blocks the plants‘ growth. To ensure that plants have enough
straight from the garden to the plate. Growing you own produce is very                                                                                                                                           light and space during the growing phase, it is important to
enjoyable, it improves your self-sufficiency and is extremely satisfying.                                                                                                                                        pay attention to plant spacing from the beginning.
Getting started in gardening is easy with some basic knowledge, and with                                                                                                                                         If you are new to gardening, it is easier to stick to the planting
a few helpful tips on using the Multikraft system, it makes your gardening                                                                                                                                       distances recommended on the seed bags. Self-grown seed-
exploits much easier. With the help of Multikraft‘s soil and plant additives,                                                                                                                                    lings should also be planted at the distances recommended in
plants are strengthened in a natural way thanks to Beneficial Microorga-                                                                                                                                         the planting plans.
nisms.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 It is helpful to keep in mind how big the plant will become
So, let‘s get started with the small and big joys of gardening in spring!                                                                                                                                        when it is ready to harvest. This will help determine the dis-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 tance they should be planted from one another to develop
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 well.                                                                Mixed variety and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      companion planting
                                                                                Self-sufficiency in a small space
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you want to grow several types of vegetables in your garden
     Basic knowledge                                                            If you don‘t have space for your own garden, not a problem! You can still                                                                                                                             or raised bed, you should opt for mixed planting. This is suc-
                                                                                enjoy the pleasure of gardening from a small pot of soil on your windowsill.                                                                                                                          cessful even in small areas and with a smart plan you will get

     70% of all life on our planet consists of microorganisms. They
                                                                                Many vegetables can easily be grown on your balcony in planting bags,
                                                                                troughs or a small raised bed, and even a flower pot on the windowsill can                                                      Regular mulching                                                      an abundant harvest from Spring to Autumn.

     are part of humans and animals, the plant world, the soil and              hold many a beautiful harvest. Herbs or chillies in pots are particularly deco-                                                 is beneficial                                                         Over the years it has been proven that with the right compa-
     water.                                                                     rative and very happy in a sunny spot.                                                                                                                                                                nions, mixed vegetable plantings form sensible symbioses. If
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      the mixed vegetable species are grouped strategically, the
     Beneficial Microorganisms are mixed microbial cultures con-                For beginners and gardening novices, uncomplicated vegetables such as ra-                                                       Proper mulching improves soil quality. Covering the soil with         plants support each other‘s growth and protection against
     sisting mainly of lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and photosynthetic          dishes, spinach and chard, carrots and courgettes, as well as pickled lettuces                                                  natural, easily decomposable organic materials keeps soil and         pests. In mixed plantings, unwelcome garden inhabitants have
     bacteria. These microbial cultures are the basis for all Multi-            such as rucola, are particularly suitable. Carrots in a pot? Yes, surprisingly, this                                            roots moist during prolonged heat, provides food for benefici-        a much harder time spreading, because they have to search for
     kraft products, which are produced by fermentation. The main               works very well. Carrots need a tall pot as they are quite undemanding but                                                      al soil inhabitants and suppresses weed growth. Tip: 10 ml            their preferred plants first!
     characteristic of Multikraft cultures is to prevent putrefaction           with regular watering and a sheltered, bright spot they will thrive.                                                            Multikraft Roots (Alternatively: Mix 20 ml EM Active, 10
     and the resulting toxic metabolic end products and to support                                                                                                                                              ml Terrafert Soil) to 10 L water and spray this spray solution        With the right companions, plants grow better because they
     regenerative (renewable) processes. This results in a wide range                                                                                                                                           on when mulching. This supports a regenerative, living soil           support each other in terms of growth and health rather than
     of possible applications.                                                  Even potatoes can be grown in a 20L pot!                                                                                        environment.                                                          competing for nutrients.
                                                                                Regular watering is very important so the soil
     A positive microbial environment is the basis of fertile soils.            does not dry out, however be careful                                                                                            Mulch has different effects depending on the material. Lawn           Herbs in mixed plantings also naturally deter pests. A few
     The consistent use of Beneficial Microorganisms promotes                   to avoid waterlogging.                                                                                                          clippings can be used for all plants but should be slightly dried     examples are; A) With the help of their natural essential oils,
     humus formation and soil fertility. Multikraft plant aids are                                                                                                                                              and applied in a thin layer, otherwise there is a risk of rotting.    sage, rosemary, thyme and mint repel the cabbage white but-
                                                                                                                                                                       Artwork: Ardea-studio/Shutterstock.com

     used for preventive plant strengthening to avoid pest infesta-                                                                                                                                             It enriches the soil with nitrogen and potassium. Dried nettles       terfly and B) If chives are planted between strawberries, there
     tion or fungal diseases in a completely natural way.                       There are a range of possibilities on how                                                                                       rot quickly and should be mulched more often in quite thick,          is less risk of grey mould attacking the plants.
                                                                                to start your gardening self-sufficiency                                                                                        ten-centimetre-high layers. They enrich the soil with minerals        Good soil conditions, sufficient light and correct planting
                                                                                with a small space in Springtime.                                                                                               as they decompose and are well suited for cucumbers, tomato-          distances ensure healthy, vigorous growth in mixed garden
                                                                                                                                                                                                                es or beans. Strawberries ripening on straw mulch remain              plantings.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                clean and less susceptible to slugs and grey mould.

04                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      05
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
COVER STORY                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          COVER STORY

                                                                                                                      Planting plan
                      Mixed cultivation, crop rotation, pre-, main- and post-cul-
                      tivation - can be quite overwhelming for novice gardeners, so
                                                                                           Which plants should be grown and which plants do you like
                                                                                           to eat? Gardening novices are best off starting with uncompli-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Watering the right way                                               Watering with the Multikraft System
                      it’s helpful to have a planting plan.                                cated and robust plants such as herbs, lettuce, radishes or                                                                                                                                         To strengthen the roots and improve soil health,
                                                                                           kohlrabi. By combining compatible vegetables, herbs and                                                                                                                                             water regularly with
                      The ideal time to formulate your gardening plan for the              flowers in your garden beds, you form ideal plant partnerships.                                                                It has long been rumoured that a garden‘s life consists mainly           10 ml Multikraft Roots to 10 L water
                      coming season, is during Winter when the garden is resting.          Below is a suggestion for a small area of mixed planting.                                                                      of watering. This is not the case. On the contrary, when wate-       Alternatively:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ring you can save time and water. It is better to water less often       20 ml EM Active
Mixed culture in the bed                                                                                                                                                                                                  but ensuring the soil is thoroughly wet. Morning is the best             10 ml Terrafert Soil to 10 L water
          Planting in May                                                                                                                                                                                                 time to water, while the soil is still cool and the water soaks in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          well instead of evaporating.                                         applied immediately after mixing. Regular
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               application keeps the soil healthy and full of life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When planting young plants, water them thoroughly and                and strengthens the plants in a completely natural way.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          keep the soil moist without waterlogging, for the first few days
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          after planting. Once the plants have had their first growth
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          spurt, watering should be less frequent.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Organic gardener Andrea Palmiere says, „I don‘t water young          Multikraft Plant Strengthening
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          plants too much, so that the plants learn to look for water
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          themselves therefore establishing deeper roots. These roots are      Regular spraying with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          stronger and more robust.“                                              40 ml EM Active
              1m

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  10 ml Terrafert Foliar
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Vegetable beds can tolerate less frequent watering, so that the         10 ml MK 5 to 1 litre of water
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          soil retains the water. It is also advisable to apply a layer of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          mulch to vegetable beds and spray them with EM Active once           strengthens the plants‘ defences and prevents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          a week. By doing this, the garden soil is well aerated and pro-      pests and fungal diseases, such as downy mildew
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          tected from drying out. Consequently, it has a greater water         on courgettes and cucumbers, powdery mildew
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          storage capacity, leading to less frequent watering.                 on cucumbers, blossom end rot on tomatoes and peppers.
                            Radish Stawberry Onion          Salad        Carrot          Tomato          Mangold       Cabbage       Pepper
                                                                                                                       Turnip
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Naturally strengthened plants
                                      0,6 m                               1m                                            1m                                                                                                                                                                     are healthier and more resistant.

  Number of plants           10         4          10          6         15–20             2               3               4             2
                                                                                        (~ 3 kg)                                   (~ 15 pieces)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          oots
                        Jul.-Sept.   Jun.-Sept. Jul.-Aug.   Jul.-Aug.    Jun.-Jul.      Aug.-Sept.      Jun.-Dec.      Jun.-Oct.    Aug.-Sept.                                                                                                              Multikraft R ct start              Airy, lively soil is worth its weight in gold. Multikraft Roots
     Harvest time
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              for the perfe                    ensures active soil life and healthy plants. The soil additive
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               strengthens the roots and increases resistance to pests and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               fungal diseases from the beginning.

         Our herbal
                                      Chives                               Basil                                       Sage                                                                                                                                                                    Sprinkle
            tip
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               It is very easy: After planting, the plants are watered
                                     Cucumber                                                                         Garlic
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Why do I need less Multikraft Roots                                  thoroughly using 10 ml Multikraft Roots per litre of water.
          No-Gos                                                        Potato
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          than EM Active with Terrafert Soil?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Regular watering
                                                                                                                                                             Artwork: Ardea-studio/Shutterstock.com

                                                                                               ep                                                                                                                         Multikraft Roots is a concentrated mixture                           Water regularly once a week with a mixture of 10 ml Multi-
                                                                                     Step by st
                                                                                      plan ting plan                                                                                                                      of several ingredients and has been tested for                       kraft Roots per 10 litres of water. It is best to always use the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          years in professional horticulture. You can                          diluted solution immediately.
                                                                                           Draw the layout plan of the garden including the garden beds                                                                   achieve a better result with less quantity!                          Plants regularly supplied with Multikraft Roots develop
                                                                                           Make a list of plants                                                                                                                                                                               much stronger roots and thus thrive much more robustly and
                                                                                           Group them according to strong, medium and weak eaters                                                                                                                                              healthily even as young plants.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Fotos: Multikraft

                                                                                           Arrange them according to the mixed planting table

06                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                07
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
IN CONVERSATION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       IN CONVERSATION

Blooming
opportunities
In conversation with Klaus Bongartz

Klaus Bongartz is one of the most recognised perennial gardeners in                                                                                                    How many horticultural enterprises in Germany and other countries           because there is a problem, or the plant needs it. I can also calm my
the Lower Rhine region of Germany with his Bioland Garden Centre.                                                                                                      do you consult for?                                                         mind with regular, preventive plant strengthening.
The master gardener, who lives in Nettetal, has built up an extensi-                                                                                                   I visit about 100–120 farms per year at different intervals and have al-    Cultivating close to nature has many advantages, e.g. farms no longer
ve range of organically certified ornamental plants and perennials. In                                                                                                 ready been able to lead some farms through the conversion process of        come into contact with synthetic chemicals, the environment remains
2014 he closed the business and has become a self-employed horticul-                                                                                                   conventional to organic certification.                                      protected and end consumers get uncontaminated plants in their gar-
tural consultant for organic production. Using his extensive practical                                                                                                 The desire to convert comes from the farms themselves and for various       dens, on their balconies or in their homes.
knowledge, he assists farms throughout Europe to convert over to                                                                                                       reasons. With more and more chemical agents becoming banned by law,         In the future, the younger generation in particular, will define themsel-
more natural cultivation practices.                                                                                                                                    I am frequently asked “how can we keep our crops under control” and         ves by how they can minimise and offset their carbon footprint. ‘Or-
                                                                                                                                                                       “Why don’t we come up with other things?” It’s these types of questions     ganic’ is an attitude to life, where one is mindful of resources, plants,
                                                                                                                                                                       that spark a change in thinking.                                            animals and people. This attitude is growing within the younger ge-
Mr. Bongartz’s grandfather was a school headmaster who cultivated                                                                                                      We must work more with nature again and understand the plants in            neration where more natural ornamental plants are appreciated more
precious fruit. This hobby turned into a nursery, which his father and                                                                                                 the truest sense of the word, observe them and see what we can do           and more. I see a great opportunity for horticulture in this generation.
aunt took over and has been further developed by Klaus from 1976                                                                                                       for them. Using various methods such as compost, tonics and micro-          In ten years’, we will probably no longer give much thought to whether
onwards. In the 1970s Klaus had started working in a more natural                                                                                                      organisms, we can create conditions that are close to nature on the         we still want to use chemicals. Already today, farms use beneficial orga-
way with cut flowers and explains how this came about.                                                                                                                 production farm. The plant gets what it needs for its growth.               nisms and microorganisms as a matter of course. Thirty years ago, that
I started by hanging crushed garlic cloves in old stockings on a wire                                                                                                                                                                              was unthinkable, and I already proved back then that you can produce
feeding into the irrigation system of the plants. I saw that the plants                                                                                                What opportunities does the Multikraft system offer for the conver-         quality with them.
had fewer pests, so I continued using natural methods step by step. I                                                                                                  sion phase and beyond?
also use compost, which contains many living microorganisms helping                                                                                                    In almost all conventional farms we start with BB Soil. We spray the        In the 1970s, you yourself changed your farm and the management of
to provide good soil and making my plants healthier. As a result, I did                                                                                                entire glasshouse with 10% BB Soil and immediately achieve a much           your flowers. What experience have you gained and use today?
not need to spray any artificial agents making the plants much safer.                                                                                                  better environment for the plants. They are more vital, and the longer      My advice is an overall concept for the respective farms and their crops.
This has also allowed us to become a Bioland certified farm for the last                                                                                               we keep chemicals out, the better the microbiome works.                     It starts with the soil and extends to plant strengthening and fertilisa-
four years.                                                                                                                                                            When consulting, it is important for me to balance the needs of the         tion. Where possible, we use flower strips to create spaces where bene-
                                                                                                                                                                       plants with the costs of the applications, so that we achieve the opti-     ficial insects can multiply and then work on the farm all by themselves.
In 2014 you closed your horticultural business and became an inde-                                                                                                     mum result for each individual farm. I take a good look at the dosa-        This forward thinking, more natural way of working brings back the
pendent consultant. Why did you take this step?                                                                                                                        ges each farm has particularly good success within their crops, and we      passion for farming with the added benefits of relaxation when wor-
It was not an easy decision. I was completely fulfilled with the nursery,   You currently consult to farms from the professional horticulture                          build on that. This makes everyone happy.                                   king with nature.
could not find a successor, and 2012 & 2013 were catastrophic years for     sector on the implementation of more natural production methods.
the business with late frosts freezing some of the plants. Today I work     Would you say the overall interest in nature-oriented methods is in-                       What opportunities do you see in the future for more natural produc-
as an advisor and have the same passion as I did while running my own       creasing?                                                                                  tion in horticulture and especially in ornamental plant cultivation?
business. As a positive thinker, I see failure as a part of life with the   The change in thinking is increasing. Before the COVID-19 crisis, I                        The demand for local and organic products is great and I believe in
chance to learn something from all situations.                              thought this trend was unstoppable. However, over the last few months                      the future, working closer to nature will be the only option. Three or
                                                                            I’ve talked to a lot of people and the feedback is that after the initial                  four generations ago, organic was conventional because there were no
                                                                            period of shock, sales are once again going very well. I believe that                      artificial fertilisers and chemical products. In the long term, I see the
                                                                            the trend towards regionality, healthy food and natural cultivation will                   farms saving 70–80 % of chemicals and only using them sensibly when
                                                                                                                                                        Photo: pivat

                                                                            boom even more.                                                                            necessary. Often chemicals are only used to calm one‘s own mind, not

08                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       09
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
HORTICULTURE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              HORTICULTURE

Powerful combination
                                                                                                                                                                         The predatory mites did not mind being sprayed, but directly drinking         With botrytis, the results are more difficult, as factors such as humidity
                                                                                                                                                                         the spray solution caused them problems. However, the dieback rates           play a greater role. Overall, the regular Multikraft plant strengthening
                                                                                                                                                                         were so marginal in percentage terms that this was of no consequence          works very well.“ Frank Korting also confirms the resulting visible vi-
                                                                                                                                                                         when using beneficial insects. The lacewing larvae were also sprayed          tality of the plants: „Altrough the vitality is not measurable. However,
                                                                                                                                                                         directly. „Only Chrysoperla showed a slight sensitivity to the spray so-      if you touch several hundred plants, as I did during a bonitur, you get
                                                                                                                                                                         lution,” says Frank Korting.                                                  this impression.“
How Multikraft products get along with beneficial organisms                                                                                                              “Under the binoculars it appeared as if the animals were stuck together,      Compact plant growth
                                                                                                                                                                         possibly by the whey powder, however more investigation is needed.            Violas, known as pansies, are popular in spring with their bright co-
                                                                                                                                                                         What overall conclusion have you drawn from the trials?                       lours, especially when they are grown compactly. Frank Korting con-
Amblyseius cucumeris, Chrysoperla carnea, Encarsia formosa. Behind          The Dienstleistungszentrum Ländlicher Raum offers vocational                                 „The coating applied to the plants by the Multikraft spray solution, has      ducted a trial with violas and the Multikraft system as an alternati-
these sounding names are predatory mites, lacewings and ichneumon           training, advice and research in viticulture and horticulture. Frank                         no adverse effects on beneficial animals at all. If the animals are hit di-   ve to conventional inhibitors. One group of plants was treated with
wasps. They are all beneficial insects that combat plant pests such as      Korting works in the horticulture department and is responsible,                             rectly, the mortality rates are extremely low, so Multikraft components       standard inhibitors, and the other used two silicon products applied
thrips, aphids and whiteflies. They are becoming more and more po-          among other things, for cultivation advice and trials. Since 2014, he                        are very compatible with beneficial insects,“ says Frank Korting, who         with each watering and spraying. As a third variant, one group was
pular as the use of chemical-synthetic pesticides is being reduced in       has also repeatedly been involved with Beneficial Microorganisms                             has already tested Multikraft strengtheners in earlier trials of fungal       treated exclusively with the Multikraft system, a mixture of BB Foliar,
favour of more natural methods. A steadily increasing number of hor-        and conducts studies with Multikraft products for this purpose.                              diseases such as mildew and botrytis.                                         Terrafert Foliar and Horsetail Extract was applied regularly. Horsetail
ticultural businesses are working in a more natural way, whilst also,       This also involves getting to the bottom of the combination of Be-                                                                                                         Extract contains a large amount of siliceous silica, which is important
the availability of approved pesticides is on the decline. Many hor-        neficial organisms with plant strengthening agents from Multikraft.                          Successful against mildew and others                                          for strengthening the cells of the leaf surfaces.
ticultural businesses and their customers are interested in preventive,                                                                                                  Regularly spraying plants with Multikraft plant strengtheners boosts          What is the conclusion of this study?
plant-strengthening agents, such as the Multikraft products. This raises    Test results                                                                                 their natural defence system, makes them more resistant to diseases           Frank Korting reports, „The silicon variant as an alternative to con-
the question of how products for plant strengthening and the use of         Experiments were developed for the individual beneficial insects, and the                     and pests and makes them more robust overall.                                ventional inhibitors did little good. The Multikraft system has the best
beneficial insects are compatible. Frank Korting from the Dienstleis-       plants contained in them were sprayed with Multikraft solutions. The                         „We have found that with regular treatment, powdery mildew is very            results as an alternative. The regular applications kept the height and
tungszentrum Ländlicher Raum Rheinpfalz (Service Centre for Rural           variants were created prior in cooperation with Multikraft expert Gün-                       controllable. BB Foliar and Terrafert Foliar were always included as a        diameter of the plants lower. The violas treated with the Multikraft
Areas Rhine Palatinate) in Germany, has investigated and formed this        ther Soukup. BB Foliar, Terrafert Foliar, MK 5, Nettle Extract, Horsetail                    base in the spray solutions. The solutions using the additional compo-        products also grew more compactly.
                                                                                                                                                        Photos: privat

conclusion: Multikraft products are well tolerated by beneficial insects.   Extract and whey powder were included in one spray solution.                                 nents Horsetail and Nettle Extract gave the best results.

10                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            11
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
HORTICULTURE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         HORTICULTURE

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Strengthening ornamental plants                                             Composting and substrate
                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Multikraft system has been used regularly for about two years to        Organic fertilisation is carried out with horn shavings, sheep wool
                                                                                                                                                                                                  strengthen ornamental plants for urban parks and flower arrangements,       pellets, lawn fertiliser and our own compost. Green waste from pu-
                                                                                                                                                                                                  making them more in line with natural flora.                                blic parks is also used for composting. The decomposition takes place
                                                                                                                                                                                                  „We have a basic formula for leaf strengthening which we consistently       within four months and the finished compost is used to produce our
                                                                                                                                                                                                  apply once a week. Using our experience, we adapt this recipe depen-        own substrate.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  ding on the season, disease or pest pressure. For example, we spray cer-    „Per m³ of compost, we add a mixture of 100 litres of water, 100g of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  tain crops twice a week if necessary, or we increase the amount of MK       EM Ceramic Powder, 1% Terrafert Soil, 1% BB Soil and 0.3% Worm
                                                                                                                                                                                                  5 slightly.“ The biological plant aid MK 5 strengthens the leaf surface     Power. We add our compost to the substrate and have a mix of many
                                                                                                                                                                                                  and is used preventively against pest and fungal infestation.               components in the soil such as wood and coconut fibres, rice husks and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              clay mineral.”

Leading the way
Sustainable urban greenery in Lucerne                                                                                                                                                             Encouraging success
                                                                                                                                                                                                  „It is important to carry out regular plant strengthening, and we are
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Total near-natural mix
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With the total mix of nature-oriented measures, around 130,000 orna-
                                                                                                                                                                                                  pleased with the success,“ says Christoph.                                  mental plants thrive in 1,600 m² high glasshouses. These glasshouses
                                                                                                                                                                                                  He has also noticed other changes with consistent application of the        are operated with four climate zones, ebb and flow irrigation, double
Christoph Schoch has been working for the Lucerne Municipal Gar-        „It is the wish of the population and politicians that we practice susta-                                                 Multikraft system.                                                          energy screens and woodchip heating. The Multikraft system is now
dening Department for 30 years as the Operations Manager of Cen-        inable green management. We take this responsibility very seriously,“                                                     „The roots are amazingly good and healthy, and the plant structure is       an important part of those measures. „We tried the Multikraft system
tral Services. During a time when many countries had to stay at home    says Christoph. Since 2017, the Lucerne Municipal Horticulture has                                                        more compact. We do not use any inhibitors, have been able to greatly       once and have grown nicely into the applications. Especially when it
due to COVID-19, Christoph was able to give us an interview.            been cooperating with „Grünstadt Schweiz“, a label for sustainab-                                                         reduce the use of fungicides and cut the use of insecticides by over 80%.   comes to combating powdery mildew and fungus gnat larvae, we are
Now more than ever a simple walk in the park is very good for you.      le urban greenery. „Grünstadt Schweiz“ imparts know-how, provides                                                         We rely purely on organic fertilisation and have significantly reduced      able to cultivate very successfully thanks to Multikraft“, notes
Before this global crisis, some municipalities and cities had already   support with the certification process and rewards residences that are                                                    the use of peat; many crops are peat-free altogether. The Multikraft        Christoph Schoch with satisfaction.
started initiatives for near-natural urban green spaces. The city of    concerned about the natural maintenance of green space.                                                                   system is an ideal complement to this.
Lucerne, on Lake Lucerne, is committed to near-natural recreational                                                                                                                                                                                                           Appreciation
spaces within the city with the project „Grünstadt Schweiz“, and is     Holistic work                                                                                                                                                                                         As a matter of course, so much nature-oriented, environmentally
the first certified city in Switzerland.                                „We take a holistic view of our work implementing all appropriate                                                                                                                                     friendly work has already been implemented in Lucerne by the city
                                                                        measures. In doing so, we source local plants, pay attention to short                                                                                                                                 gardening department. This work is greatly appreciated by the local
                                                                        transport routes, our own composting and environmentally friendly                                                                                                                                     community.
                                                                        ornamental plant production.“                                                                                                                                                                         Lucerne was the first city to receive a silver medal, certified by „Grün-
                                                                        Ongoing training and good relations with our staff are just as impor-                                                                                                                                 stadt Schweiz“. A jury evaluates the entire green space of the city and
                                                                        tant to us as the involvement and input of the urban people.                                                                                                                                          assesses the management of environmentally friendly measures of this
                                                                        What do we mean by this?                                                                                                                                                                              space. „We want to renew the certification and are aiming for the gold
                                                                        For example - When building a new children‘s playground, we make                                                                                                                                      medal in 2021 by implementing further nature-oriented measures,“
                                                                        the process participatory. This means we ask for the children‘s input                                                                                                                                 says Christoph.
                                                                                                                                                                     Photos: Multikraft, privat

                                                                        into what they would like. We also design the playgrounds to be more                                                                                                                                  A gold medal for a green city and its nature-oriented recreational areas
                                                                        natural, so that children play with the water and soil.                                                                                                                                               is particularly valuable during these challenging times and is a confi-
                                                                                                                                                    Photos: privat

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Christoph Schoch, Operations Manager City Gardening Luzern
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              dent perspective to have.

12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  13
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
AGRICULTURE ARABLE FARMING                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  AGRICULTURE ARABLE FARMING

                                                                                                                                                                       Humus build-up                                                                  High-yield harvest
                                                                                                                                                                       Markus Kaiser now uses the Multikraft system regularly when gro-                „In terms of quality, the 2019 harvest was very good, we had less waste
                                                                                                                                                                       wing potatoes and onions for soil preparation and plant strengthening.          in the onions (around 10-15%), in comparison to other farmers.“ With
                                                                                                                                                                       BB Soil is used to prepare the fields after cereals have been harvested.        organic farming and using the Multikraft system, Markus Kaiser got
                                                                                                                                                                       „I think it helps a lot if you take a good look at the soil,“ says Markus       off to a really good start from the beginning: „I am very happy that
                                                                                                                                                                       Kaiser, who trained as a soil practitioner with BioAustria.                     we have now taken this step and converted our farm. In the future,
                                                                                                                                                                       „Right at the first stubble fall, I apply 30 litres of BB Soil with an appli-   many sprays will no longer be permitted so you need to rethink your
                                                                                                                                                                       cation rate of 100 litres of water per hectare. I have a nozzle mounted         approach and try new things. In terms of yield, organic farming is just
                                                                                                                                                                       on the cultivator at the front by the tines so I can spray the Multikraft       as good as conventional farming,“ Markus Kaiser is convinced. He sees

Opportunities for the future
                                                                                                                                                                       products directly into the soil.“ This converts the harvest residues into       the increasing trend towards organic produce with many of his custo-
                                                                                                                                                                       valuable humus more quickly and prevents rot in the soil. Further til-          mers asking for ‘organic’ while also providing good opportunities for
                                                                                                                                                                       lage takes place in autumn, when the green cover is chopped in the              the future for his organically certified farm.
                                                                                                                                                                       field and worked in with the short disc harrow. Spraying the catch
                                                                                                                                                                       crops with BB Soil promotes the conversion of organic substances and
                                                                                                                                                                       prevents rotting processes in the soil.
Conversion to certified organic agriculture
                                                                                                                                                                       Healthy plants
                                                                                                                                                                       To strengthen the plants, Markus Kaiser regularly applies a mixture
                                                                                                                                                                       of BB Foliar, Terrafert Foliar, MK 5 and BB Multical to the fields.
After several years of conversion, in 2019, Markus Kaiser, a farmer from   A promising market                                                                          He sprays the mixture on the young plants and throughout the entire
Sierndorf in Lower Austria, will harvest his first organically certified   Three years ago, Markus Kaiser began the conversion phase towards or-                       growth phase. This strengthens the plants‘ resistance to diseases and
crop. The Multikraft system supports organic farming by strengthening      ganic certification. His parents‘ farm is currently half way through the                    pests, reducing the risk of failures.
soils and plants by perfectly aligning with the quality of his potatoes    process and will receive certification in 2021. Combined, the Kaiser‘s                      To treat the onion plants in the field, Markus Kaiser adds Multikraft‘s
and onions.                                                                farms are about 80 hectares and the organic sector brings more oppor-                       Horsetail Extract Concentrate to the mixture. The plants develop ro-
                                                                           tunities in a growing market. Regional prospects are good and prices                        bust leaves and are less susceptible to fungal diseases. The Multikraft
Markus Kaiser markets potatoes and onions directly, in peeled form,        for agricultural products are higher. Markus Kaiser reduces possible                        system creates a regenerative environment.
to catering businesses. He delivers large quantities of them to the        risks in harvesting, quality and storage from the beginning of planting.                    All in all, regular and consistent foliar treatment with the Multikraft
kitchens of hotels and restaurants around thirty kilometres away in        To prevent diseases, pests or rot, he relies on the Multikraft system,                      system increases the plants‘ natural defences. „With organic farming
Vienna: „We have always paid attention to high quality and varietal        which he learned from attending a field day at organic farm Harmer                          and the use of the Multikraft system, you have to think longer term.
purity. To market peeled potatoes, you need the right varieties. Our       KG, in Spillern, Lower Austria.                                                             Multikraft technology is good for the soils and plants as a whole, so I
main variety is the firm Campina, which is easy to handle for cooks                                                                                                    tried the Multikraft system to see for myself,“ says Markus Kaiser. He
because it does not discolour after peeling. The Bellmonda variety is                                                                                                  sees it as an opportunity to ensure healthy soils and plants while also
mainly for firm cooking and is better suited to organic farming. We                                                                                                    producing high quality crops.                                                    Markus Kaiser at the potato field
                                                                                                                                                      Photos: privat

are able to satisfy our customers with certified organic products.“

16                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         17
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
AGRICULTURE VEGETABLES
 LANDWIRTSCHAFT ACKERBAU                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             AGRICULTURE VEGETABLES

Organic for babies                                                                                                                                                                                 Black soils and a warm climate enable cereals, such as millet here, to be of the highest quality.    „Gut Alt Prerau“

Carrots and potatoes of the highest quality                                                                                                                                                       Healthy foliage                                                                                      Strong prevention
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Demeter carrots develop optimally in the soft and fertile clay soils. „Espe-                         The importance of preventive plant strengthening was clearly demonstra-
                                                                                                                                                                                                  cially when growing carrots, a deep and well-rooted seedbed is crucial,“                             ted in a spelt crop. Brown rust is a fungal disease of cereals. Through the
Robert Harmer is an organic farmer and owner of the Alt Prerau estate in           The Alt Prerau estate experienced another important phase of develop-                                          explains Robert Harmer. „Healthy foliage must be maintained into the                                 consistent application of BB Foliar, brown rust appearing in the early stages
Lower Austria. Surrounded by the Little Carpathians, the Pálava Moun-              ment with the fall of the Iron Curtain. Since 1990, after the opening of the                                   autumn, as high nitrate levels are respired through the foliage and altanaria                        was stopped in spelt and a subsequent regeneration of the leaf mass was
tains and the river Thaya, the Demeter estate has been producing organic           border, various farmland in the Czech Republic has been taken over and                                         must be stopped.“ Altanaria is a widespread genus of moulds and is one of                            observed.
carrots and organic potatoes for the HIPP company as a baby food produ-            immediately converted to organic farming. Another transformation took                                          the blackening fungi that cause persistent plant diseases.                                           „From our point of view, the strengths of the Multikraft system clearly lie
cer for over thirty years. There are strict controls on baby food and the ab-      place in 2005 with the decision to manage the entire farm based on organic                                     Repeated application of Multikraft Plant Strengthener BB Foliar streng-                              in the suppression of fungal diseases on our crops. Even though organic
sence of residues is therefore a very important criterion. For about ten ye-       dynamic standards.                                                                                             thens carrot plants and serves to maintain healthy leaves. It creates a biofilm                      farming and especially our bio-dynamic system minimise the development
ars now, the Multikraft system has also played a significant role in                                                                                                                              of regenerative microorganisms on the leaf surface, which stimulates pho-                            of these fungal diseases, it is essential to choose the right crop rotation and
biodynamic farming to strengthen plants and produce the highest organic            Highest Demeter quality                                                                                        tosynthesis and strengthens the cell walls of the leaf surface. Thus, increa-                        the appropriate distances between the crops from the very beginning,“ con-
quality.                                                                           Robert Harmer expands on why he decided to farm organically following                                          sing the resistance of the plants. „With carrots, a healthy haulm is indispen-                       cludes Robert Harmer.
                                                                                   the Demeter principles: „Demeter is a world recognised standard for the                                        sable, otherwise harvesting is not feasible with current harvesting
„Our products stand out in terms of quality and also meet the highest de-          highest quality in organic agriculture, not only because it has particularly                                   equipment.“
mands of baby food,“ says farm manager Robert Harmer, who converted the            strict standards and guidelines, or because of its work with biodynamic                                        The Multikraft system is also regularly used at the Alt Prerau estate in the
farm to organic farming in the mid-1980s. There are several reasons for this.      preparations, but mostly because of the holistic approach, which reaches far                                   cultivation of early and storage potatoes as well as for the cultivation of
“Forest dieback was a big issue which sensitised me to the environment.            into the future.“ At the estate, farming is carried out in harmony with na-                                    potatoes for baby food. „By applying it to the seeds during cultivation we
When I first took over the farm it was been leased out resulting in depleted       ture. By respecting natural cycles, the protection of the soil, water and air is                               protect the potato from infection with fungal diseases such as Rhizochto-
lifeless soil, and I needed to change something in order to revitalise it. Next,   guaranteed. Chemical-synthetic aids are not used at all.                                                       nia during the sometimes quite long periods until emergence. At a later
                                                                                                                                                                      Photos: Doris Dannerbauer

is that we are located in a dry region and the profitability of the farm is the-   In the warm Pannonian climate, all main cereals and crops such as millet,                                      stage, we use BB Foliar for preventive protection against Phytophthora,“
refore not defined by quantity, but by quality and higher prices.                  semolina maize, Pop corn maize, peas, potatoes, carrots and alfalfa are                                        reports Robert Harmer, who ensures that the plants are generally streng-
                                                                                   grown at the Alt Prerau estate.                                                                                thened and kept healthy through regular use of the Multikraft system.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Robert Harmer in front of his wheat fields

18                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 19
INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021 - Multikraft
LIVESTOCK FARMING FHE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       LIVESTOCK FARMING FHE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Chicken farmer Lukas has consistently had great experiences with the re-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           gular addition of FHE to the feed. „I see the chickens growing more even-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ly, the feed has a pleasant smell thanks to FHE and is very enticing for the

On the right track
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           animals, they really like it. This is a healthy way to increase the animals‘
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           appetite while contributing to the profitability of the farm.“

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           No more Salmonella Infantis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Salmonella in the chicken flock causes far-reaching problems, especially in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           chicks, where salmonella causes serious gastrointestinal diseases. FHE
Domestic poultry farming in the interest of animal welfare                                                                                                                                                                 plays a major role in the prevention of salmonella, Markus Lukas reports.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Despite the most modern equipment and the best feed quality, Markus
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Lukas‘ farm repeatedly had to struggle with salmonella. Only the consis-
In Gosdorf, south-eastern Styria, Markus Lukas runs a poultry fattening         farmers and buy local. We are pleased and appreciative that consumers are                                                                  tent use of FHE in hygiene management and feeding has led to the impro-
farm with around 52,000 broilers. He regularly uses Fermented Herbs Ex-         willing to pay a fair price supporting regional poultry farming. This tells us                                                             vement that salmonella is no longer a problem. „Since I have been using
tract (FHE), Multikraft‘s supplementary feed, in his chicken farming.           we are on the right track with Austrian poultry farming in terms of animal                                                                 FHE consistently, the farm is completely free of these pathogens,“ says
FHE improves feed intake and is also essential to ensuring that problems        welfare.“                                                                                                                                  Markus Lukas. Since then, many of his colleagues have followed this
with Salmonella Infantis, are no longer an issue.                               Master carpenter Markus Lukas began farming crossways fulfilling a life-                                                                   example and, thanks to Multikraft‘s advice, most of their farms are now free
                                                                                long dream. „Being a farmer is a cool profession. I enjoy the nature-orien-                                                                of salmonella.
Animal welfare is Markus Lukas‘ top priority, and so his poultry fattening      ted and varied work,“ he says on a sunny autumn day when the millet                                                                        Markus Lukas attributes this success to the fact that FHE is a part of regu-
farm is equipped with state-of-the-art housing technology, in line with         harvest is due.                                                                                                                            lar feeding. It strengthens the health of the animals, supports their intesti-
animal welfare criteria. This includes the installation of floor heating and                                                                                                                                               nal flora and is essential to ensuring that there are no more infestations
spray cooling in all barns. The spray cooling system contributes to a well-     Supplementary feed has many advantages                                                                                                     with Salmonella Infantis. The chickens are healthier and the meat quality
tempered stable climate.                                                        Markus Lukas specialises in chicken fattening and in animal husbandry, for                                                                 is excellent. Markus Lukas markets the chickens to the Styrian poultry
                                                                                him, the supplementary feed FHE is indispensable. „I notice that the animals                                                               specialist Titz, every now and then he also sells a few chickens to neig-
Consumers help strengthen the local farms                                       develop very well and are healthy and robust. FHE increases their appetite                                                                 hbours and buyers in the region and is told the meat tastes wonderful.
„We are constantly working on animal welfare programs that benefit both         and contributes to a good stable climate because the faeces is better.“
the animals and the farmers,“ reports Markus Lukas. He is chairman of the       FHE is added to the feed via an automatic pump-in system. The chicken’s                                                                    „Personally, I have also seen the strength of FHE which
                                                                                                                                                                 Photo: David Tadevosian/Shutterstock.com

Poultry Cooperative Austria (GGÖ), and deputy chairman of the Zentra-           feed is freshly replenished via a dosing system and FHE is included with                                                                   is natural and saves using a lot of other additives that
le Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Österreichischen Geflügelwirtschaft (ZAG),           every dose. „It fits well with our system and the Austrian poultry fattening                                                               you would otherwise use in the fattening period for cer-
where he is responsible for the fattening poultry division. „For the Austrian   feed. When used properly, I can really recommend it. This means, adding it                                                                 tain symptoms. For example, I don‘t need to add any
poultry businesses, an appreciation of regional products is enormously im-      to the feed regularly throughout the fattening period rather than sporadi-                                                                 antibiotics, zero, nothing, just FHE and that‘s it. The
portant. A huge thank you to all consumers who trust our Austrian poultry       cally”, says Markus.                                                                                                                       results just fit.“                                                               Markus Lukas, Chairman Poultry Austria Cooperative (GGÖ)
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Poto: privat

20                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           21
LIVESTOCK FARMING FHE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        LIVESTOCK FARMING FHE

                                                                                                                                                                                           Conscientious work
                                                                                                                                                                                           Master butcher Salcher processes the meat into Lesachtaler Speck in his
                                                                                                                                                                                           butcher‘s shop in St. Lorenzen. „People from all over Austria buy their
                                                                                                                                                                                           annual requirements of bacon, organic beef and organic pork from us. They
                                                                                                                                                                                           appreciate our commitment to animal welfare and quality.“
                                                                                                                                                                                           Markus teaches his apprentices the traditional craft of bacon production as
                                                                                                                                                                                           well as respect for the animals. „In large-scale slaughterhouses, it‘s all about
                                                                                                                                                                                           numbers and maximising profits. The laws are knitted in such a way that
                                                                                                                                                                                           this is all within the bounds. As a farmer and butcher, it is important to me
                                                                                                                                                                                           that we work with living beings and that the animals are not just a number.
                                                                                                                                                                                           We approach slaughter calmly and conscientiously, without any hectic rush.
                                                                                                                                                                                           The slaughter work must be stress-free because the pH value and the lactic
                                                                                                                                                                                           acid maturation in the meat also have to be right. I am happy that as a

Organic specialities
                                                                                                                                                                                           farmer and butcher I bring each of my animals into the world treating
                                                                                                                                                                                           them respectfully until their last breath.“

                                                                                                                                                                                           Lesachtal bacon
                                                                                                                                                                                           Markus explains his approach, which he developed through repeated expe-
                                                                                                                                                                                           rimentation.

Respectful work of a Carinthian farmer and butcher                                                                                                                                         In the production of bacon, Markus does not use preservatives, flavour en-
                                                                                                                                                                                           hancers or nitrite curing salt.
                                                                                                                                                                                           „We don‘t need curing salt because we leave enough time for the product
                                                                                                                                                                                           to redden and mature. We add Beneficial Microorganisms in the salt-spice
Markus Salcher had always dreamed of owning his own farm, and at the            Quality of the feed                                                                                        mixture and consume it immediately. The herbs contain a lot of iron, which
age of 13, he did just that. Markus was the son of parents who were in civil    The old cattle breeds, Kärntner Blondvieh and Pinzgauer graze at 1,100 metres                              provides colour stabilisation. With any product like bacon, salami or sausa-
service professions and spent his summer holidays on farms from an early        above sea level in Niedergail. With his organic farm, Markus participates in                               ges, I need something that lowers the pH value and makes the products
age. He completed agricultural school and a butcher‘s apprenticeship and        BioAustria‘s animal welfare project. The cattle wear their horns, they do not                              durable. The lactic acid bacteria take care of that. If you take the bacon out
was lucky enough to acquire a farm in the Lesach Valley in Carinthia. The       stand on slatted floors and are bedded on straw. The animals do not get con-                               of the package in humid weather, a light, white yeast film may form. This is
master butcher and organic farmer is as well known for his respect for ani-     centrated feed, but a bail of hay sprayed with FHE, which develops an optimal                              nothing bad, but noble mould on a pure natural product.
mal welfare as he is for Lesachtal bacon. FHE (Fermented Herbs Extract)         hay climate. „I feed 90% hay and have installed a hay drying system. Silage,
which Markus uses on his farm has played a major role in animal husban-         which is fermented hay, is only an emergency solution in case of premature                                 Looking at the whole picture
dry for more than ten years.                                                    rainy weather. The plastic of the silage bales is not in line with my organic                              As an organic farmer and butcher, he looks at the big picture. „My animals
                                                                                methods.“ The animals themselves are sprayed with FHE, which gives them a                                  should be healthy and well from top to toe and I want to show that farming
Markus Salcher keeps his barn doors open. „Every consumer should be able        beautiful coat. Schwäbisch-Hällische Landschweine (a small breed of slow                                   and butchery can function side by side and respectfully.“ There needs to be
to see how farming works at any time and should know what effort goes into      growing domestic pig) also live here. „The animals need 1 ½ months longer to                               a renewed awareness of the value of food as tonnes of food is thrown away”
quality food from the region.“ says Markus. On the low-input farm, which        reach the slaughter weight of around 140 kilograms. We take our time because                               Markus says. Changes are needed in the system and people also need to be
focuses on suckler cow husbandry, the barn door is also left open so that the   the quality of the meat is so much better.“ Good, crumbly fat is the key to fla-                           educated. So many people believe that only rump steak or filet is a superior
cows and their calves can go out to pasture whenever they like, they eat the    vour in bacon. The quality of the bacon starts with the husbandry and feeding                              cut, however you can also make a flavoursome meal out of shoulder meat. I
grass outside and the cow manure stays outside with it. „The animals have       of the young pigs. The feed is available ad libitum. „My pigs get their own or-                            am pleased that our customers prefer to wait two weeks for their order
access to the run all day and in all weather conditions. Even when it snows,    ganic triticale in addition to barley, rye and peas. They also receive hay flowers                         because they know that the animals are treated well on my organic farm.
                                                                                                                                                                     Potos: Andrea Knura

they still go out for a few hours,“ Markus Salcher tells us.                    and twice a week organic whey, which I get from a nearby farm.“                                            Organic means we look at the whole picture. That‘s how it should be.“

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Markus Salcher with his cattle in the pasture

22                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            23
IN CONVERSATION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        IN CONVERSATION

                                                                                                                                                                                                   shea butter are not available in Austria. By ensuring we source these raw       What was the focus of the product development?
                                                                                                                                                                                                   materials only from partners who work in high-quality, sustainable and fair     We combined all raw materials that provide natural sun protection with

Uplifting benefits
                                                                                                                                                                                                   production, we are also helping to support social projects.                     our raw materials. Conventional sun creams contain chemical filters, howe-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ver the bioemsan sun cream only uses mineral-based light protection filters
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Surfactants are active washing substances used in shampoos and shower           like zinc oxide powder. With these properties, bioemsan sun cream is truly
                                                                                                                                                                                                   gels. What is different about the bioemsan products?                            kind to the skin.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   They are not conventional surfactants which dry out the skin. Our products
                                                                                                                                                                                                   contain surfactants that are obtained from natural raw materials, such as       Scenes from the new imagefilm 2020
                                                                                                                                                                                                   sugar surfactants or coconut oil-based surfactants. These are milder and
Katharina Krebs talks about bioemsan                                                                                                                                                               gentler on the skin and give the products a soft and equally mild lather.

                                                                                                                                                                                                   The bioemsan products contain Beneficial Microorganisms.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   For example, the herbs are specially formulated for dry skin and fermen-
                                                                                                                                                                                                   ted using a careful process. Why is this process essential?
                                                                                                                                                                                                   We compose the herbal extracts that are fermented with Beneficial Micro-
                                                                                                                                                                                                   organisms, specifically for each skin type and product application. Manju
                                                                                                                                                                                                   and EM Ceramic Powder are also included in the formulas. With this
                                                                                                                                                                                                   combination the effects are intensified, and the skin is supported in rebuil-
                                                                                                                                                                                                   ding its acid mantle. Especially in the case of skin irritations or sunburn,
                                                                                                                                                                                                   where the skin environment regenerates. Our experience has shown that
                                                                                                                                                                                                   bioemsan care works very well on sensitive skin and people who are other-
                                                                                                                                                                                                   wise allergic to essential oils.
                                                                                High-quality olive oil and sea buckthorn fruit oil, with their nourishing                                          Feedback confirms that you don‘t have to use as much cream with bioem-
                                                                                and moisturising properties, are found in some of the recipes in the bio-                                          san. It is a little more expensive to buy, but more economical to use.
                                                                                emsan organic cosmetics line. They are also included in the new bioemsan
                                                                                liquid soap.                                                                                                       Please explain the probiotic effect of bioemsan products?
                                                                                Olive oil, the popular classic from Mediterranean cuisine, is an important                                         All bioemsan products support the skin microbiome by bringing the skin
                                                                                component due to its antioxidant effect. The olive oil in the bioemsan pro-                                        into balance. The principle of the Beneficial Microorganisms works in such
                                                                                ducts comes from the traditional Mani brand which is among the best of                                             a way that they build up a regenerating environment and, together with
                                                                                Greek oils.                                                                                                        herbal extracts, bring the skin into balance. bioemsan care counteracts acne,
                                                                                The sea buckthorn pulp oil extracted from the orange-red berries is high                                           psoriasis, oily or dry skin and supports the skin‘s intact acid mantle.
                                                                                in vitamins C, E, B-complex and carotenoids. It has cell-regenerating and
                                                                                anti-inflammatory effects and is also a great benefit for the skin.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   The bioemsan cosmetics line includes a wide range of products for skin,
                                                                                Division Manager Katharina Krebs provides insights into                                                            hair and oral hygiene. What new products are there in 2021?
                                                                                high-quality organic cosmetics.                                                                                    We are looking forward to bioemsan liquid soap, bioemsan sun cream with
                                                                                                                                                                                                   sun protection factor (SPF) and bioemsan deodorant stick which will be
                                                                                                                                                                                                   launched in Autumn 2021. Later, we will distribute the Bokashi-Rub-Oil
                                                                                                                                                                                                   from partners in Bali. Bokashi-Rub-Oil contains many herbs fermented
How long has the bioemsan organic cosmetics line been around and how            Where do the organic herbs for the bioemsan products come from?                                                    with Beneficial Microorganisms and is very popular for massages and mu-
did the idea for it come about?                                                 Bio Austria Garantie have the strictest guidelines, requiring that all the                                         scle rubs.
Our Japanese partners in Okinawa, introduced us to a cosmetics line with        herbs contained in bioemsan products come from certified organic farms.
Beneficial Microorganisms which inspired us to set up a bio-cosmetics line      Many of these use the Multikraft system during cultivation and it is par-                                          Peppermint, rosemary and sage give the bioemsan liquid soap a pleasant
ourselves. The herbal extracts it contains are of the finest regional organic   ticularly important to us, that as many as possible are sourced from small                                         scent. Why have these herbs been combined?
quality, which has been crucial to us from the beginning.                       farms.                                                                                                             In the current environment, we must wash our hands a lot. We made sure
Our first bioemsan product was a moisturiser, which Multikraft launched                                                                                                                            we used a particularly high-quality formula, so your hands do not dry out
in 2003, followed by our first toothpaste in 2004. With excellent customer      Vegetable oils and fats play an important role in the bioemsan organic cos-                                        and the soap has a refatting effect. It is made using an olive oil base and
                                                                                                                                                                Photos: Werner Dedl, brightflims

feedback and suggestions, we were able to further develop the range, ma-        metics line. How do you ensure quality?                                                                            vegetable surfactants and the lemon scent refreshes your senses. The her-
king sure to keep the bioemsan organic cosmetics line very simple.              Regionality and quality are the two most important factors. We changed                                             bal extracts are specially formulated for stressed skin and are particularly
The bioemsan products are certified according to Bio Austria Garantie,          some oils during the 2019 relaunch and now mainly use oils from Austria                                            gentle on the skin. It is very concentrated and therefore economical to use.
control authority. They are produced in Austria and contain natural GMO-        and Germany, which we source from small oil mills.                                                                 The launch of bioemsan sun cream with SPF is planned just in time for
free, purely organic ingredients and herbs.                                     For example: The special sea buckthorn seed oil, fruit pulp oil, argan oil or                                      summer.

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INTERVIEW MANJU                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             MANJU WORLD

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Daily benefit
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      New in the Multikraft range are the following food supplements                                 New
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Produc

Manju in action
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      that support health and well-being in a natural way.                                              ts!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Manju Fermented Turmeric

for intestinal health                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Tumeric is golden, yellow and healthy and is also known as Indian
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Saffron or Yellow Ginger. Turmeric originates from India or Southeast
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Asia and has been revered there as a medicinal plant for over 5,000 years.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The turmeric plant belongs to the ginger family. The dried and powdered
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Benefits include:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • strengthens the immune system
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • antioxidant protection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • liver function detoxification
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      rhizome is increasingly interesting not only as a spice, but also for           • cell renewal
Margarethe Baiger is from Asten near St. Florian in Upper Austria.                                                                                                                                                                    medicine in this country.                                                       • heart and circulation
She is 72 years old and happy, but she hasn’t always been this way. Mar-                                                                                                                                                              In the Indian medicine Ayurveda and in the Chinese medicine TCM,                • digestive stimulation
garethe was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent treatments                                                                                                                                                                      turmeric has an ancient tradition. The secondary plant substance                • lowering of cholesterol levels
with chemotherapies and radiation including side exit and bowel re-                                                                                                                                                                   curcumin is now also attracting the attention of modern medical research.       • mobility of the joints
operation. The dietary supplement Manju has made her everyday life                                                                                                                                                                    Curcumin is considered to support and prevent many common diseases              • prevention of migraine & headaches
much easier, as she explains in her success story below.                                                                                                                                                                              such as rheumatism, diabetes, digestive problems, migraines or headaches.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It has anti-inflammatory and immune-strengthening properties.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Curcumin promotes the lowering of cholesterol levels, increases joint                 It is best to take 3-5 tablets three times
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Tip!
Ms. Baiger, today you are in good spirits, but a year ago you were in a                                                                                                                                                               mobility, reduces the effects of oxidative stress and supports cell renewal.          a day before or with meals.
completely different place. Would you mind explaining what happe-                                                                                                                                                                     Turmeric is more than just a great spice. As a food supplement, the
ned please?                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ingredients of the tropical root tuber support our health in a natural way.
“Just under a year ago, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer and the carcinoma
could not be removed surgically. As my mother and sister had already died                                                                                                                                                             First-class autumn turmeric in Manju Fermented Turmeric is fermented
of bowel cancer, I was a high-risk patient. I was treated with chemotherapy                                                                                                                                                           with sugar cane molasses, special microorganisms and rice bran and
and 36 rounds of radiation treatment and also had to accept a side outlet.                                                                                                                                                            pressed into tablets without the addition of any other ingredients. The
In November 2019, I had my last major oncology check-up and following                                                                                                                                                                 dietary supplement Manju fermented autumn turmeric contains twelve
that, I had my bowel re-operation again in December. After the second                                                                                                                                                                 times as much natural curcumin as spring turmeric. Fermentation
operation, I had major problems with very irregular and liquid bowel mo-                                                                                                                                                              facilitates the absorption of the valuable ingredients in the body,
vements throughout the day which had a huge effect on my life as I could                                                                                                                                                              the proportion of minerals as well as the antioxidant properties are
no longer go out.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                    significantly increased. The additive black pepper can therefore be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      dispensed with. It is best to take 3-5 tablets three times a day before or
Then you were introduced to the dietary supplement Manju.                                                                                                                                                                             with meals.
“Anita Lengyel, a friend from Asten, asked me if I would like to try Man-
ju. She explained to me that Beneficial Microorganisms help support the
intestines very well and ensure a healthy intestinal environment. So, I im-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Manju Coral Calcium

                                                                                                                                                               Potos: Carmen Trappenberg, george hanna matter/Shutterstock.com, TPR
mediately went to a health food store in Linz and purchased some Manju”.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      new with Vit. K2, D3
The result was a big surprise!
“Yes, indeed. I took one capful or 25ml in the morning each day before                                                                                                                                                                Manju Coral Calcium consists of valuable ingredients of the Sango               Benefits include:
breakfast on an empty stomach and was completely surprised when my bo-                                                                                                                                                                Sea Coral from Okinawa. It contains valuable calcium. Manju Coral               • optimal calcium-magnesium ratio
wel movements were much better after only three days. During my cancer                                                                                                                                                                Calcium is enriched with magnesium, vitamin K2 (from natural                    • can support the deacidification of the body
illness I heard the word patience very often and I had prepared myself to      What opportunities does the dietary supplement Manju offer as                                                                                          fermentation) and vitamin D3. The absorption of calcium in the body
continue to be very patient. I was very surprised at how quickly the stool     a contribution to a better quality of life?                                                                                                            is controlled by vitamin D. However, vitamin K2 is needed so that the
consistency changed for the better.”                                           “I am really happy now and notice what a great difference it has made to                                                                               absorbed calcium can also be incorporated into the bones. Manju Co-                   It is best to take 3 tablets three times a day
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Tip!
                                                                               my health. At first glance, you might think that it costs a lot, but Manju is                                                                          ral Calcium is suitable as a supplement to the daily diet. Coral powder               with or after meals. (54g = 270 pieces / tin)
How are you today and are you still taking Manju?                              definitely worth it. I have saved on many inserts I would have otherwise                                                                               enriched with magnesium, vitamin K2 (from natural fermentation)
“Today I feel like a million bucks. I still take 25 ml of Manju every day in   needed, so it balances out financially.                                                                                                                & vitamin D3 to support calcium absorption in the body.
the morning and am in the process of educating my bowels. The bowel            Overall, Manju has improved my quality of life everyday, there is a huge dif-
movements are now regular in the morning and I don‘t have to worry about       ference. It is unbelievable how quickly my bowel movements have changed
them all day.”                                                                 and normalised. That is simply worth a lot for daily life.”

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