The presence of organic matter in the soil is as important as that of mineral substances, or even more. This rule applies to fertilization as a universal rule, but it acquires a sacred character when we talk about organic farming.
Joaquín Saila, manager of the Defender company, points out that as producers of organic fertilizers they are governed by a series of principles, such as eco-viability, circular economy, sustainability, innovation and zero waste.
“These terms come to explain what organic farming means compared to conventional, trying to maintain a living and dynamic soil, diversified production systems, protection of cultivated plants, conserving nature and reestablishing natural balances ”, he emphasizes.
The origin of Defender dates back to 2008. Raúl and Joaquín Saila are two brothers, teachers by profession and eager to start a business. So the story begins spontaneously, as they decide to make their first steps in the world of organic fertilizers, where they see a great opportunity, seeking the nutrition of the earth in the most natural way possible.
This ‘hobby’ entertains them for years, until for business and financial reasons they have to make the decision between pedagogy and professionalization of the company.
Thirteen years have passed since then, getting standardize organic fertilization in Spain and outside its borders.
The name arises from the union of two crucial values for them that also have a lot to do with sportsmanship: quality and effort.
-In which areas of Spain do you carry out your activity?
-In Spain, we have clients in practically all regions, so our product is widely accepted throughout the peninsula. We have intensified our commercial work in Castilla y León, a community where the ecological surface has exploded in recent years. Due to our geographic location, we sell a large quantity of fertilizers to our neighboring country, France. Worldwide we are present in 20 countries.
-To what extent is the biological activity of the soil or the presence of organic matter in it important?
-We must know that the presence of organic matter in the soil is as or more important as the presence of mineral substances. And it is that the yield that a crop may have depends on it. Organic matter provides a myriad of benefits, such as improving soil structure, improving drainage and reducing soil waterlogging, heating the soil for better root development and reducing temperature variations, improving soil pH balance, improve water use, reduce the effects of erosion …
Soil enrichment reaches such levels of importance that European regulations say that by 2030 there must be 30% of soil fertilized with organic fertilizer. It is currently 8.5% and Spain is the first country in Europe to meet this standard and the third in the world.
-What should a conventional farmer take into account to make the move to organic?
-The farmer must know that sustainable agriculture is the future. We want to put an end to the problem of punished lands and that is why we have a network of organic products, being the company most committed to the environment, offering the most suitable organic fertilizers for each type of soil and crop.
-To what extent is the feeding of the plant essential for it to face the threats of pests or diseases?
Food is the most important part. Ecological fertilizers provide the crop with all the necessary nutrients for future food to be of high quality. Biopesticides will help to deal with pests, thus eliminating these threats and favoring a healthy crop.
-Should we accept, without further ado, that organic production will always be lower than that which occurs within the conventional system?
-No, we must understand that organic farming has come to stay. Moreover, as I have said before, it is the future. Organic farming proposes a more durable harvest over time and more respectful with the environment.
-From your experience, how do you see the potential of Castilla y León to continue growing this way of working?
-The ecological surface in Castilla y León has exploded in recent years. The trend is upward and more and more farmers are betting on organic farming. The latest data published in 2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development places the area at 59,783 hectares. The fertilizers we make are incorporated into any type of crop. Growers who, even operating in a conventional way, opt for organic fertilizers to mitigate soil fatigue, improving its structure, facilitating its tillage and favoring aeration, porosity and water penetration.
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