Selterhof

- Overview
- Solutions
- Products
- Innovation
-
Sustainability
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Sustainability Commitments
- The Crop Science Sustainability Progress Report
- Farmer Voice
- Reducing Crop Protection’s Environmental Impact
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change
- Education & Outreach
- Empowering Smallholder Farmers
- Food System Resilience
- Sustainable Agriculture in practice: Bayer ForwardFarming
- Sustainability Stakeholder Outreach
- Genetically Modified Crops and Bayer
- Transparency
- News & Stories
- Contact Us
Broadening the Horizon to Find the Right Balance
The Bohnsack family is passionate about farming sustainably. The conventionally managed Selterhof in Lower Saxony looks back on five years of organic farming. For Petra and Wilhelm Bohnsack, conscious and careful use of agricultural and environmental resources are the foundation for their farm management. The seventh-generation farmers are eager to combine their experience with effective organic methods such as currying (a form of tilling) and cutting-edge technologies like FieldView™, to create a farm that is truly prepared for the future. At Selterhof, sustainable farming starts with the cultivation planning of varied, healthy crop rotations, extends to soil-conservation tillage, and targeted plant protection. “There are weeds and pests that can be well accepted. In the right balance, insects can also be exceptionally beneficial,” says Wilhelm Bohnsack. The resourceful farmer is keen to optimize the use of chemical input on his plots by also adapting new technology to complement his integrated pest management concept. The unique combination of environmentally friendly and digital farm management practices makes Selterhof a great example of modern and sustainable agriculture.
- Farm name and location: Selterhof - Einbeck-Erzhausen, Lower Saxony, Germany.
- History: The farm’s history dates back to the Erzhausen monastery, which was first documented in 1547. The Bohnsack family has been. farming in Erzhausen for seven generations. The current location, a former manor, was acquired in 1933.
- Farm size: 230 hectares.
- Primary crops: Winter wheat, sugar beet, winter oilseed rape, and corn for renewable energy production.
- Notable partnerships: The expertise of a whole range of players is combined to tackle the challenges of sustainable agriculture together.
6. Soil health and erosion prevention: Cover crop cultivation and contour tillage are very important in sloping areas and contribute to soil conservation.
6. Soil health and erosion prevention: Cover crop cultivation and contour tillage are very important in sloping areas and contribute to soil conservation.
7. Flower strips and flower meadows: Flower meadows and flower strips in the fields provide a food source and habitat for the native flora and fauna.
7. Flower strips and flower meadows: Flower meadows and flower strips in the fields provide a food source and habitat for the native flora and fauna.
9. Skylark plots and nesting boxes: Skylark plots are one example of supporting various ground-nesting birds. Protected nesting aids help cave and cavity breeders like swifts and swallows to raise their young in safety.
9. Skylark plots and nesting boxes: Skylark plots are one example of supporting various ground-nesting birds. Protected nesting aids help cave and cavity breeders like swifts and swallows to raise their young in safety.
10. Phytobac® and water protection: Riparian buffers with year-round vegetation, the use of drift reducing nozzles, and the proper cleaning of spraying equipment help to protect against unwanted discharges of crop protection products. A Phytobac® system is also planned.
10. Phytobac® and water protection: Riparian buffers with year-round vegetation, the use of drift reducing nozzles, and the proper cleaning of spraying equipment help to protect against unwanted discharges of crop protection products. A Phytobac® system is also planned.
11. Safe storage and safe use of crop protection products : Safe storage of crop protection products, the proper use of personal protective equipment, as well as an easyFlow M-system protect both the environment and users.
11. Safe storage and safe use of crop protection products : Safe storage of crop protection products, the proper use of personal protective equipment, as well as an easyFlow M-system protect both the environment and users.
12. Partnerships: Working with local dealers and consultants helps overcome challenges. Close cooperation exists with the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture.
12. Partnerships: Working with local dealers and consultants helps overcome challenges. Close cooperation exists with the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture.

Taking a Holistic Approach to Integrated Crop Management
Wilhelm Bohnsack is enthusiastic about testing new technologies and reassessing farming routines. Naturally, sustainable farming methods and modern technologies go hand-in-hand at Selterhof. This also applies to the farm’s integrated weed management concept. Crop rotation, tillage measures and intercropping are used to minimize pressure from weeds growing among crops. The tech-savvy farmer also has an on-site weather station and uses Bayer’s FieldView™ technology as well as digital infestation forecasts to support his crop management. Former organic farmer Wilhelm Bohnsack follows the principle “as much as necessary, as little as possible” when it comes to applying chemical products. The Bayer weather app and weather station provide information to help organize his daily work in the field. Additionally, FieldView™ processes all relevant data on soil, sowing and changing conditions around Selterhof, so Wilhelm Bohnsack can calculate expected yields and provide details of the specific field’s needs.
Contact us
We're happy to connect with you! Contact Julia Köbele with any questions or inquiries.