Farm 2- Buenavista
Assessment and Recommendations
May 2026
Background
The second farm for Falcon On-Farm, Buenavista, lives up to its name with breathtaking views of the landscape along the mountain side. Buenavista is a smallholder farm with strong biological foundations that are not yet expressing their full potential.
The soil hosts a diverse microbial community of over 600 species and contains abundant organic matter—resources that, under the right conditions, can drive nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and plant health without heavy reliance on purchased inputs.
The owner values biodiversity and environmental protection. He said his motivation for transitioning to regenerative coffee and participating with Falcon On-Farm is
“Conservation of biodiversity and soils, reducing contamination.”
General information
| Location | Caldas, Colombia |
| Elevation | 1934 m asl |
| Total farm area | 5.0 ha |
| Project area | 1.5 ha |
| Varietal | Castillo and Cenicafe 1 |
Assessment
Various pieces of information were collected to assess the current state of the farm and provide data on which to base next steps and recommendations for the transiting the farm to regenerative agriculture practices.
Site visits and interviews with the producers were conducted.
Soil samples were collected and analyzed for both chemical and biological parameters.
Baseline surveys were conducted to gather information on farm management techniques such as fertilizer and pesticide use, pruning and renovation methods and incidence of pest and diseases.
Existing strengths of the farm
The farm has significant foundations on which to build. These existing practices position the farm well for a transition to the next phase of regenerative agriculture.
High Microbial Biodiversity
622 microbial species detected in the soil. Strong natural biocontrol ability for insects and nematodes.
Exceptional Organic Matter
Organic matter at 17.2%—well above the minimum target of 3%. Composting at established compost and pulp waste site.
Herbicide Free
Management of weeds without dependence on herbicides. Mechanical control by using a scythe maintains the biological integrity of the soil.
Biological Preparations
Sulphocalcium broth and potassium soap produced on the farm. Beauveria bassiana applied for pest management in bananas.
Low Pest Pressure
Coffee berry borer and rust with minimal incidence and severity 1/5. Favorable position for biological regulation.
Committed Producer
Strong commitment to regenerative transition. They have already eliminated herbicides and established composting and biological preparations.
Areas for improvement
Although the farm has a good foundation, there are three primary constraints that limit the biological potential of the farm and can be addressed through regenerative practices.
Acidic Soil and Aluminum Toxicity
pH 5.2 with 39% exchangeable hydrogen. Aluminum at 1,394 ppm inhibits root growth and interferes with nutrient uptake. Calcium occupies only 46% of exchange sites (target: 60–70%). Calcium deficit of 1,054 kg/ha.
Calcium deficit of 1,054 kg/ha
No mycorrhizal fungi detected
The BeCrop biological analysis did not detect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Aluminum toxicity and low pH prevent establishment. AMF colonization increases phosphorus uptake 3–5 times.
0 AMF detected
Phosphorus Immobilized by Aluminum
Mehlich III phosphorus adequate (167 kg/ha) but soluble P of only 0.04 ppm. Aluminum precipitates phosphorus into insoluble compounds. The strategy is to unlock, not add: correct pH and establish AMF.
0.04 ppm P soluble
Recommendations and Next Steps
Based on the findings from the assessment, the following phased recommendations have been outlined that will improve soil health and nutrition, provide natural pest management and create a healthy, productive ecosystem for the coffee to thrive. The recommendations have been discussed with the farm owners and implementation is set to start this summer.
Phase 1 (first 6 months)
• Amend calcium and apply boron, zinc and manganese correction
• Inoculate soils with HMA from verified sources
• Initiate Habitat Strip Establishment
• Spread sulphur calcium broth and Beauveria to coffee
Phase 2 (6-18 months)
• Transition from urea to calcium nitrate; from DAP to phosphate rock
• Establish cover crops and hedgerows
• Plant inga, erythrina and laurel shade trees
• Conduct foliar analysis after 1 year
Phase 3 (18-36 months)
• Reduce synthetic nitrogen by 50%
• Evaluate further reduction of synthetic inputs
• Prune shrubs to create mulch
• Plant pink guaiacan near corridors
• Repeat soil and biological analysis
Summary
Buenavista’s soil hosts a diverse microbial community and abundant organic matter—the biological foundation for a productive, low-input system (Principle 1 of Regenerative Coffee). Soil acidity and aluminum toxicity suppress this biological activity and lock phosphorus into unavailable forms despite adequate soil reserves.
The recommended approach corrects soil chemistry first, then builds nitrogen-fixing plant infrastructure (ground covers and shade trees) that will progressively replace acidifying synthetic fertilizers (Principle 3).
Multi-strata shade design optimizes photosynthetic capacity and buffers temperature extremes (Principle 2). Flower strips and perimeter plantings increase pollinator visitation and support beneficial insects (Principle 4). The phased transition integrates economic viability with ecological restoration, using monitoring data to guide each stage (Principle 5).
Within three to five years, the farm can develop a predominantly biologically driven fertility system, substantially reduce external input costs, and improve yields—with the pace of transition determined by plant performance and soil chemistry at each stage.
Assessment, Recommendations and Summary text and diagrams courtesy of Sam Knowlton, Soil Symbiotics