Technology
The question “What is Agrokruh?” cannot be answered easily. Because Agrokruh is more than a product or a technology — it is a philosophy. A philosophy of returning to the roots: to sustainable living, and to food that nourishes and, in some cases, even heals.
Agrokruh brings us back to healthy soil — with technology built for the future. It works in harmony with nature, regenerating the land, preserving fertility, and allowing vegetables to grow naturally — without chemicals, heavy machinery, or needless effort.
The Agrokruh system was invented by Ing. Ján Šlinský from Pavlovce nad Uhom. From an early age — already in the 6th grade — he knew he wanted to grow vegetables. Staying true to his dream, he studied horticulture at SPTŠ in Čaklov and later at the University of Agriculture in Brno. After graduation, he started his career at the local agricultural cooperative as head of the vegetable production center.
He soon realized industrial farming wasn’t for him and became the first officially recognized organic vegetable grower in Slovakia. Yet his believes is that “organic vegetables” are a myth. We shouldn’t distinguish between conventional and organic vegetables, but rather between real vegetables and their chemical substitutes. This led him on a challenging journey to transform conventional agricultural practices.
Growing vegetables depends on countless factors that can’t always be predicted. On degraded soil without microbial life, and without heavy machinery or chemical inputs, achieving stable yields is nearly impossible — and the physical strain on farmers becomes overwhelming. Out of this challenge, Agrokruh was created.
The vision was to design a technology that would free farmers from exhausting manual labor — one that treats the soil gently, avoids the damage of heavy machinery, and replaces deep plowing with a natural approach. After more than twenty years of development, field trials, and valuable lessons, the Agrokruh system was created: a rotating arm with a bridge-like tool carrier, a set of interchangeable implements for every stage of vegetable cultivation, and a unique paternoster system for growing seedlings.
As we’ve said before, Agrokruh is more than just technology. It comes with full agronomic and business know-how for small farmers — including cultivation methods for 50 varieties of vegetables and herbs, all grown to the highest organic standards. We also provide guidance for building a closed-circle network of regular customers. Our mission is to help create many small, family-owned farms that cooperate rather than compete, and to guide them through every challenge of sustainable vegetable growing.
Ján Šlinský’s vision of the ideal farm covers just over 2 hectares and can feed up to 60 families. The eco-production zone consists of 15 circular plots, each 36 meters wide, cultivated by five rotating tool arms. A single arm moves between three circles using a transport trolley. Depending on the operation, different tools are attached to the carrier — for example, a spading unit for soil preparation, a seeder for planting, or a cultivator for weed control. Each arm includes a built-in irrigation system, and as it rotates, the attached tools trace gentle spiral rows across the soil — efficient, balanced, and in tune with nature.
The triangular spaces between the circles — known as eco-stabilization zones — are designed to support biodiversity. They can remain wild or host flowers and nectar plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. Through responsible crop rotation, the soil naturally regenerates, gaining fertility and producing vegetables rich in nutrients. But growing is only part of the journey — selling locally and directly matters just as much. That’s why Ján Šlinský encourages every new farmer to create their own circle of loyal customers and grow according to their needs.
Agrokruh is not just a technology — it’s a tool for change, a true ally for everyone who cares about what grows from the soil and where our land is headed. Enabling people to start farming organically even without large plots, heavy machinery, or years of experience. It’s been designed for those who want to grow honestly, without chemicals, and with respect for nature and their own health. All it takes is the will — and respect for the earth.
Zuzana Vetešková Andreánska, Agrokruh
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