Soilsteam

Soil Steam International AS is an agricultural technology firm that provides a chemical-free method for soil sanitation. The company's origins trace back to the mid-1990s when three Norwegian farmers—Kjell Westrum, Arvid Laksesvela, and Olav Wirgenes—began experimenting with steam to combat pests and weeds that were increasingly resistant to pesticides. Frustrated with conventional methods, they developed their first prototype in 1998, demonstrating the viability of using steam to treat agricultural soil. This foundational work led to the formal establishment of the company in February 2016 by a team that included Kjell's son, Hans Kristian Westrum, who now serves as CEO.

The business operates in the AgTech and environmental technology markets, serving clients in both agriculture and construction. Its revenue model is based on the manufacturing and sale of specialized soil-steaming machinery. The company targets commercial farmers of vegetables, berries, and flowers, as well as construction companies that need to treat soil contaminated with invasive alien species, which would otherwise be sent to a landfill. By providing an alternative to chemical treatments and soil disposal, Soil Steam addresses a growing need for sustainable practices in both food production and land management. The firm has secured funding from various investors, including a NOK 45M round, to scale its operations.

Soil Steam has developed several patented machines, including the FieldSaver™ for in-field agricultural use and the SoilSaver™ for treating excavated soil. The core technology injects superheated steam deep into the soil, reaching depths of up to 30 centimeters. This process heats the soil sufficiently to eliminate harmful organisms like weeds, fungi, nematodes, and invasive plant seeds without completely sterilizing the soil or using chemical pesticides. One of the key features is precision steaming, which treats only the specific spots where crops will be planted, reducing energy consumption by up to 75%. This method has been shown to increase crop yields significantly and extend the shelf life of produce by removing rot-causing fungi. The machines are designed for high efficiency and can operate semi-autonomously.

Keywords: AgTech, soil sanitation, steam treatment, sustainable agriculture, chemical-free farming, invasive species control, soil health, crop yield, construction soil remediation, circular economy