Considering the climatic, economic and environmental factors bogging down the agricultural sector, this is not the time to question whether or not to invest in restoring soil quality.
The EU Soil Observatory has just published its scorecard on soil health and the findings are unequivocal: 61% of European soils are in poor condition! And the European Commission believes that the situation may be even worse as exhaustive data was unavailable.
In France, the main problems identified are degradation of biological functions in soils (50% of all farmland), organic carbon deficit (41% of farmland) and tillage-related erosion (30% of farmland).
One way to remedy the problem: restore humus in soils
Soils are living environments that have been weakened by years of intensive cultivation and reduced plant cover. The result is the gradual disappearance of humus—the sustenance of soils. Of the many functions of humus, the following merit particular mention:
- Storage of nutrients in bioavailable forms for crops via the clay-humus complex
- Absorption and retention of water in soil: humus has a high water retention coefficient, up to 5 to 6 times its weight in water
- Consolidation of soil structure: by binding soil aggregates, humus maintains a level of porosity that is important for the circulation of water and air in the soil and also limits erosion and surface sealing.
Main functions improved by increasing soil humus content:
Increasing humus formation in soils requires some basic common sense:
- provide organic matter rich in lignin and cellulose compounds,
- maintain sufficient moisture levels so that microorganisms can flourish,
- promote proper aeration of the soil,
- avoid excessive soil cultivation methods.
The addition of prebiotics (micronutrients, sugars, polyphenols…) to stimulate the function of soil microflora is also a useful practice to accelerate and optimize the transformation processes of organic matter and prevent soil dysfunction. These ingredients are found in solutions such as humus-producing activators.
In the face of so many pain points, soil is the number one ally of farmers
Whether for economic or environmental reasons, good soil management is becoming paramount and will be one of the pillars of the future of agriculture.
From now on the farmer’s slogan should be: “Well managed farming starts with soil!”
Whether for economic or environmental reasons, good soil management is becoming paramount and will be one of the pillars of the future of agriculture.
From now on the farmer’s slogan should be: “Well managed farming starts with soil!”
| Important
Soil is responsible for over 95% of our food production. Strengthening food sovereignty is contingent upon restoring soil health. |
