Judith van de Mortel (HAS) argues for more attention to soil

In an interview with Brightlands, Judith van de Mortel, lecturer 'Healthy plant in a vital and sustainable soil' at the HAS University of Applied Sciences, pleads for more attention to the soil.

"The soil is a large living organism which we must treat with care. It produces (food) crops, maintains soil fertility, has the natural ability to suppress diseases and pests, purifies water and breaks down contaminants."

Soil Knowledge Center

By soil compaction, climate change and intensive use of the soil for agriculture, the quality of the soil is declining.

Long breath

From the professorship there is already intensive cooperation with Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo and the companies on the campus. Through projects such as Plants4Plants and Bright 5 is focused on vitalizing the soil and adding value to residual streams.
Van de Mortel does indicate that vitalizing the soil is a long-term process and requires investment. An important factor is the use of organic materials such as manure, wood and grass clippings. These give the soil a better structure and thus more oxygen enters the soil.

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