Soil insight 2.0: analysis for optimal soil

The soil in which a grower sows his seeds is very important for the quality and growth of his plants. Therefore, he wants to be sure that his soil is in good shape. Bodeminzicht 2.0', a new cooperation between four parties, helps growers to make an analysis of their soil and to work towards optimally functioning soil processes.

Good combination

The four parties behind Bodeminzicht 2.0 found each other through Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo. They form a good combination between a specialist in soil mineralogy and biology (the Biogeologist), the analysis of the soil samples (Brightlabs & Robalab) and the ICT/technology (TreeMania).

Bart Kuijpers of Brightlabs: "We have to be careful with the soil in the Netherlands. Space is limited and the square meters we have available must yield an increasingly higher yield. In addition, European policy aims to reduce the use of manure and the emission of nitrogen. Then another solution is needed and it is already hidden in the soil. We optimize the environment and the soil resources and put the microbiology to work."

Distinctive

The method developed distinguishes itself from classic soil analyses by emphasizing three factors: the balance between the soil environment (such as pH and oxygen in the soil), chemistry (available nutrients) and biological processes (bacteria and fungi). "We mimic in the lab what is happening in the soil. This soil analysis shows whether the soil environment is suitable for the organisms that perform these important processes and provides insight into what nutrients they actually supply to the plant. This insight enables a farmer or horticulturist to work towards a soil environment in which the chemical, physical and biological processes function optimally", says Bart Kuijpers.

Would you like to know more about Soil Insight 2.0? Then visit the website bodeminzicht.info. For the full interview with Bart Kuijpers, check out the website of Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo.