Soil

Old agricultural techniques as inspiration

The health of our soils is crucial for sustainable food production and healthy ecosystems. Soil health is linked to the presence of soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, insects, and soil composition and carbon levels. Due to climate change, good soil quality is also becoming increasingly important, for example, for water retention.

To restore soil health, the past can offer inspiration and solutions. The use of organic waste has been part of agricultural systems worldwide for centuries. These organic waste streams can be used for soil improvement through various techniques and processes. Practices such as mulching, no-till farming, or agro-ecological farming have a positive effect on soil health. In the "Soil" theme year, we'll dig into the soil – literally and figuratively. We'll discover how compost is simultaneously a soil improver, fertilizer, a cycle, and a climate solution.

Composting

Compost is a dark, almost black, crumbly substance made from organic matter that can be used as a fertiliser and soil improver

As an age-old agricultural practice—and a form of intangible heritage—composting offers many opportunities for ecological sustainability, soil health, and climate adaptation.

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Educational past

Age-old agricultural practices like composting are once again (or still) important today. Their positive impact on our soil health cannot be underestimated.

In the Water & Land project, we uncovered several needs, requirements, and insights for a holistic approach to composting. We share these lessons learned in the hope of inspiring others to study and utilize (intangible) heritage as a lever for ecological sustainability.

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Composting: forgotten knowledge for the future

In this episode, we dive into the history of composting and ask ourselves: what exactly is compost? Who uses it, why, and how do you do it right – on both a small and large scale?

This podcast episode is only available in Dutch.

Living soil. Compost as a lever.

In this episode, we dig – literally and figuratively – into the soil. We discover how compost is simultaneously a soil improver, fertilizer, cycle, and climate solution.

This podcast episode is only available in Dutch.

De Dobbelhoeve in Schilde. Cooperation between nature an agriculture

At the Dobbelhoeve organic farm, farmers are collaborating with Natuurpunt through the Interreg project CLOSECYCLE to compost grass clippings from nature reserves and apply them to their fields. Farmer Piet and Natuurpunt employee Wim talk about their collaboration.

't Sierveld in Mechelen. Closing cycles

Farm composting helps close local cycles, is a waste management method, and recycles residual flows, promotes healthy soil, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Discover how Yves and Iris are getting started with composting on their farm in Mechelen (Dutch Limburg).

Composting: forgotten knowledge, new futures

In this brochure we focus on the age-old practice of composting and seek an answer to the question: how can a practice like composting contribute to soil health and a climate-resilient future?

[available soon!]