Ardo CSR rapport 2023 - Flipbook - Page 44
We are Ardo
1
The path to a more
sustainable food system
Minimal environmental
impact
Agronomy
MIMOSA+
Food safety, quality
and innovation
Respect for
our employees
Relationship with
our stakeholders
Good governance
Living soils – Improving soil health and humus content
The soil’s structure is crucial in withstanding extreme weather conditions
and it is essential to recognise that our agricultural practices significantly
influence it.
The soil is a dynamic ecosystem which hosts
The timing of vegetable harvesting, particularly
80% of biological activity. This biological
in wet conditions with heavy machinery,
activity plays a crucial role in creating a
can impact soil structure. Organic matter,
healthy and well-structured environment
especially humus, is essential for improving
for growing crops, more specifically root
soil structure. Soils with higher organic
penetration, water infiltration and nutrient
content exhibit greater resilience to extreme
availability. The zone between 30 to 50 cm,
conditions. This is why our primary target is
which is impacted by farmer activity, requires
to enhance the soil humus content, thereby
careful management. The first consideration
improving the soil structure of the fields on
is to prevent damage to the soil structure, as
which we conduct agricultural activities.
structural challenges like compacted layers
hinder the efficiency of biological activity and
“Our soil is our greatest ally.”
Luc Hayois Farmer from Wallonia
“Soil porosity is important for
oxygen, but also for the amount
of water the soil can store and
therefore has available for plants.
A well-structured soil can hold
up to 60 litres of water per square
metre available for plants.”
root penetration, as well as reduce the soil's
water retention capacity.
Jean-Marc Pirard Agronomist
Increased levels of biological activity, organic matter and enhanced
soil structure are key to living soils, providing greater resilience to
extreme weather conditions.
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