A lot has been going on at the construction site, which you can also read about more here. Now that it is two months later, you can also see more to get an on-site impression below. We even had snow!
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Today is world soil day. The UN has chosen this moment to consider how soil affects our daily lives.
"Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil water, vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems.
However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life.
Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
World Soil Day 2023 (WSD) and its campaign aim to raise awareness
of the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving
sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. WSD is a unique global
platform that not only celebrates soils but also empowers and engages
citizens around the world to improve soil health."
For our Green Panel research we are testing different substrates to grow sedum on: soil, rockwool, and recycled fabric, as well as combinations thereof. So far results were inconclusive whether or not there was a difference in temperature or soil moisture, but now the seasons have changed we might expect more pronounced differences. Temperatures have dropped below 0 and precipitation has increased, and results are about to be analyzed by our new student teams. It may seem that other materials perform well in terms of water and energy resources, or circularity, but ultimately, flourishing vegetation enhances evapotranspiration and biodiversity.
Finally the book in which Joanne and I have a chapter is now physically published. You can find the order details here and read not just our...
