A significant proportion of the vegetables consumed in Québec originates from the Montérégie region, renowned for its organic soils ideal for vegetable cultivation due to their high fertility and organic content.
However, recent years have witnessed a concerning trend of rapid degradation in these soils, raising fears among farmers that they could vanish within the next 50 years, posing a threat to food self-sufficiency and vegetable production.
The degradation process, observed globally, is primarily driven by microbial decomposition, accelerated by the introduction of oxygen during soil drainage, leading to the breakdown of organic matter into carbon dioxide and fine particles.
Currently, about 16% of the cultivated organic soil in Montérégie is deemed thin and highly degraded, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to safeguard the future of vegetable production in the region.
Traditionally, copper application was recommended to slow down microbial decomposition, but its effectiveness is limited and poses environmental risks. A novel approach based on photosynthesis principles has emerged, focusing on using straw and wood chips rich in organic matter to replenish carbon in the soil.
Research has shown that incorporating straw and wood chips into organic soils can counteract carbon losses caused by microbial activity, restoring soil aeration and drainage crucial for optimal plant growth.
However, careful dosing is essential to prevent competition between plants and soil microbes for vital nutrients like nitrogen, ensuring a balanced ecosystem that supports healthy plant growth.
Furthermore, exploring the use of polyphenols derived from plants to inhibit microbial decomposition shows promise but requires further investigation before widespread application.
Efforts are underway to address wind erosion and drainage issues, aiming to conserve and restore the vital organic soils essential for vegetable production.
Farmers in the region have proactively adopted the use of straw and wood chips to protect their soils, collaborating on research initiatives to optimize these practices and attract international attention from farmers and researchers seeking sustainable solutions.
The global threat of cultivated organic soil degradation underscores the importance of prompt action and collaborative efforts to preserve these invaluable agricultural resources for future generations.
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