A summer evening exploring Flevoland’s soil
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
What can a handful of soil tell us about the past and future of agriculture? On 29 June, Food Pioneers brought together fifteen urban farmers, farmers and other interested participants for an evening dedicated to Flevoland’s unique soil.
The event was organised as part of FOODCITYBOOST, a European research project exploring the development and impact of urban agriculture. Almere is one of the project’s six Living Labs. Here, Food Pioneers brings researchers, policymakers and practitioners together to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Discovering what the soil can tell us
The evening began with a meal at the Centrum Stadslandbouw, prepared by Jim and Marinke from Geworteld. Afterwards, soil advisers Anna Zwijnenburg and Albert Jan Olijve from Van Tafel naar Kavel introduced the participants to the history of Flevoland’s soil.
The soil beneath Almere was formed during different geological periods. Its history as seabed left behind calcareous clay soil that retains moisture and binds nutrients effectively. These properties make it particularly suitable for agriculture.
Healthy soil consists of much more than earth alone. Fungi, plant roots, insects, worms and other organisms form a living ecosystem. Organic matter and careful soil management help keep this system healthy and fertile for the future. Anna and Albert Jan therefore encouraged the farmers and growers in attendance to become experts on their own soil.
Getting our hands in the soil
After the introduction, it was time to put this knowledge into practice. The group visited the garden behind the Centrum Stadslandbouw, Groene Pluk pick-your-own garden and Van Dongen arable farm.
Soil samples were taken and examined at each location. Participants observed differences in soil structure, root development and soil life. They also discovered traces of previous cultivation and seashells from the former seabed. The samples revealed just how much information is hidden beneath our feet.
Bringing research and practice together
Food Pioneers facilitates this exchange within FOODCITYBOOST’s Almere Living Lab. In doing so, we connect knowledge about urban agriculture with the people putting it into practice every day.
