Ardo CSR rapport 2024 - Flipbook - Page 40
We are Ardo
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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
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
59% of life including everything from microbes
in wet conditions with heavy machinery,
to mammals, making it the single most
can impact soil structure. Organic matter,
biodiverse habitat on Earth1.
especially humus, is essential for improving
soil structure. Soils with higher organic
This biological activity plays a crucial role
content exhibit greater resilience to extreme
in creating a healthy and well-structured
conditions. This is why our primary target is
environment for growing crops, more
to enhance the soil humus content, thereby
specifically root penetration, water infiltration
improving the soil structure of the fields on
and nutrient availability. The zone between
which we conduct agricultural activities.
0 to 30 cm, which is impacted by farmer
activity, requires careful management. The
first consideration is to prevent damage to
the soil structure, as structural challenges
like compacted layers hinder the efficiency of
biological activity and root penetration, as well
as reduce the soil's water retention capacity.
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1
Anthony, M. A., Bender, S. F., & van der Heijden, M. G. A. (2023). Enumerating soil biodiversity. PNAS, 120(33), e2304663120.
Increased levels of biological activity, organic matter and enhanced
soil structure are key to living soils, providing greater resilience
to extreme weather conditions.
Sustainability
statements
