Compacted and intoxicated soils are a serious problem that affects both the environment and human health. This occurs when excessive pressure is exerted on the earth, causing it to compress and lose its natural structure. Compaction prevents water and air from circulating properly in the soil, which can cause the death of the flora and fauna that depend on them.
Soil poisoning, on the other hand, occurs when toxic chemicals are deposited in the soil, as a result of human activities such as intensive agriculture, mining or industry. These chemicals can be very harmful to human health and can lead to serious diseases such as cancer or neurological disorders.
It is important to note that compaction and soil poisoning are often interrelated, since compaction can cause chemical contaminants to concentrate in specific areas of the soil and not be dispersed properly. Therefore, it is crucial to address both problems to protect both the environment and human health.
The Asohofrucol Tropical Agriculture model (Fnfh) has implemented a soil recovery plan to promote their vitality and recovery. Soil compaction is a phenomenon that occurs due to the abuse of agricultural practices such as grazing, the use of machinery, burning and the excessive use of agents. chemicals, which reduces the porous cavities necessary for the correct development of the roots of the plants and the absorption of nutrients.
“It is necessary to do a soil analysis to determine what state it is in or, otherwise, we do badly at the time of planting. For their part, microorganisms and biofermented products activate it, releasing its nutrients for plants to take, while agrochemicals poison it by inactivating it,” explained Álvaro Palacio Peláez, executive president of Asohofrucol.
To reverse this situation, Asohofrucol has implemented biofactories that use mountain microorganisms, mineral broths, bioferments and other elements to improve soil and its vitality.
In addition, the Tropical Agriculture model uses soil management practices, such as the implementation of plant covers, the propagation and application of mountain microorganisms and the use of bio-inputs to improve soil fertility.
“Soil health works like a three-legged table, if any of these are missing or disproportionate, the table can never be balanced; these components are: the chemical part, the physical part and the biological part of the soil. The Tropical Agriculture model combines soil management practices such as: the implementation of vegetable cover (bearing), the propagation and application of mountain microorganisms, as well as the use of bio-inputs, with the purpose of promoting the harmony of the soil components. , improving their fertility”, commented José Ricardo Acosta, agronomist of the association.
“We have been applying pollinaza for three years and the change has been great, something as simple as opening a hole is much easier. When the soil is loosened, there is oxygen and nutrition is much higher. We now have fully productive soils from which we are harvesting Hass avocado, plantain and banana. By opting for the Tropical Agriculture model, we stopped using herbicides and began to implement pads, thus saving a lot of money; In addition, there is a fertility that allows the appearance of fauna, thanks to these worms, termites and small animals, tunnels are created that help loosen the earth, this practice is more durable than with mechanical tools”, added Jaime Arbeláez, producer of Darién Calima in Valle del Cauca, according to Asohofrucol.