Informational Seminars on the Program: Soil Quality Improvement

The Agricultural University of Athens participates in a national project funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development,

Measure 16 - ACTION 2: "Implementation of the operational plan (project) of collaborations aimed at promoting actions that demonstrate respect for environmental protection and adaptation to climate change."

Within the framework of Sub-measure: 16.1 – 16.5 “COOPERATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS, ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES, AND ACTIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE” (PAA) 2014-2020.

The Department of Plant Protection and Environment, participates as a scientific partner in the operational team titled "Soil Quality Improvement," through the Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Protection. The purpose is to assess the degradation of greenhouse soils from the long-term use of plastic materials. The study was conducted in the greenhouses of the program partners: 1) at the G. Nikos - Eir. Heilas Nurseries in the area of Kalamata, and 20 in the greenhouses of the Agricultural Horticultural-Olive Growing Cooperative of Tympaki, in the region of Crete.

The main responsibilities of the Agricultural University were:

• Measurements of greenhouse gas emissions from the soils,
• Analysis and evaluation of results,
• Education of the project team about the research methods and training on the safety protocols of the recycling process.

The results of the Research were presented at 2 seminars held in Kalamata, on Friday, 8/11/2024, and in Tympaki, Crete, on Wednesday, 27/11/2024.

The research highlighted the serious environmental impact from the excessive use and poor management of plastic materials in agricultural production, especially in greenhouses. The effects of plastic accumulation in the soil were examined, focusing on commonly used materials such as pots, plastic bottles, and plastic covers, which are discarded and degrade into microplastics, incorporating into the soil and causing problems to soil health and biodiversity. A significant aspect of the study was the measurements of the emissions of the major greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change: carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), from the soils of the studied greenhouses.

The presentations at the seminars emphasized the need for sustainable management practices of plastics in greenhouses. This includes training personnel in best practices such as recycling and reusing, alongside the safe disposal of plastic waste. Moreover, an innovative software was introduced to enhance the management of plastic materials and prevent their excessive use. This technology aims to diminish plastic pollution and boost the efficiency of resource usage among producers. It was highlighted that failing to adopt these practices would lead to ongoing accumulation of microplastics and soil fertility degradation, which would compromise agricultural productivity and threaten ecosystems. The proposals are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of greenhouse soils and to reduce the carbon footprint in the agricultural sector, ultimately striving for a more sustainable future.

More information about the project results will be posted on the project website: https://m16-soil-health.gr/