How is the Soil in Slovakia? Analysis of the Current State Could Help
Last year, the Ekopolis Foundation began mapping the current situation and conditions for developing regenerative agriculture in Slovakia. To support this effort, it launched a new program in collaboration with Nestlé called “For the Soil.” This program includes the launch of a new website, www.prepodu.sk, which provides analysis as well as information on how to promote the sustainability of agricultural landscapes.
“In traditional soil management, the top, often most fertile layers full of microorganisms are disrupted, degrading the soil. The soil may appear loosened, but its water regime and life are disturbed—the natural channels and important microorganisms are destroyed. We can already see the consequences of soil erosion, especially after intense rains, when villages and roads are literally flooded with soil from surrounding fields. Due to soil erosion, we lose about 30 tons of the most fertile soil per hectare each year,” the analysis states. “In the new ‘For the Soil’ program, we focus on analyzing the problems with current farming practices in Slovakia. We aim to create opportunities for change and showcase positive examples of Slovak farms which are already working to improve soil quality and health,” says Martin Gálik, external collaborator of the Ekopolis Foundation and program manager. The 2021 analysis of Slovakia’s current situation is available online at this link.
“At Nestlé, we recognize that climate change is one of the biggest threats humanity faces, which is why we have decided to act. We have committed to reducing CO2 emissions by half by 2030 and aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Since two-thirds of our greenhouse gas emissions stem from the cultivation of crops we process, we have chosen regenerative agriculture as our path. By 2030, we plan to source 50% of our key ingredients this way,” said Ľubica Novotná, Corporate Affairs Manager at Nestlé Slovakia s.r.o.
The “For the Soil” program is focused on the concept of regenerative agriculture, offering methods to improve the soil itself, enhance its fertility, and help the landscape adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. The program’s long-term goal is to support discussions on sustainable land use and on measures to increase resilience. The program is framed by Europe’s and Slovakia’s goal to achieve decarbonization by 2050. The “For the Soil” program is made possible through the support of Nestlé.