The aim here was to support a hedge planting for the ecological network of the agricultural plains of Hesbaye in Chastre. This hedge will also have an anti-erosion function.
PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY
CHAPTER 1, LUC JORIS IS AN AGRONOMIST PRACTICING IN THE CHASTRE REGION (WALLOON BRABANT).
Highly invested in the application of sustainable agricultural models: “he uses plant species associations in his fields, such as wheat with winter peas or rapeseed with a legume.” These practices aim to restore biodiversity within his plots, but also to preserve the soil. For example, did you know that legumes contribute to the natural fixation of nitrogen in the soil by capturing it from the air?
Luc also applies soil conservation practices. He thus reduces soil tillage by practicing no-till farming on 90% of his land. As Luc explains very well: this not only helps to conserve the carbon captured by the soil but also to limit the consumption of fossil energy used by machines. Luc’s work on his farm thus operates on two levels: the increase in carbon sequestration and the reduction of his greenhouse gas emissions.
CHAPTER 2, PLANTINGS FOR BIODIVERSITY
In the past, Luc Joris has already demonstrated his environmental commitment by dividing one of his 45-hectare plots into three parts with hedges composed of several species, associated with grass strips for wildlife.
It is with this mindset that Luc Joris decided to partner with PlantC as part of a new planting project. This involves a double-row hedge (meaning two parallel lines of shrubs that make up the hedge) with a total length of 560 meters, also associated with a development known as an “agro-environmental and climate measure,” specifically here, a herbaceous cover crop.
Nearly 1,600 plants of 8 different species were planted: hawthorn, blackthorn, guelder rose, rowan, common elder, dogwood, wild rose, hazel.
All of these green infrastructures:
- recreate shelter, cover and movement corridors for the wildlife of the agricultural plain.
- help to protect and rebuild the soil of the plots.
- will promote the protection of crops from climatic hazards (agroforestry schemes for water runoff, anti-erosion control, with a shading function and to some extent as a windbreak).
The PlantC team is pleased to have had the opportunity to meet him. But is extremely proud to support him in his commitment!
The importance of the ecological network in Walloon Brabant
Moreover, this project is part of the mobilization by PlantC and Walloon Brabant around the collective project “Co-building the ecological network in Walloon Brabant“. Walloon Brabant contributes up to 70% of the project!
To learn more.
Project monitoring in 2022
The work was completed on February 16, 2022. Since then, Luc Joris and the PlantC team have remained in close contact.
In agricultural areas, in the middle of winter, the plants can be very palatable to plains herbivores. Sheep wool can be a good repellent.
As of May 2022, we can observe the recovery rate, estimated at 98%. We are starting to issue our “watering” alerts because spring is proving to be very hot and dry. Nevertheless, upon verification, the mulching is playing its role and limiting soil water evaporation. The soil is still quite moist. Second check at the end of July 2022, the hedge is doing wonderfully!
The visit in the presence of Cambier Avocats in 2023
In 2022, the law firm Cambier-avocats supported the planting of a hedge of 1,600 plants, 560m long, arranged in a double row. That is why we invited them to the site at the beginning of spring 2023! Discover this in sound and images here!
Features
| PLANTING | Double-row hedge |
| IMPACTED AGRICULTURAL AREA | 29 hectares |
| PLANTING SEASON | Winter 2021-2022 |
