SPIN-FERT ART & SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
On September 17-20, 2024, the 4th International Organic Fruit Symposium and the 2nd International Organic Vegetable Symposium were held in Warsaw, organised by the Institute of Horticulture – National Research Institute and the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski.
During the OrgHort 2024 Symposium in Warsaw, Prof. Joanna Hoffmann, chair of Art & Science Node, member of SPIN-FERT Consortium presented the artistic project The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus, which delves into the intricate relationship between soil and humans. Employing the sense of smell, it explores the relationship between soil and human memory, combining scientific, societal, cultural, and personal perspectives. The scent of soil is a treasure trove of knowledge about its composition and the processes that occur in it. At the same time, it is a source of emotions and memories stored in the unfathomable layers of human memory. Participants of the ORGHORT Symposium shared with us the personal memories evoked by Soil Sample N1 prepared by InHort. The memories will be archived and serve as a foundation for creating a unique model of the RNA molecule, which will then be printed using biodegradable materials and buried in the soil. Over time, this original “memory capsule” will disintegrate, becoming part of the “living memory” of the soil and, indirectly, of the plants that will grow from it. read more_ The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus
On the third weekend of September 2024, the 47th “Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables Festival” was held in Skierniewice. It is one of the largest cultural and trade fair events in Poland, attracting crowds of citizens and tourists from Poland and abroad; known for its colourful parade and numerous accompanying events, also organized by the National Institute of Horticultural Research (INHORT). This year, INHORT organized a unique exhibition entitled ‘Sensory Gardens in the chambers of the Prymasowski Palace’, which took place at the Institute headquarters. The exhibition was part of the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Poland’s membership of the European Union and was granted the patronage of The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski,
SPIN-FERT prepared the special exhibition ‘The breath of the Earth’ („Tchnienie ziemi”), showing how soil and soil substrates can be perceived with all human senses. The smell of a soil substrate was associated with a classic tune, thus connecting the senses of hearing and smell, which turned into a symphony when the substrate was complemented with microbial inocula. The fractions of different soils and substrates gave the experience of touch. The colour of various soils served to attract the sense of sight. The participants (about 6.000) took part in activities combining cultural and scientific perspectives that delighted both young and old, including word games, interactive presentations about soil biodiversity, as well as a soil-inspired raffle, receiving microbial inocula to improve soil life (prepared by INTERMAG and INHORT) or compost-based substrate to substitute peat (prepared by ENOMONDO) as gift samples.
At the Institute of Horticulture – National Research Institute, they develop methods for analysing the microbiome of use and plants, root studies and biophysicochemical preparations protecting the rhizosphere of plants. Beneficial microorganisms from the rhizosphere of cultivated and wild plants are a source for creating microbiological biopreparations that enrich the soil used in horticulture and agriculture. Innovative microbiological consortia have a biostimulating and protective effect, adapting plants to stress conditions like drought. IO-PIB also develops microbiological biopreparations that accelerate the composting of brown coal and agricultural waste through biodegradation of the derived matter. The resulting bioproducts for biofertilizers, biostimulants, soil improvers, obtained mulches, growth substrates and microbiologically enriched composts. The resources include research on using rhizosphere bacteria and filamentous fungi, including Trichoderma, in horticultural crops and using plants to combat fungal and bacterial pathogens.
The participants were invited to feel the difference between the soil samples with various components through smell and music.