As part of the SoilLifeBoats project, we hosted a sampling campaign at our demonstration fields located at ALCOR’s headquarters, with the valuable support of our project partner InHort – the National Institute of Horticulture
The team from InHort visited our site to carry out a full sampling and monitoring session on the experimental tulip plots. Their activities included:
- Collecting soil samples for laboratory analysis
- Taking measurements of tulip growth and development
- Checking soil moisture levels across treatments
The experiment is being conducted on four distinct field plots, each testing different soil amendment strategies developed within the LIFE project:
- Control field – no additives
- Rock Cellulose Granules – enhancing soil structure and water retention
- NPK-impregnated willow wood sticks – slow-release nutrient and organic matter source
- Combination of both granules and impregnated wood – testing a synergistic effect
Early observations and data are very promising. The soil amendments not only support plant growth but are also improving key soil properties—especially water retention, which is critical in adapting to increasingly dry and unpredictable weather patterns.
Our additives provide a balanced mix of organic matter, NPK nutrients, and finely ground basalt powder, all designed to enrich soil health and promote resilient plant development. These circular bio-based solutions show great potential for wider use in both horticulture and forestry.
This campaign marks another important milestone in the project, and we’re looking forward to sharing full results as the season progresses.
Stay tuned – the tulips are just the beginning!