Did you know that agricultural production will have to increase by 60% to meet the global food demand in 2050?
This is just one of the scary statistics that we are being reminded of to mark the 10th annual World Soil Day, which takes place today (Thursday 5 December).
In fact, our planet’s survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils, and it supplies 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants.
The theme of this year’s World Soil Day is Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage, underscoring the importance of accurate soil data and information in understanding soils characteristics and supporting informed decision-making on sustainable soil management for food security.
At Hadlow College we have a number of Horticulture and Agriculture courses which include elements all with a strong focus on sustainability and considering the long-term health of the environment.
Our Agriculture courses get students involved with all aspects of the farming year including lambing, shearing, ploughing and harvest, and assisting with the College’s beef herd, as well as working on machinery and in our excellent workshop facilities.
To find out more visit the Agriculture subject page of the Hadlow College website.
Our Horticulture courses provide students with the opportunity to use our first class facilities such as the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College - the UK’s first Centre of Excellence in glasshouse growing and a ‘robotic orchard and vineyard’ which demonstrates the latest technology including automated AI management systems, a state-of-the-art irrigation, fertigation and frost protection system and automated fruit picking.
To find out more visit the Horticulture subject page of the Hadlow College website.