WE already know that plants can help extract impurities from the air, but now green-fingered scientists are asking AG readers to help them trial a clever new scheme which uses specially chosen varieties to ‘mine’ impurities and metals from contaminated soil.
If it goes ahead, Lorna’s Seeds will use plants, instead of invasive chemicals, to extract toxins from the soil around former warehouses and factories that are earmarked for housing developments.
Once the soil is cleaned, anyone living in the new homes will be able to grow crops with peace of mind.
The project has been developed by Dr Lorna Anguilano, a senior research fellow at Brunel University London’s Experimental Technique Centre.
“The idea originally comes from mining – the harvesting of nickel from plants was patented years ago – but it’s since been studied for many different plants and lots of different metals. It’s relatively old technology,” Dr Anguilano explained to AG.
Contaminants in our environment
“Lorna’s Seeds is really a variation on the theme, but we want to help soil regeneration in an urban environment. So, we want to see what sort of contamination we have in our living environments – in our gardens and allotments – and then develop an assortment of seeds that can help remove the metals present in the soil.”
Esta historia es de la edición July 10, 2021 de Amateur Gardening.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 10, 2021 de Amateur Gardening.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters