What is the Project?
SUBSTER – or, to be precise, the CONCEPT SUBSTER® – is a unique soil engineering process that transforms waste materials into substitute vegetal soil. Originating from the innovative work of Microhumus and its founders – true pioneers in soil engineering since the 1990s in France – this project is rooted in decades of scientific expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration. Microhumus, along with partners experienced in fields like construction (BTP), quarries, agronomy, pedology, and various soil sciences, initiated the concept jointly in France and the Middle East around 2009/2010. The SUBSTER® project represents a bridge between advanced soil characterization and practical, sustainable environmental engineering.
Main Benefit
- Valorizing unused materials from diverse industries, such as quarry operations and recycling platforms
- Providing substitute vegetal soils that can be used in plantations, thereby reducing the pressure on agricultural land
- Creating immediate, functional soils that improve over time – a fact demonstrated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- Building the first European network of independent producers of vegetal soil
Technical Foundations and Development
The foundation of the SUBSTER® project lies in agronomic valorization – essentially the process of transforming mineral materials into a recomposed, amendment-rich soil that is immediately functional and continues to improve with time… Through a blend of science and practical know-how, the project benefits from technology transfers developed by renowned institutions such as INRA, CNRS, and the University of Lorraine, thanks to collaborative research from the Soil and Environment laboratory. This scientific backing is what makes the SubsTer® process so reliable and forward-thinking.
Agronomic Valorization of Mineral Materials
A core element of this innovative project is the agronomic valorization of mineral materials – a phrase that essentially means reusing materials that would otherwise be wasted. By repurposing unsold or non-valorized materials from the quarry industry and recycling operations, the process transforms them into a recomposed soil rich in organic matter and biological potential. This method not only ensures that unused resources find a new life but also supports sustainable agricultural practices by avoiding the degradation of pristine agricultural lands. The approach, while firmly scientific, carries a subtly transformative potential – it turns waste into a resource and invites a new conversation about how society values its natural materials.
Recreating Living Soils Through Engineering
At the heart of the SUBSTER® method is the recreation of living, fertile soils using a precise and dynamic engineering process. Here’s the idea: instead of relying on degraded agricultural soil or variable-quality construction soils, the process focuses on creating healthy soils that are designed to work naturally. The technique involves a careful investigation into micro-aggregation phenomena (the way small particles bond together) using Transmission Electron Microscopy. By combining mineral waste with local organic materials – which carry a microbial potential tailored to the specific needs of each deposit – the process successfully recreates aqueous, living soils that are ready for use in plantations. It’s all about emulating nature’s own methods in a controlled, innovative way.
Innovative Soil Engineering Process
The SUBSTER® process is not just about mixing materials; it’s about creating an engineered system where each component has a role to play. The quality and safety of these substitute soils are confirmed with an agronomic sheet that details their properties, ensuring that every batch meets rigorous standards. The process is adapted to work not only with agricultural inputs but also with non-valorized materials from the quarry industry – demonstrating a remarkable flexibility. It’s interesting to note how scientific methods, such as TEM for soil characterization, have been harnessed to ensure that the resulting soil isn’t just a byproduct, but a high-quality resource that fosters microbial activity and long-term soil fertility.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By providing fertile substitute soils, the project supports sustainable agriculture and food production.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The innovative process and network of independent producers contribute to cutting-edge industrial practices.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Valorizing unused materials promotes recycling and efficient resource use.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Recreating healthy soils helps protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems.
Looking Forward in Soil Engineering
Looking ahead, the SUBSTER® project continues to push the boundaries of soil engineering. Its reliance on advanced scientific tools like Transmission Electron Microscopy ensures that every step of the process is monitored and improved over time. By working with local organic materials that carry their own developed microbial potential, the engineered soils are molded to suit the unique conditions of each quarry legacy or recycling deposit. There’s a natural, conversational rhythm in how the project not only revitalizes unused resources but also bridges a gap between traditional methods and innovative engineering. In simple terms, this process avoids the pitfalls of using degraded agricultural spaces and inconsistent construction soils, instead offering a reliable, scientifically-backed solution for sustainable land use.
