Land Safe, Soil Safe:
Seeds of Survival
"Restoring Safety and Productivity to Ukraine's
War-Impacted Farmlands"
April 2024
Author: Stephen Wright
This Power Point presentation supports the written
report to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation
Ukraine's agriculture faces unprecedented
disruption.
Looking at the critical issues and the implications
for food security and food safety.
Executive
Summary
Challenges that threaten local food production
and the global supply chains that depend on
Ukraine’s agricultural outputs.
A comprehensive approach using state-of-the-art
soil sampling and analysis tools to create detailed
profiles of soil health.
Addressing both the visible and invisible legacies
of the conflict, restoring the productivity and
safety of Ukraine’s farmlands, and reinforcing the
nation’s critical role in the global economy.
Challenges
Faced by
Ukrainian
Agriculture
•
The presence of UXOs and other remnants of war
endanger lives, hinder agricultural operations,
and degrade soil fertility through physical
destruction and ordnance residue.
•
This dangerous threat casts a long shadow over
farming communities, restricting access to their
land, preventing agricultural activities, and
creating a cycle of reduced productivity
throughout the supply chain.
•
An uncertain time in Ukrainian agriculture in war
underscores an urgent call for action.
•
Our ultimate goal is to reassert Ukraine's status as
a trustworthy global food supplier.
•
Our commitment aligns with the strategic vision
of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, leveraging
innovation to underwrite Ukraine’s agricultural
resilience and market confidence.
•
By achieving 'Land Safe and Soil Safe' status
through scientific validation, we can reassure
international stakeholders of the integrity of
Ukraine's agricultural products, therefore
securing the country's standing in the global food
economy.
Advancements in soil testing technologies have
transformed the ability to assess soil composition
and quality in the field.
Notable technologies include portable X-ray
fluorescence and Surface-Enhanced Raman
Spectrometry (SERS)
Methodology
Integration of advanced analytical techniques
signifies a pivotal shift towards more dynamic,
informed, and sustainable soil management
practices.
The HALO Trust's mission is making land safe and
productive by removing explosive remnants.
Adding advanced detection and analysis for soil
heavy metal impact broadens the concept of safety.
Recommendations
Expand UXO Clearance: Intensify efforts to clear UXO from agricultural
lands to reduce physical risks and facilitate the restoration of farmland.
Implement Robust Soil Testing: Adopt advanced soil testing methods at a
larger scale to ensure comprehensive land safety assessments. “Land Safe
and Soil Safe”.
Engage in Soil Restoration: Where and if necessary, employ remediation
techniques such as phytoremediation, bioremediation, and Zeolites to
restore soil health.
Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate closely with local and international
agricultural experts, policymakers, and environmental agencies to align
restoration efforts with best practices and regulatory standards.
Results comparing the heavy metal concentrations in the
samples taken, to the EU Directive 86/278/EEC limits:
• Cadmium (Cd): Maximum recorded value is 0.512
mg/kg, well below the limit of 3 mg/kg.
• Chromium (Cr): Maximum recorded value is 54.446
mg/kg, below the limit of 100 mg/kg.
Pilot Soil
Analysis
Sampling
• Lead (Pb): Maximum recorded value is 31.310 mg/kg,
below the limit of 300 mg/kg. 18
• Mercury (Hg): Maximum recorded value is 0.044
mg/kg, below the limit of 1.5 mg/kg.
• Arsenic (As): Maximum recorded value is 11.058
mg/kg, below the typical regulatory limit of 20 mg/kg.
The EU Directive 86/278/EEC doesn't specifically set
limits for uranium in agricultural soils as it primarily
focuses on other heavy metals. However, different
countries and international bodies may have guidelines
or recommended limits for uranium due to its
radioactive properties and potential health impacts.
• Restoring agricultural lands will not only
improve food security but also reinforce
Ukraine’s capacity to resume its role in the
global food economy.
Impact
and
Future
Steps
• A holistic recovery strategy that incorporates
soil science and advanced soil analysis into
ordnance management, ensuring that the
cleared land is not only free from explosives
but also safe from any residual contaminants
that could compromise agricultural
productivity and safety.
• A vision, aligning with the Howard G. Buffett
Foundation, aimed at reviving the legacy of
Ukraine's rich agricultural heritage, and
securing a sustainable future for its farming
communities.
Remote Sensing and Crater Maps
BY INCORPORATING SOIL ANALYSIS DATA INTO
HALO'S CURRENT REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGY
ON ITS OPERATIONAL MAPS, WE CAN CREATE A
DETAILED LAYER THAT SPECIFICALLY EXAMINES THE
IMPACT OF ORDNANCE ON THE SOIL QUALITY AT
CRATER LOCATIONS. THIS INNOVATIVE APPROACH
WOULD PROVIDE PRECISE INSIGHTS INTO THE
HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY POTENTIAL OF
INDIVIDUAL FIELDS. FARMERS COULD BEGIN TO
ACCURATELY ASSESS THE NECESSARY
INTERVENTIONS, IF NEEDED, FOR REHABILITATING
THEIR LANDS, POTENTIALLY INCREASING CROP YIELDS
AND GENERATING MORE INCOME, IMPACTING
LIVELIHOODS. ADDITIONALLY, THIS TOOL COULD
HELP IN MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL RECOVERY
AND PLANNING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL
This is a HALO Ops map remote sensing layer from
the Kharkiv region, which shows at least 28 craters
that require inspection for data collection.
PRACTICES, THUS ENHANCING THE OVERALL WELLBEING OF THE COMMUNITY.
Call to Action
This endeavor calls for collaborative efforts with The HALO Trust to
prioritize and advance soil analysis and restoration methodologies. Such
partnerships are fundamental to reinstating the long-term health and
fertility of Ukraine's agricultural lands, which have been adversely
affected by the impact of ordnance and remnants of the conflict.
Together, we can forge sustainable strategies and employ innovative
solutions to restore the fertility and yield of these lands, ensuring food
security, food safety, and the economic stability of the region.
Thank you
Stephen Wright
Contact
Information
E-mail:
Stephen.wright@halotrust.org
Telephone: +380 97 393 7247