"Save nature to save the future" is a project co-financed by the European Union through the Cross-border Cooperation Program INTERREG - IPA Bulgaria - Turkey 2014 - 2020, in which partners are the Chamber of Agriculture - Meric and CEIBG Haskovo.
The main goal of the project is the protection of soils in the cross-border regions of Bulgaria and Turkey. Soil, as a component of the environment, is an indispensable, limited and practically irreplaceable natural resource. It is extremely important to preserve it for future generations because it is key to the food security of the population.
The functions of the soil are extremely important for nature and humanity, and their disruption has a global impact. Its main purpose is to provide conditions for the development of agricultural crops, and its fertility - the basis of agricultural production.
In the 21st century, with constant technological progress and a growing population, there is a crisis of natural resources such as minerals, fuels, and soil. The reduction of soil resources is usually the result of their intensive exploitation. The soil is subjected to various forms of damage, the most common being chemical pollution with heavy metals, various forms of degradation processes such as erosion, acidification, and salinization. It requires protection from harmful effects, destruction, and its sustainable use. This is the purpose of the study, which is the basis of the project - to inform the public about the consequences of negligent treatment of soils and the possibilities for their prevention.
We do not own the land. It is a gift from nature. We have inherited it from our ancestors, and we are obliged to pass it on to the next generations. For this reason, the state of soil resources and soils in the cross-border region of Bulgaria - Turkey - Haskovo region are the subject of this study under the project "Save nature to save the future”. To realize it, soil samples were taken from different lands. Soil analyzes were performed with the help of the electronic mobile laboratory for soil analysis. The equipment was purchased under the project and provides accurate and timely results for fifteen soil factors, including the availability of macronutrients and critical micronutrients. It makes it possible to determine the nutrient needs of soils in Haskovo district, to help proper fertilization and achieve optimal yields.
 With the help of the equipped laboratory, complete agrochemical analyzes of soil samples were performed, which include:
determination of soil acidity
the specific electrical conductivity
mineral nitrogen
Assimilate potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, organic matter (humus), and trace elements.To achieve the desired result of the project, namely the protection of soil resources, training is provided for farmers, government officials, farmers, businesses, civil society to get acquainted with the basics of ecology and sustainable development of agriculture, to clarify the environmental situation in the region. It includes topics such as: "Atmosphere - air quality, sources of air pollution and the consequences of pollution, pollution control"; "Water - water use and needs, water pollution problems, environmental prospects, water treatment and hazardous waste treatment"; "Solid waste management and soil pollution - waste management and treatment, soil characteristics and protective measures against soil pollution". Sustainable agriculture and waste treatment are key topics for discussion, as the aim is to meet society's current needs for food and textiles without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable agriculture practitioners seek to integrate three main goals into their work: a healthy environment, economic viability, and social and economic justice. There are many practices used by people working in sustainable agriculture and the food industry. Growers can use methods to promote soil health, minimize water use and lower pollution levels on the farm. The forum also aims to conduct practical training for the operation of equipment, for measuring soil quality by a mobile electronic laboratory.
As a leading partner in the project, the Agricultural Chamber – Meric district, Edirne province is implementing the construction of a Center for recycling of plastic boxes, which are a major polluter. As there are 9 000 hectares of rice-growing land in the Meric district area and 2 500 hectares of other agricultural products, the boxes of fertilizers and preparations used by farmers are disposed of in the environment. However, there is a residual amount of chemicals in them. When released into the wild, they leak, and chemical waste contributes to soil pollution. With the construction of a Plastic Box Recycling Center and a laboratory, the problem is expected to be solved.
In the cross-border regions of Bulgaria and Turkey - in Meric district, Edirne province, a study of the state of soil resources and soils will be conducted, as well as training for farmers from the region.