Natuurmonumenten spreads 300 tons of rock flour over the heathlands in the Natura 2000 area Loonse and Drunense Duinen. The soil in this area is heavily acidified due to nitrogen deposition, causing mineral deficiencies. The use of rock flour is an emergency measure to preserve the plant and animal species in the area.

Loonse and Drunense Duinen

The Loonse and Drunense Duinen is a Natura 2000 area in Central Brabant. This protected natural area is known as one of the largest drifting sand areas in Western Europe. You can also find deciduous and coniferous forests and beautiful heathlands here. For many protected plant and animal species, this area is their home.

Mineral Deficiency Due to Acidification

The habitat of these species unfortunately suffers from heavily acidified soil. This acidification is caused by nitrogen compounds deposited in the area. Due to acidification, important minerals in the soil such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium dissolve rapidly. Additionally, they leach into deeper soil layers. Here they are out of reach of plants that need these minerals to grow and bloom.

Healthy Soil Necessary

These mineral deficiencies ultimately weaken the entire nature. Janne Notermans, ecology forest ranger at Natuurmonumenten, says about this: “Caterpillars that eat leaves pass the mineral deficiency on to the birds that feed their young with them. These mineral deficiencies in the soil thus propagate throughout the entire food chain. Healthy soil is truly the foundation for strong nature. We strive for a varied and strong heath. Special species dependent on this are now threatened with disappearance.”

Emergency Measure

The cause of acidification is unfortunately not quickly removed. To help the soil and heathland life as much as possible where it can, Natuurmonumenten now takes an emergency measure. According to advice from research center B-WARE, Natuurmonumenten spreads 300 tons of rock flour over the heath.

Rock Flour as Medicine

Rock flour is a by-product of natural stone and consists of minerals. By spreading this on acidified soils, these minerals are slowly released into the soil. Plants then absorb the minerals. Notermans: “Rock flour is actually a medicine. It should help the soil recover from acidification, but we do not know exactly what the long-term side effects will be. Effects will only be seen after 10 to 15 years. But if we do nothing, we are sure that even more species on the heath will disappear. The soil is really sick; in fact, it is already two minutes past twelve.”