Pl 
URK tropical research centre supports Colombian farmers
The Colombian Soil Science Society (Sociedad Colombiana de la Ciencia del Suelo) organised a seminar entitled ‘Integrated management of soil health’ (‘Manejo integrado de la salud del suelo’). Tomasz Zaleski, director of the Centre for Tropical Research, was invited to join the speakers from the National University of Colombia (Nacional Uiniwersitade de Colombia sede Medellin) to deliver a paper entitled ‘Manejo de las propiedades fisicas del suelo y sus efectos beneficos’.
The seminar took place on 22 October 2024 in the town of Urrao, located, south-west of the Department of Antioqiuqa - the most important coffee and avocado growing region, in Colombia.
During this seminar, more than 60 avocado growers and agronomists and students listened to lectures and took part in active training, where important topics were discussed: soil mapping, sampling, soil fertilisation, pH regulation, improving the chemical, physical and biological conditions of soils, maintaining soil fertility and protecting soils from degradation.
The main experts were Professor Walter Osorio, Professor Juan Loaiza, Dr Claudia Álvarezmgr Engineer Francisco Restrepo.
This type of training activity strengthens the relationship and enhances knowledge between our University, CEBOT and the National University of Colombia.
Photo 1. Participants at the first seminar on integrated soil health management in Urrao, Colombia
Photo 2. Tomasz Zaleski giving a lecture
Photo 3. Young avocado plantation in Urrao
Photo.4: Experts at an avocado plantation. From left: Juan Carlos Loaiza, Tomasz Zaleski, Walter Nelson Osorio