Sustainable topsoil

Terre végétale

Soils are a non-renewable resource that must be protected. The current legislative framework aims to strengthen their protection (e.g., “Zéro Artificialisation Nette” (ZAN), Soil Directive, etc.). At the same time, the demand for topsoil continues to grow, particularly to meet urban greening needs.

In this context, Microhumus has developed the SubsTer® process, designed to produce substitute (or recycled) topsoil on-site or at dedicated platforms, using non-polluted materials from the circular economy (e.g., excavated subsoils, surplus earth, production waste, etc.). This topsoil can then be directly reused for land development projects.

This process makes it possible to:

  • Preserve natural soil resources
  • Recover materials that would otherwise be landfilled
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to material transport
  • Establish local, sustainable economic sectors based on the circular economy

The SubsTer® process:

diagram

In 2023, independent producers within the SubsTer® network generated over 190,000 tonnes of substitute topsoil across more than 30 platforms throughout mainland France.

Microhumus provides project case study sheets (REX) to share field experience.

To learn more: