Afghan knotweed tackled at Soesterberg Air Base |
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Utrechts Landschap excavates contaminated soil and sieves it directly on site
Utrechts Landschap has started tackling Afghan knotweed at Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg. The invasive plant has taken over a growing site there. To prevent further spread, the contaminated soil is being excavated and sieved on site.
| Image for illustration, generated with AI |
Afghan knotweed was introduced to the Netherlands as an ornamental plant around a century ago. The species is now also found outside gardens and estates. The plant grows rapidly and can form dense stands, leaving less space for other plants.
Excavating, sieving and burning plant material
At Soesterberg Air Base, Utrechts Landschap has chosen to excavate the soil around the affected area. The soil is then sieved at the same location. The sieved soil can be returned immediately afterwards. The plant material removed from the soil is sent to an incineration facility.
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The contaminated soil is excavated, sieved and immediately returned to the same location
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No transport of contaminated soil
By treating the soil on site, it does not need to be stored or processed elsewhere. This also prevents parts of the plant from spreading to other locations during transport. After treatment, the existing soil can be reused.
By removing the knotweed, Utrechts Landschap aims to create space for more diverse and flower-rich vegetation. This should also provide more habitat for insects at the former airfield.
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After sieving, the existing soil can be reused immediately
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Space for other vegetation
The approach at Soesterberg is also relevant for land managers dealing with invasive knotweed species at other locations. When controlling knotweed, preventing further spread is particularly important. Any remaining plant material is therefore removed and incinerated.
This article was previously published on 11 August 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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