Pilot Polder Andijk
The pilot Polder Andijk, or Test Polder Andijk, Proefpolder Andijk in Dutch, is a
Construction
In 1924 the Lovink Committee published a proposal to build a pilot polder.[2] This polder could, on a small scale experiment future agriculture. The knowledge would then be used for the Wieringermeer. For this reason, in 1926-1927 near the village Andijk, 40 hectares (99 acres) of land were reclaimed.[1][3] On August 27, 1927, the pilot polder was drained. The cost of the polder, about 1 million guilders,[4] was relatively high, but the cost of polders to come should be lower.
Research
The Directorate of Wieringermeer wanted to study the behavior of a soil recovered from the sea, and how saline soils can be cultivated. After the draining was completed, a farm was built as well as laboratories for agriculture, soil science and research in microbiology. Different aspects for optimal use of land have been studied, such as desalination, drying and compacting. Experiments were also made to know the best way to cultivate and to select suitable crops. Some species can concentrate the salt and prepare future plantations.[5]
Results
By 1929 the polder was dry. Rain normally washes salt from reclaimed land in six or seven years; to make the soil useful faster,
Later use
In the late twentieth century the polder became a site for holiday homes.[7]
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7844-0829-2.
- ISBN 978-0-444-42253-8.
- ^ a b Ley, Willy (October 1961). "The Home-Made Land". For Your Information. Galaxy Science Fiction. pp. 92–106.
- OCLC 73487630.
- OCLC 462365.
- OCLC 955509.
- ISBN 978-90-6450-302-3.