Matt Hunt

Managing Director of Bio-global Industries 

What do you do?

I am the Managing Director of Bio-global Industries, a company I established to produce biomass and growing media from waste agricultural resources. We work at the forefront of eco-sustainability, with a thriving tree plantation in Asheridge, Buckinghamshire. Through my work, I am making significant strides in promoting ecological practices and products to balance sustainability with productivity in the forestry and agricultural sectors.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

I have a keen understanding of soil and plant health, and I develop innovative, eco-sustainable solutions to support forestry and agriculture. My expertise lies in enhancing soil fertility, plant health, and improving air quality through strategic planting and management practices. My dedication to environmental stewardship not only boosts the health of the plantation but also serves as a model for sustainable agriculture.

My vision aligns with the SMART Soils project, focusing on reusing waste to benefit and rebuild soils. I believe we need to learn more about the soil microbiome to ensure that the products we develop meet its needs.

I will be providing a living laboratory to test the SMART Soils rebuilding technologies.

What do you love about this topic?

I believe in combining soil science with a passion for making a difference. A focus on enhancing soil microbiomes is particularly impactful, as healthy soil microbiomes are crucial for improving nutrient cycling, enhancing plant growth, and building soil structure. I have a particular passion for composting sustainable, renewable products such as biomass plantation willow, grasses, and organic anaerobic digestate waste, all using local microbes.

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

A truly circular and green economy must have soils at its centre. By transforming materials traditionally sent to landfill, lost in processing, left in the field, or previously unrecoverable, we can create a paradigm shift in agricultural practices that reduces costs and minimises environmental impact. Rebuilding soils has the potential to provide food security, nutrition, agricultural profitability, and sustainability in the face of climate change. This technology could reduce or remove the greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture.