Soil remediation in particular is seen as having huge potential.

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The particular properties of the volcanic soil are ideal for growing purple potatoes, black truffles, buckwheat, white corn and tomatoes, and Nogue insists the ingredients have a distinct flavour profile compared to the same vegetables and grains grown elsewhere, a characteristic he attributes to the soil's perfect balance of absorption and porosity, as well as its mineral properties.

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The principle is similar to that of terroir, where the soil and climate in a particular area impart distinctive qualities into wine.

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Many state or local extension services will test your soil and tell you what it needs for particular plants, shrubs or trees.

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Now, Dr Charters has set about trying to help growers in the Champagne region decide the future of their industry, notably the trend towards smaller, more distinctive brands that reflect a particular "terroir" -- the combination of climate and soil composition that gives a wine its character.

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