Scheldedijk

Massart was one of the first to draw attention to numerous, small elements in less spectacular landscapes. This photo of the Scheldedijk in Bornem is a textbook example of this. The double row of walnuts (Juglans regia), which are a reinforcing element for the summer dike, was shown centrally. The summer dike itself was an important factor in the landscape. This type of dike was lower than a normal dike and protected flood areas behind it at normal water levels. However, in winter and in the event of unforeseen water levels, this dike could not stop the rising water despite the two-meter wide ditch on the land side of the dike. The higher dike further away, a winter dike, was able to do this. Precisely because of this flooding possibility, the area was enriched with a fertile layer of silt. Due to this natural siltation, this transition area near Bornem, the Groot Schoor, is very fertile.

Dromos