Study Site Trials

The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:

General Treatment Category	Study Site Trials
Crop rotations, tillage, fertilization	1. CROPSYS crop rotations, organic and conventional/row cropping with catch crops -Rotation (O2,O4,C4),O2 organic (S. barley: ley, Grass‑clover, spring wheat, spring oats), O4 organic (S. barley, Faba bean, Spring wheat, Spring oats), C4 conventional (S. barley, Faba bean, Spring wheat, Spring oats). +/- catch crop, +/- manure

Study Site poster 2018 (download)

 

SICS1:- Crop rotations, organic and conventional row cropping with cover crops

 

 

Key findings Small differences in soil physical properties and soil organic carbon were observed between treatments. This could be explained by the high initial quality of the soil and because no “extreme” treatments were included in the study. However, use of cover crops and animal manure affected the availability of nutrients in the soil at time of sampling, due to both short and long-term processes (e.g., temporary immobilization of P in cover crop biomass and depletion of P in organic treatments without animal manure). Compared to the control (conventional without cover crops), organic treatments had lower yields, but the yield gap was alleviated by the use of cover crops and animal manure. The inclusion of one year of legume-based ley in the rotation (O2) had a positive effect on earthworm abundance, which was particularly high in treatments with cover crops. This points to a joint effect of good quality litter availability and reduced soil disturbance by cultivation.

 

Geographical description

The Danish site is centered in the Municipality of Viborg, and the Region of Central Denmark where the main Agricultural Research Centre and the Aarhus University, Department of Agroecology is also situated. The sites draw on extensive long-term data from the field stations (see below), and nearby agricultural landscape study sites, from where data collection has been coordinated in the NitroEurope EU integrated project (2007-2011), the MEA_scope EU strategic research project (2004-2007) etc. and series of other research projects (1994-present).

The Danish site represents the most agriculture and livestock intensive western parts of Denmark, with extensive data available for upscaling and generalization. The area is dominated by loamy moraines (about 40-70 m above sea level), with agriculture and rotation cropping systems as the dominating land use. The climate is temporal coastal with significant surplus rainfall, especially outside the main growing season. Moreover, for the studies, we will include our very near collaboration with the Danish Farmers extension services (www.seges.dk) and the strong local farmers' associations.

Pedo-climatic zone
Dominated by sandy-loamy soils, with some peat soils. Situated on the border between the atlantic and the continental biogeographical region, Atlantic North climate. Some sandy soils are irrigated, and we have data on both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions.

.

 

Study Site Trials

The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:

General Treatment Category	Study Site Trials
Tillage, cover crops, amendments	1.Organic soil amendments in wheat fields - mineral fertilization, solid pig manure, VFG compost, wood chips and pig manure + lava grit
	2.Soil cultivation and soil cover in maize - strip till in living rye cover crop; Strip till in destroyed rye cover crop; Undersowing grass; Non inversion tillage; Control- normal ploughing

		Read this fact sheet in Dutch here

 

Key findings on woodchips No measurable differences in soil organic carbon content were identified within the timeframe of the project, but the potential for carbon build-up in the long term is demonstrated by RothC simulations. Significant increases in water infiltration rate were found as a result of applying the organic soil amendments. Temporary N immobilisation (high C/N ratio): if in autumn: decreased risk of nitrate leaching during winter; if in spring: less crop available N; follow-up and adaptation of N fertilization required. The SICS had no negative effects on crop development nor on crop yield. Context of Flemish manure legislation: low N and P content allows for the application of larger quantities. Current waste legislation, availability of wood chips as well as costs are possible barriers. (Financial) support and incentives from policy are needed. Stakeholders appear to be broadly receptive to the idea of applying woodchips as organic soil amendments. Longer-term studies are needed to determine whether there are any long-term effects of using these amendments

 

	Read this fact sheet in Dutch here

 

Key findings for strip tillage in maize and grass undersowing in maize Strip tillage in maize: There are serious bottlenecks regarding practical implementation, ecological impact (Roundup for destruction of grass cover) and pest control (wireworms). Grass undersowing in maize:  The context of CAP greening measures and derogation rules regarding cover crops are important to note when considering adopting this SICS.  Knowledge and expertise are required in terms of when to undertake undersowing, sowing technique, grass species, and weed control.  Results varied depending on the weather conditions.  Promising technique for erosion prevention, reduction of nitrate leaching and improving soil organic carbon content.

 

  

Geographical description

The study site is situated in the East of Leuven (indicated as blue area) at an elevation varying between 20 and 100 masl. It includes the communities of Leuven, Holsbeek, Lubbeek, Boutersem, Bierbeek and Lovenjoel. The Bodemkundige Dienst van België is situated at the Western border of the study site, while the Zoötechnisch Centrum lies within the study site. On the map the long-term (since 1997) compost trial (in green), as well as some of the long-term (since 2002) trials on reduced tillage (in purple) are indicated.  The study site is indicated in blue.

The maritime temperate climate in Flanders is characterised by significant precipitation in all seasons (no dry season),fresh/humid summers and relatively mild/rainy winters (according to the Köppen climate classification:Cfb). The average annual temperature is 10.5°C (3.3 in January and 18.4 in July), while the average minimal temperature is 6.9°C and the average maximal temperature is 14.2°C.The average annual rainfall is 852.4 mm. The study site is characterized by sandy, sandy loam and loamy soils. At parcel level also a variation in soil erosion potential is present in the study site.

Cropping systems

Cropping intensity
The study site is characterised mainly by conventional cropping systems. However, also conservation cropping systems (e.g. reduced tillage) and to a smaller extent organic cropping systems are present. In general in Flanders, crop production is highly intensive (high inputs, high yields).Types of crop
Mainly cereals, sugar beet, potato, maize, grass, apple and pear orchards. Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests 

Multi-actor approach

Relevant end-users and stakeholders
Farmers, farmers associations (like Boerenbond and Algemeen Boeren Syndicaat), governmental extension services (ADLO in Flanders), policy makers like VLM (Flemish Land Agency), LNE (the Environment, Nature and Energy Department of the Flemish Government), but also other stakeholders of the rural area, e.g. inhabitants, tourists.

  

Map indicating the different agricultural regions present in de study site. From light to dark colour, Flemish sand region, Sandy loam region and Loam region	Map indicating the potential soil erosion at parcel level. Green: soil erosion potential is very low, yellow: soil erosion potential is low, orange: soil erosion potential is medium, red: soil erosion potential is high and purple: soil erosion potential is very high