The western part of France (Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Normandie) is a traditional dairy area. Large dairy companies are located in this area. Organic farming and alternative growing methods have been growing much for 10 years, driven by societal demand.
Study Site pages (18)
Future Scenarios for Policy-making (Feedback requested!)
Written by Jane Mills - WP8The SoilCare project is developing a set of future scenarios with the aim of identifying different pathways for European agriculture, from now until 2050, that will help to support the development of policies that are future-proof. The scenario development process is intended to provide a contribution in the following ways:
- develop scenarios capable of testing the effectiveness of proposed policies, and to be used in the design of policies
- enable social learning and increase strategic capacity when considering policy alternatives and uncertain futures
- increase the understanding of difficult futures to operate in, and find ways to take action now against these futures
An overview of the approach taken to developing these scenarios can be found here. To date, the following 4 draft scenarios have been developed.
A description and a video providing details of each scenario can be found below.
Scenario 1: Local and sustainable (for those who can afford it) | Description of Scenario 1 | |
Scenario 2: Under pressure | Description of Scenario 2 | |
Scenario 3: Race to the bottom | Description of Scenario 3 | |
Scenario 4: Caring and sharing | Description of Scenario 4 |
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The draft scenarios were presented at a Webinar on 23rd April 2020 where participants were asked to provide feedback on each scenario in order to develop them further. The Webinar presentations can be found here (Webinar introduction and Approach and Scenarios) and a recording of the Webinar here.
We are still collecting feedback on these scenarios to help improve their content and relevance and to ensure we receive feedback from as wide a range of people across different sectors as possible.
Please help by providing your feedback in the form here.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
France | Cover crops, sowing management, tillage |
1. Early sowing of wheat (August vs September vs end of October) (2019) 2. Cover crops (oat vs mixed) (2019, 2020) 3. Maize direct sowing (2019) 4. Cover crops interseeded between maize (2020) |
Study Site poster 2018, Study Site poster 2019
Early sowing of wheat | Cover crops |
The Study Site consists of 2 areas in Brittany, namely the Semnon catchment area and the Linon catchment area. These areas are presented separately below.
External drivers and factors in Brittany
In 1964, France established a water management by catchment areas with the first water law. This management by catchment areas is then reaffirmed by the European Framework Directive on “Water 2000” which requires all its member states in order to achieve good ecological status of waters by 2015. Catchment areas are coherent territories recognized by French and European laws.
Semnon catchment area
Geographical description
Semnon catchment area is localized in the south of Ille-et-Vilaine department, in the eastern part of Brittany. Its size is around 495 km² and 26000 hectares of total cultivated area. Semnon river is 73 km long. The geology of the area is quite homogeneous. It consists of alternating 2 types of schists, among which are intercalated sandstone and sandstone foundations.
The Semnon catchment descends west to its confluence with the Vilaine river, where its altitude is about ten meters. Its maximum altitude is about 100 meters, in the south-eastern part. The Semnon catchment is subject to an oceanic climate, with a gradient to a continental climate in the eastern part, with result in less continuous rains than in coastal areas.
Pedo-climatic zone
Lusitanian/ Atlantic Central, Cambisol
Cropping systems
Cropping intensity
Semnon catchment area has 434 farms and it is mainly a dairy area. There are 18 organic farms on the area. FRAB and his local partner Agrobio35 are working on soils with more or less 12 farms in this area (organic and conventional)
Types of crop
Wheat, maize and grassland: the territory has mainly traditional dairy systems, grassland systems and maize based systems. Most of the farms of the territory grows cereals too. There are also some orchards.
Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
There is no irrigation in this area. Management of soils and nutrients depends of the farms, whether they are in conventional or organic farming. GAB-FRAB network is trying to promote organic methods, as organic fertilisation, mechanical weeding, rotations…
Soil improving cropping system and techniques currently used
Biological pest management, green manure, organic fertilisers
Problems that cause yield loss or increased costs
Compaction, weeds, loss of soil fertility
Linon catchment area
Geographical description
The Linon catchment area is localized in the north of the Ille-et-Vilaine county, in the eastern part of Brittany. Its size is around 304 km² and about 20,000 hectares of total cultivated area. The Linon river is 33 km long. The geology of the area is quite heterogeneous comprising of alternating brioverian schists, silt and granite subsoil.
The Linon catchment descends east to its confluence with the Rance river, where its altitude is about 10 meters. Its maximum altitude is about 175 meters, in the south and east part. The Linon catchment is subject to an oceanic climate, with an average of 750 mm rainfall per year.
Pedo-climatic zone
Lusitanian/ Atlantic Central, Cambisol
Cropping systems
The Linon catchment area has 413 farms and it is mainly a dairy area. There are 18 farms turned to organic production in the area (2017). FRAB and his local partner Agrobio35 are working on soils with more or less 15 farms in this area (organic and conventional).
Wheat, maize and grassland: the territory has mainly traditional dairy systems, grassland systems and maize based systems. Grasslands are particularly important in the north-east and south-west parts of the area, whereas a central part is dominated by crops (maize and wheat).
Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
There is no irrigation in this area. Management of soils and nutrients depends of the farms, whether they are in conventional or organic farming. GAB-FRAB network is trying to promote organic methods, as organic fertilisation, mechanical weeding, rotations.
Soil improving cropping system and techniques currently used
Biological pest management, green manure, organic fertilisers.
Problems that cause yield loss or increased costs
Compaction, weeds, loss of soil fertility.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Spain | Cover crops, tillage, irrigation management |
1. Desertification, wind erosion and organic matter decline - Regulated vs Constant Deficit Irrigation and Minimum tillage in olive orchards; -Regulated vs Constant Deficit Irrigation and Minimum tillage plus pruning residues added in olive orchards; -Regulated vs Constant Deficit Irrigation and Minimum Tillage plus temporal cover crops (natural weeds and sowed) in olive orchards; -Regulated vs standard irrigation and non-tillage (herbicide weed control) in peach orchards; -Regulated vs standard irrigation and Non-tillage plus pruning residues added and temporal natural vegetation in peach orchards; -Regulated vs standard irrigation and Non-tillage plus pruning residues and temporal cover crops sowed in peach orchards |
Study Site poster 2018, Study Site poster Area A, 2019, Study Site poster Area B, 2019
Organic olive orchard (Area A) | Peach orchard (Area B) |
Tractor shredding pruning branches |
Geographical description
The study site is located in the province of Almería (South East Spain,). The climate is arid (Mediterranean South). Rainfall is very scarce, always less than 300 mm per year.
Area A is located in the Sorbas-Tabernas Basin The climate is semiarid thermo-Mediterranean with an average annual temperature of 17.8ºC and an average annual rainfall of 235 mm, which is among the driest areas in Europe. The pronounced regional semiarid climate in the SE Iberian Peninsula is determined by its geographical location, in the rainfall shadow of the main Betic ranges and the proximity of northern Africa. In the autumn, rainfall is associated with incoming fronts from the Mediterranean Sea, which sometimes results in storms and torrential rains. Most rainfall events are low magnitude and low intensity. The average minimum temperature is 4.1°C in the coldest month and an average maximum of 34.7°C in the hottest month. Daily amplitudes average 13.7°C in summer. Potential evaporation is around 4 to 5 times higher than annual precipitation.
Area B is located in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. There the climate is semiarid warm Mediterranean. The mean annual temperature oscillates around 18-19ºC, and frosts are sporadic, occurring only on isolated days. Mean annual rainfall is approximately 220 mm per year, with prolonged summer droughts, strong inter- (larger than 30%) and intra-annual variations and 9 to 12 months in which precipitation is not sufficient to compensate for potential evapotranspiration. Annual potential evapotranspiration is around 1400 mm.
Land uses include tree and annual crops cultivation, occasionally in protected structures (greenhouses and under mesh), pasturage (especially goat herds) and recreational activities (touristic uses, beaches in Cabo de Gata, and cinema in Tabernas area). Industry development is scarce and of composed by small enterprises. The exploitation of natural resources is regulated by the current zoning plan (PORN, 2008). Agriculture is one of the main activities, covering 26% of the park area. The abandonment of some agricultural areas and simultaneous intensification in certain others (i.e., water fed agricultural systems and greenhouses) are the main causes of degradation in the park.
Almería map showing study sites and EC towers location. |
Stone fruit orchards sited in Agua Amarga at bloom. |
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Czech Republic | Tillage, fertilization |
1. Tillage experiments and different N application - No till (all residues on surface); Reduced till (chisel ploughing up to 10cm-min 30% residues on soil surface); Conventional till (mouldboard ploughing up to 22 cm |
Study Site poster 2018: Study Site poster 2019
SICS 1 :- Tillage experiment and different N application |
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Conventional tillage - mouldbord ploughing up to 22 cm turning crop residues into the soil |
Reduced tillage - chisel ploughing up to 10 cm min. 30% of crop residues on surface |
Zero tillage - without any treatment all residues on surface |
Description
The study site is situation in the Prague – Ruzyně area. It has an annual precipitation 472 mm; annual average temp. 7.9°C. The soil in the area is brown earth modal, clay-loam, loess on, partially on the Cretaceous clay slate with a higher content of coarse dust and a lower content of clay particles; Orthic Luvisol; clay-loamy texture, pH (KCl) 7.0, pH (H2O) 7.8; SOC 1.4%;
The tillage trials started in 1995 with three tillage practices: conventional tillage (CT = ploughing down to 22 cm), reduced tillage (RT = chisel ploughing of the surface soil layer to a depth of 10 cm), and no-tillage practices (NT = with crop residues left on the soil surface). All crop residues and side products are left on the field. Mineral fertilizers containing phosphorus (50 kg P2O5/ha, in Ammophos) and potassium (80 kg K2O/ha in Korn-Kali) were applied on the soil surface every year after harvest. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied during spring vegetation. Nitrogen dose is given with view to previous crop, Nmin. content in soil, expected production yield and required quality. Conventional pesticides are applied as needed in a given year.
Fertilizer Long-term Trial: Deep ploughing (28 cm) is applied before seeding of each crop in the autumn. Pesticides are used only if necessary, and growth regulators have never been used. In the experiment nitrogen mineral fertilizers are applied in four different levels (40-80 kg N/ha), phosphorus and potassium ones at two levels (26 and 35 kg P ha−1; 90 and 124 kg K ha−1). Two organic fertilizers were also used, straw and pig slurry mixed with straw (pig slurry + straw). Pig slurry was applied in the autumn before planting the root crops. The straw of cereals and the residues of other crops are removed from the plots.
Trial on Organic Farming: no fertilisers, no pesticides, soil improving crops are used.
Long term experiments |
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Sweden | Sub soil loosening, tillage |
1. Sub soil loosening - Sub soiling loosening; Sub soiling loosening with straw pellets; Normal mouldboard ploughing - control |
Study Site poster 2018 (download)
SICS 1: Sub-soil loosening with straw pellets |
Geographical description
The Orup site is located in in the county Skåne in Southern Sweden. Precipitation varies between 500 and 1000 mm per year. Mean temperature is around 0 °C in January and 16 °C in July. On the site the subsoil is compacted (density between 1.7 and 1.9 kg L-1).The soil is a silty sand and the compaction is most likely from the time the ground was formed, i.e.it has a natural origin. The harvests for this site have remained much lower than at the other soil fertility experiments, approx. 30-40% lower. In spring 2011, an inventory was made in Orup with regard to root growth in the subsoil. The results showing the same results as in previous studies in the 1990s: the roots of the crop is restricted to the topsoil and no roots grow below 30 cm depth. A structural improvement through liming is limited at Orup due to a low clay content (about 10%). In lighter soils such as this, a structural improvement can be achieved primarily through the supply of organic matter. Therefore, the experiment investigates the possibility of improving soil structure through the supply of organic material in combination with a mechanical subsoil loosening. The supply of organic material is made in the form of straw pellets that are blown into the ground.
Cropping systems
Different cropping intensities from no fertilization to high fertilization rates are applied at the Orup site. Both treatments with and without animal manure are run. Rates of manure are in relation to yields provided by the cropping system. The site is treated according to conventional agricultural practices of the region.
The map of Skåne showing the Orup study site |
Types of crops
Two 4-year rotations are applied:
- crop rotation with livestock: barley, ley, winter wheat and sugar beets
- crop rotation without livestock: barley, oil seed rape, winter wheat and sugar beet.
Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
Soil tillage includes yearly mouldboard ploughing, cultivation, fertilization, manuring, chemical weed and pest treatment. Crops are rain-fed and no catch crops to combat N leaching are grown.
Soil improving cropping system and techniques currently used
Measures include crop rotation, use of animal manure, no removal of crop residues in non-manured plots, and
regular lime application.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in the Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Greece | Cover crops, tillage, crop change |
1. Soil erosion rate assessment - No till in organic olive orchards; Conventional till (15-20 cm) in organic olive orchards; Conversion from orange orchard to avocado; Conventional orange orchard; Cover crop (vetch) in organic vineyards; Bare soil in organic vineyards |
Study Site poster 2018 (download)
Conversion from orange orchards to avocado | |
No till and conventional till in organic olive orchards | |
Bare soil and cover crop in organic vineyard | |
Geographical description
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean, with a total area of 8,265 km2. While retaining its own local cultural traits, the island shapes a significant part of the cultural heritage of Greece, but also contributes 5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with agriculture and tourism as its main industries.
Spatial distribution of soil erosion on the Island of Crete. |
Pedo-climatic zone
Crete’s climate is classified as dry sub-humid (Csa according to Köppen and Geiger, Mediterranean South). About 53% of the annual precipitation occurs in the winter, 23% during autumn, 20% during spring while there is negligible rainfall during summer (Koutroulis and Tsanis, 2010). Annual rainfall ranges from 300 to 700 mm from east to west in the low areas along the coast, and from 700 to 1000 mm in the plains of the mainland, while in the mountainous areas it reaches up to 2000 mm. The annual water balance breaks down to 68-76% evapotranspiration, 14-17% infiltration and 10-15% runoff. Soils are mainly Calcisol.
Cropping systems
Cropping intensity
Almost 40% of the island is cultivated at various intensities depending on desired end product quality and intended market: e.g. olive trees can be non-irrigated (traditional/household use) or irrigated (modern/intense), vineyards may be conventional or organic, etc.
Types of crop
Agriculture is an important source of income, contributing to Crete’s GDP by 13%. Olive is the most important crop, cultivated on all soils and terrain slopes up to altitudes of about 900 m. Specifically for Chania, agricultural land is divided in 5 main crop categories: grapes 3%, trees 90% (olive trees 70%, other trees 20%), vegetables 2%, and other crops 5%.
Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
Irrigation types on the island vary depending on crops and local water availability (e.g. olive trees are either regularly irrigated or not irrigated at all, orange groves are often waterlogged and vineyards are often drip irrigated). Fertilisation also varies (chemicals vs animal manure). Due to high ownership fragmentation and rough topography, management is seldom large scale, and crop picking is almost always traditional and labour intensive using minimal mechanical equipment.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Crop rotations, cover crops, fertilization |
1. Bico da Barca - Organic rice in rotation with perennial lucerne - Conventional rice monoculture (Control); Organic rice in rotation with perennial Lucerne (2 years of rice + 2 years of Lucerne) |
2. Taveiro – Conventional grain corn in succession with legumes winter cover - Conventional grain corn with Red Clover as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with Persian clover as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with yellow lupine as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with white lupine as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with no cover crop in winter (fallow- control) |
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3. São Silvestre - Conventional grain corn fertilized by urban sludge - Grain corn receiving urban sludge fertilization; Grain corn receiving conventional mineral fertilization (control) |
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4. Loreto – Conventional grain corn in succession with legumes winter cover - Conventional grain corn with Forage Pea as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with Red Clover as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with Yellow Lupine as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with Balansa Clover as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with Arrowleaf Clover as cover crop in winter; Conventional grain corn with no cover crop in winter (fallow- control) |
Study Site poster 2018; EGU 2019 Study Site poster (download)
SICS 1 :- Rotation system - Bico da Barca – Organic Rice in rotation with perennial lucerne (two years of rice + 2 years of Lucerne) |
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SICS 2 :- Succession system - Taviero – Principal crop (grain corn or sunflower) integrated in a succession of legumes (clover, trefoil….) used as green manure |
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SICS 3 :- Organic fertilization system - São Silvestre - Organic fertilization system from urban origin (sewage sludge) |
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SICS 4 :- Succession system - Loreto - Principal crop (grain corn ) integrated in a succession of legumes (clover, pea, trefoil….) used as green manure. |
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Geographical description
The study areas are located in the Lower Mondego river valley, an alluvium plane situated in Central Portugal. The valley is roughly east-west oriented and 40 km long (from the Coimbra city to the estuary near Figueira da Foz) and bordered by gently sloping hills. The floodplain cover about 15.000 ha of fertile land and have traditionally been used for irrigated agriculture.
The entire valley is between 0 and 25 meters above sea level. Soils are modern alluvial soils, with a texture from silt-loam to sandy-clay-loam. Climate is Mediterranean, characterized by rainy winters and dry summers, more precisely a Csa climate under the Köppen climate classification, " Hot-summer mediterranean climate ". The annual average temperature is 16.1ºC, with smooth variations. The annual average precipitation is 922 mm, essentially concentrated between October and March.
The Baixo Mondego valley is mainly dedicated to monoculture of irrigated corn grain and flooding rice. The eastern part is mainly used for corn, while the western area, closer to the river mouth, is used mainly for rice.
Cropping systems
Conventional tillage is practiced with various passes of heavy machinery. Disc harrow passes for straw stubble incorporation, furrow plough passes for soil inversion, chisel and rotary tiller passes to prepare seedbed.
In 1970, the hydro-agricultural exploitation project of the Mondego Valley started that effects about 12.300 ha (total irrigation perimeter). It considers the development and restructuration of agricultural system which involves: property reparcelling, soil levelling and the creation of new irrigation and drainage systems. To date about 6.700 ha are equipped. Irrigation is principally performed with surface furrow irrigation systems, by gravity fed. Soils are levelled and water flows passively on furrows opened between each line of maize. Compared to pressurized systems (sprinkler and drip), surface irrigation systems require lower capital investment. However, some farmers also use pivot irrigation systems.
Production is based on expensive production factors: mineral fertilizers to compensate for the important soil nutrient exportation after harvesting, pesticides for pest control problems driven by intensive monoculture.
Soil improving cropping system and techniques currently used
Concerning rice cropping systems, the DRAP-Centro is currently monitoring a long term experiment (for about 10 years) that involves a cropping system composed of organic rice in rotation with perennial lucerne (two years of rice followed by two years of lucerne). The introduction of a legume in the rotation provides an increase of the nitrogen available for rice production and is benefical for pests and weeds control.
Concerning maize cropping systems, some farmers use organic amendments such as urban sludge, but it is a very controversial issue. A small number of farmers have introduced legumes or mix of legumes and gramineous as cover crop during the winter, but it’s not a very common technique.
External drivers or factors
Institutional and political drivers
As previously stated, part of the SoilCare effort made by the Portuguese (ESAC) team will be a consequence of the implementation of the forthcoming new priorities set by the Common Agriculture Policy. In addition, the new reading made of water framework directive will imply an increase of the water price for agriculture.
Societal drivers
There is an ongoing tendency to shift from the traditional to the organic systems which is pushed by a younger and urban population fringe. This implies that the organic farming systems are gaining territory.
Bio-physical drivers
Being under a wet Mediterranean type of climate, the Portuguese study areas are affected by water shortages that occur during the vegetative growth season. The absence of proper irrigation systems and the proper water amounts for irrigation have an overwhelming effect on crop productivity.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Poland | Cover crops, liming |
1. Soil management practices - Control- mineral fertilization; Liming (CaCO3 5,6 t/ha); Cover crops ( Lupines +Serradella + Phacellia, respectively: 130 + 30 + 4 kg/ha ); Manure (30t/ha); Liming (CaCO3 5,6 t/ha) + Lupines + Serradella + Phacellia (130 + 30 + 4 kg/ha) + manure (10 t/ha) |
Study Site poster 2018 (download)
Geographical description
The Szaniawy site is an area of about 30 km2 located in Podlasi region (county Łuków). Main type of land use includes agricultural lands (80.5%) and forests/shrubs (13.5%). Elevation is approximately 160 m. The topography is mostly flat with little variation in absolute altitudes (less than 20 m). The climate is continental with high temperatures during summer and long and frosty winters. The average annual air temperature is 7.3 °C. Long-term annual total precipitation is 536 mm and the vegetation period last 200 to 210 days. Rainfalls are substantially higher during summer (212 mm) than winter (83 mm). The highest rainfall occurs in June and July (over 70 mm) and the lowest in January, February, and March (less than 30 mm). The soils were derived from loose sands, loamy sands, and loams. On average they contain 13% of clay and <1% of organic matter and are acidic or neutral (average pH 4.3 in KCl and 4.8 in H2O). The average value of the cation exchange capacity is 10 cmol kg-1.
General view of Szaniawy study site |
Area surrounding study site |
Pedo-climatic zone
Continental, sandy and loamy soils
Cropping systems
Traditionally conventional farming system is mostly used. The most frequent crops in crop rotation are cereals (60%), maize (35%), potatoes and others (5%). Choice of crops by small farmers who dominate in the region is profit driven.
Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
Conventional tillage is the main type of tillage with percentage higher than 90%.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Italy | Tillage, cover crops |
1. Loss of SOM and Compaction control - Mouldboard plough and bare soil; Mouldboard plough and deep rooting cover crop (tillage radish); No tillage and bare soil; No tillage and deep rooting cover crop (tillage radish) |
Study Site poster 2018; Study Site poster 2019 (download)
Tillage raddish | Winter wheat | Bare soil |
Geographical description
Location: The study area is located in the low venetian plain and is characterized by sedimentary loamy soils with shallow groundwater (<2 m). The local climate is sub-humid, with annual rainfall of about 850 mm. Temperatures increase from January (minimum average: 1.5 °C) to July (maximum average: 27.2 °C). SOM content is strongly affected by the peculiar texture (low physical protection) and climatic conditions, and usually ranges from 10 to 20 g kg-1 in the top layer.
Pedo-climatic zone
Mediterranean North, Cambisol
Location of the study study in NE Italy | Overview of part of the long-term experiment (50-yrs old). |
Cropping systems
Cropping intensity: Conventional.
Types of crop
Exp. 1: wheat, maize, soybean, sugarbeet, alfalfa, permanent meadow, 7 crop rotations: six-years (maize, sugarbeet, maize, wheat, alfalfa, alfalfa), four year (sugarbeet,soybean, wheat, maize), two years (wheat, maize), continuous maize, continuous wheat, continuous silage maize, permanent meadow
Exp. 2: wheat, maize, tomato, sugarbeet, four-year rotation Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
Exp. 1: Moldboard ploughing in autumn; due to the shallow water table (ranging from 60 to 200 mm) irrigation is used occasionally; nutrient status is regulated through organic (cattle slurries or farmyard manure) and mineral inputs + introduction of soybean and alfalfa in 4-year and 6-year rotation respectively; chemical weed and pest control.
Exp. 2: Moldboard ploughing in autumn; due to the shallow water table (ranging from 60 to 200 mm) irrigation is used occasionally; nutrient status is regulated through organic (residue incorporation or residue incorporation + poultry manure) and mineral inputs; chemical weed and pest control.
Within SoilCare, the aim is to identify, select and assess different soil-improving cropping systems (CS) in Europe to determine their effects on soil quality, environment, crop yield, profitability and sustainability using a range of advanced methodologies and assessment procedures, core elements being a soil quality evaluation and analysis at the farm level (costs and benefits) and surrounding environments (ecosystem services). As different conditions require the use of different cropping systems, and the applicability, profitability and environmental impacts of the different systems and techniques will vary across Europe, SoilCare is working in 16 different Study Sites covering different pedo-climatic, socio-economic and political conditions. Within the Study Sites, different soil-improving CS will be selected, tested and evaluated in collaboration with stakeholders, after which Study Site results will be upscaled to European level.
The table below gives an overview of the SoilCare project Study Sites in the partner countries.
An overview of SICS to be trialled in each Study Site can be viewed here
More...
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Romania | Tillage |
1. Tillage experiments - Deep ploughing (30cm); Subsoiling (50 cm); Non inversion till; 2 disk ploughing |
Study Site poster 2018; Study Site poster 2019 (download)
SICS 1 - Tillage experiments
Establishing trials |
Geographical description
Location: The study site is located in the arable land of Draganesti Vlasca commune. Draganesti Vlasca is located within Burnas Plain in the eastern part of Teleorman county. (photos below).
Location of Draganesti Vlasca Study Site |
Size Three villages are part of the commune: Draganesti Vlasca, Comoara and Vaceni. Draganesti Vlasca has an territorial administrative area of 10324 ha. The commune has 4852 citizens.
Elevation The territory of Draganesti Vlasca is covered by a plain with an altitude ranging between 85-95 m. The plain is fragmented by different valleys (Valea Alba, Valea Comoarei, Valea Valcenilor, Valea Hotoaicii and Valea Dumitranii), which are seasonally flooded.
Climate In the study area the climate is temperate continental. The yearly average air temperature is 10,6°C, the values ranging between – 3,5°C in January and 22,7°C in July, meaning that the winters are mild and summers are cool. The droughty periods are in August and October continuing even into November, affecting negatively the autumn crops.
Soils The dominant soil in Draganesti Vlasca is phaeozem in different degradation stages, having a low fertility and in some areas at risk of erosion.
Geology In the upper part, there is a reddish brown silty clay layer, which stands on a loess layer of 7-8 m thickness.
Hydrology There are three rivers passing the commune: Calnistea, Valea Alba and Suhat. The total area of surface water bodies is 246 ha. The ground table level ranges between 1 – 4 m in the flood plain area and between 20 – 30 m in the plain area.
Land use types: The main agricultural activities practiced in the area are related to crop and livestock production. The areas under different land use types are the following: arable – 8220 ha, pastures – 163 ha, forest – 1184 ha, vineyards – 97 ha, orchards – 5 ha, surface water bodies – 246 ha.
Pedo-climatic zone
The study area is located in Panonnian pedo-climatic zone. The area is covered by a Phaeozem.
Cropping systems
Cropping intensity
Conventional and conservation agricultural systems are mainly used in the study area.
Impressions of the StudySite |
Types of crop
The common crop rotation used in the study area is: wheat, maize, sunflower.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Germany | Tillage, cover crops | 1. Effect of cover crop termination with Glyphosate on soil microorganisms - Glyphosate with cover crop; Glyphosate free with cover crop; Control 1: Glyphosate free + hand weeding; Control 2: Glyphosate only |
Study Site poster 2018 (download)
Glyphosate with cover crops |
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
United Kingdom |
Tillage and crop rotations |
1.Compaction alleviation experiment in no-till system - No till without alleviation (control); Ploughing; Low disturbance sub soiling; Mycorrhyzal inoculant. Barley in Year 1, Field Beans in Year 2. |
2. Deep-rooting ley grass cultivars in arable rotation – 5 modern deep rooting ley grass cultivars; Mixture of ryegrass and clover (control). Low disturbance sub-soiling and unharvested treatments have been superimposed on the experimental plots. |
Study Site poster 2018 (download)
SICS 1 - Compaction alleviation in no-till system
SICS 2 - Deep-rooting ley grass cultivars in arable rotation
Geographical description
The Allerton Project runs a 333ha mainly arable farm at Loddington in central England. The soils are mainly Hanslope and Denchworth clays overlying Iron stone. The farm is at approximately 150 metres asl and receives approximately 650mm annual rainfall.
Case study farm at Loddington, central England. |
Pedo-climatic zone
Atlantic Central/ North, clay soils
Cropping systems
Cropping intensity
The cropping system is broadly typical of others in the area but adopts an Integrated Farm Management approach with the creation of habitats to encourage beneficial predatory and pollinating insects and other wildlife.
Types of crop
The crop rotation is wheat, rape, wheat, beans or oats but pasture is also present on the farm and grass leys are being brought into the rotation. A three or four course rotation including wheat, ape and beans or oats is typical of the local area, although a two course wheat rape rotation has been practiced until recently.
Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
Over the past decade, there has been a move from plough based to reduced tillage and most recently, a no till approach to crop establishment. Crop residues are returned to the soil. Cover crops are adopted before spring sow crops. Soil are tested for P, K and Mg at least once in each rotation. Some fields mapped for soil type and nutrients. Variable rate N application using Yara’s N Sensor. No irrigation.
Soil improving cropping system and techniques currently used
Reduced tillage or no-till, crop residue returned, cover crops.
Problems that cause yield loss or increased costs
Soil compaction and low organic matter affect rooting capacity, nutrient uptake and soil moisture, as well as runoff and water pollution. Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides), often associated with waterlogged soils, causes severe competition and high herbicide costs.
External drivers and factors
Institutional and political drivers
CAP Greening has increased stages in crop rotation locally, but not at Loddington itself. Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive influences pesticide use and encourages IPM. Water Framework is a major policy driver influencing soil management, fertiliser application, cropping and pesticide use.
Societal drivers
Environmental criteria such as popular interest in wildlife conservation influence production of cereals for human consumption (e.g. Conservation Grade, Kelloggs). Conservation of farmland birds and pollinating insects.
Bio-physical drivers
Prolonged heavy rainfall in 2012 affected yields over a two-year period. Increasing intensity of winter storm events, and dry summers could supress yields in future. Soil management needs to adapt accordingly.
Study Site Trials
The SICS selected for trialling in this Study Site are described below:
Country | General Treatment Category | Study Site Trials |
Norway | Cover crops |
1. Biological compaction release (4 levels of compaction) - Cover crop with deep root crops (3 types of crops); No cover crops |
2. Cover crop - Catch crop - Undersown of Mix 1: Chicory, perennial ryegrass and alfalfa; Undersown of Mix 2: White clover, “Birdsfoot trefoil” and crimson clover; Sown after harvest Mix 3: Forage radish and ww. Ryegrass; Sown after harvest Mix 4: vetch, hairy vetch and pisum; No cover crop (Barley) |
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3. Precision agriculture (demonstration) |
Study Site poster 2018 ; Study Site poster 2019
SICS 1 :- Biological compaction release - Cover crops with deep roots – (3 types of cover crops) |
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SICS 2 :- Cover crop / Catch cropUndersown of Mix 1: Chicory, perennial ryegrass and alfalfa;Undersown of Mix 2: White clover, “Birdsfoot trefoil” and crimson clover;Sown after harvest Mix 3: Forage radish and ww. Ryegrass;Sown after harvest Mix 4: vetch, hairy vetch and pisum;No cover crop (Barley) |
SICS 3 :- Precision agriculture (demonstration) |
Geographical description
The study site is located in Akershus county in south-eastern Norway, one of the main areas for cereal cropping systems. The total area of Akershus county is 4918 km2 with agricultural area covering ca. 900 km2. Marine sediments with clay and silt dominate. Artificial land levelling was performed in the 70-80ties to promote use of larger machinery and cereal cropping systems. In some municipalities, up to 40 % of the agricultural area is levelled, resulting in high erosion risk. The county area will be used for stakeholder analyses. Precipitation range between 665-785 mm annually and winter period with frozen soils and snowmelt has a major influence and soil processes (infiltration, erosion). Soil data is available for each farmer’s field.The catchments Skuterud (6.8 km2) and Mørdre (4.5 km2) within Akershus county will be used for more detailed analyses. Skuterud and Mørdre represent cereal production in undulating landscapes with erosion problems. In addition, use will be made of two experimental field sites: Apelsvoll cropping system experimental site and Kjelle experimental fields. The Apelsvoll cropping system is located on Apelsvoll, near the largest lake in Norway, Mjøsa, in Central South-east Norway (120 km north of Oslo). The altitude is 250 m.a.s.l. The cropping system was established in 1988/1989, it covers 3.2 ha. The experiment comprises 12 mini-farms, each having a four-year crop rotation. Altogether six cropping systems are represented (two replicates): Three systems with cash-cropping (mainly cereals) and three systems with both arable and fodder crops, representing mixed dairy production. Kjelle is located near Bjørkelangen, about 60 km east from Oslo, on an area with shallow slopes. The experiments started in 2014, with emphasise of this experiment (9 plots, each 8 x 50 m in size) on analysing soil management effects on soil surface discharge and infiltration.
Cropping systems
Cropping intensity
Akershus County is dominated by conventional agricultural cropping intensity; organic farming is ongoing on a small scale. Conservation methods and precision management is promoted and under research, but not widespread. Grain and oil seed production covers 69% of the agricultural area, 26% is used for forage crops. In Skuterud catchment, 90 % of the area is used for grain and oil seed production and 10 % for grass cultivation, while in Mørdre catchment 85% of the area is used for grain production, 6 % for potatoes and 4% for grass production. Skuterud has 43% autumn wheat, 30% oats and 19% barley, while Mørdre has 40% oats and 33% barley. The arable crops at Apelsvoll experimental site include spring cereals (wheat, barley, oats) and potatoes and oats with peas. Fodder crops include grass–clover leys and meadow grasses with red clover. Kjelle has an annual grain production with focus on soil management.
Management of soil, water, nutrients and pests
Autumn ploughing has dominated cereal production. Subsidies promoting reduced tillage has led to increased spring tillage (53% for total cereal area) and light autumn harrowing replacing ploughing. All farmers are obliged to have a fertilizer plan based on soil samples to receive production support.
Soil improving cropping system and techniques currently used The Regional Environmental Programme supports, by use of subsidies:
- reduced tillage
- leaving area in stubble until spring
- light autumn harrowing (leaving minimum 30 % straw on soil surface)
- direct drilling
- use of catch crops.
In addition, support is given for grass on areas with high erosion risk, buffer zones, grassed waterways and sedimentation ponds.
Problems that cause yield loss or increased costs
From 1991 the area of cereal production has decreased in Norway. From 2000 it is reduced by 14 %. Part of the area has shifted from cereal to grassland production - promoted by subsides for grassland to reduce erosion and improve water quality. Subsidies for meat production has also increased the area of grassland. In addition, the crop yield/unit area has shown stagnation and even a decreasing trend, but with high variations. An expert group appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in 2013 has explained losses due to: soil compaction, lack of good drainage, lack of crop rotation, plant diseases, choice of variety, genetic material, suboptimal level of fertilizer, plant health issues.Reduced tillage to reduce erosion can increase fusarium and reduce yields. A follow up project- from evaluation to action – is now focusing on dissemination activities to extension service and farmers to increase yields. The expert group has also listed both economic and societal reasons for lower yields.
External drivers and factors
Institutional and political drivers
Regional Environmental Programmes (RMP) support different farming practices and tillage systems to reduce erosion and nutrient losses. This affects both soil quality and environmental effects like drinking water quality (link to the Water Frame Directive). Support is given in accordance with the erosion risk of the specific area. In some watersheds used for drinking water supply, specific regulations and subsidy payment regulate farming practices and tillage systems.
Production support program supports the different productions systems and regulates Norwegian production systems in specific regions for cereal cropping and livestock production. The political decisions about canalisation of production systems influence on soil management and environmental issues.
Societal drivers
40% of agricultural land is being rented from other farmers, entrepreneur contracts are increasing- influencing the willingness to invest in e.g. drainage. Most farmers with cereal production are part time farmers, due to small farm sizes and small income. Part time farming might lead to simple and practical solutions for soil management and cropping systems with little workload. Management operations might be performed when farmers has time and not when soil conditions are optimal.
Public awareness and requirements to fulfil the Water Frame directive has led to restriction of agricultural activity in catchments in Akershus county.
Bio-physical drivers
Climate change is expected to give increased precipitation and more extreme events. Weather conditions will influence management possibilities like timing of sowing andharvesting possibilities. Delayed sowing can reduce yield and wetter conditions will influence on crop quality, plant health, harvesting security, risk of runoff and pollution.
Skuterud catchment | Mørdre catchment |