Sections
project - Research and innovation
AdviSor neTwork foR OptimAl ferTilisers Use
Contexte
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are essential nutrients for agriculture and food security. However, their excessive and inefficient use leads to significant environmental impacts across Europe, including pollution of air, soil and water, biodiversity loss, and contributions to climate change. Addressing these challenges is central to several EU policy frameworks.
The European Green Deal sets the ambition of making Europe climate-neutral by 2050. Within this framework, the Farm to Fork Strategy aims to reduce nutrient losses by at least 50% by 2030, while maintaining soil fertility and cutting fertiliser use by at least 20%. Complementing this, the EU Soil Strategy under the Biodiversity Strategy highlights the need to protect soil fertility, reduce erosion, and increase soil organic matter through sustainable soil management. In parallel, the Zero Pollution Action Plan calls on Member States to reduce ammonia emissions from agriculture, a major source of air pollution.
Agriculture also plays a key role in achieving a climate-neutral economy. Through carbon farming, carbon removals in terrestrial ecosystems can contribute to climate mitigation while improving soil fertility, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and farm resilience. To support more efficient nutrient use and meet Farm to Fork targets, the European Commission is introducing the Integrated Nutrient Management Action Plan, aligned with the new CAP green architecture. This includes tools such as Nutrient Management Plans and digital solutions like the Farm Sustainability Tool (FaST).
Precision farming practices, bio-based fertilisers based on circular economy principles, and agronomic techniques such as cover crops, alternative crops and optimized timing of applications all contribute to reducing nutrient losses while maintaining soil quality. Advisors play a critical role in supporting farmers to apply these approaches effectively, particularly in a context of high fertiliser prices and supply instability.
Objectives
The overarching aim of STRATUS is to connect advisors across Europe for accelerating knowledge creation and sharing on Integrated Fertilization Management, supporting farmers to bring this knowledge into practice to achieve the ambition of the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies, thus reducing nutrient losses to the environment while maintaining soil fertility. Through implementing a Multi-Actor (MA) approach, and with the majority of project partners being farm advisors and associations with solid field experience, STRATUS will create an advisors’ network reaching out to all EU27 countries during the 5 year duration of the project, thus mobilizing the EU-wide agricultural advisory community while implementing measures for their effective integration in the respective national/regional AKIS.
STRATUS will thus support the transition to more sustainable nutrient management by ensuring that farm advisors have access to innovative solutions for optimising fertiliser use, reducing farmers' dependency on mineral fertilisers while ensuring yields.
Activities
To achieve it´s goals STRATUS organizes its activities into 4 technichal work packages (WP):
WP1 - Network creation and sustainability: The goal of WP1 is to create an EU-wide advisory network that is integrated into the 27 EU AKIS (agricultural knowledge and innovation system) to accelerate the adoption of effective and novel practices for optimal fertiliser use across Europe. WP1 will:
- Structure, implement, and steer the network to lay the foundations of the WP2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 activities, connecting advisors in all EU Member States around three networks (Fertilizer Innovation Networks-FINs) addressing the main challenges on Integrated Fertilization Management (IFM) ensuring their integration into their respective regional/national AKIS through the Communities of Practices (CoPs).
- Ensure interaction with policymakers and the alignment of the project outcomes with the relevant policy framework.
- Develop a strategy for the network’s sustainability after the project end.
WP2 - Knowledge gathering and platform for knowledge exchange: The goal of WP2 is the collection and delivery of knowledge about Good Practices (GPs) and Research Innovations (RIs) related to Integrated Fertiliser Management. To achieve this goal, the following objectives will be pursued:
- Establishment of guidelines for the identification and collection of GPs and RIs, as well as collecting the needs of the users of the STRATUS digital platform.
- Development, update, and upgrade of the STRATUS digital platform.
- Collection of GPs and RIs following the guidelines established for this purpose.
WP3 - Systemic feasibility assessment: The main goal of WP3 is to evaluate the feasibility of the GPs and RIs in a systemic way. The primary focus will be on the analysis of the farm-economic effects of applying the GPs and RIs. In addition, aspects that will be analysed include on-farm applicability, effects on the value chain, legal aspects, and environmental and social implications accompanying the new GPs and RIs. The results of WP3 will further be used to feed the Fertilizer Innovation Networks (FINs) discussions. WP3 will focus on the following objectives:
- Method development for the systemic feasibility analysis.
- Quick scan of the systemic feasibility for the collected GPs and RIs.
- Detailed systemic feasibility analysis for the identified Best Practices (BPs).
WP4 - Facilitation of knowledge transfer and exchange: WP4 will facilitate advisors and their organisations to exchange knowledge, experiences, and key challenges for advisory practice through:
- Method development and organisation of cross visits, demonstrations and trainings with the Train the Trainer approach.
Additionally there are work packages focused on project management and coordination, and work packages focused on communication, dissemination and exploitation activities.
The Work Packages for Communication, dissemination, and exploitation will:
- Ensure effective external communication and transfer of STRATUS outcomes to ensure their use and replicability
- Engage with advisors and farmers so that the Good Practices, Research Innovations, and Best Practices identified and shared by the STRATUS networks address their real needs and concerns
- Convey the project outputs to stakeholders (especially advisors, farmers, policymakers, and academia) and encourage their use for generating the expected impacts towards the reduction of nutrient losses and use of fertiliser.
The Work Packages for Coordination and Management will:
- Ensure the implementation of the project according to the work plan, Grant Agreement (GA), and Consortium Agreement (CA), with a strong strategic direction and liaising with existing EU projects.
- Ensure proper management of data describing the data management life cycle for the data to be collected, processed and/or generated in the project
Project details
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Type of Horizon project
- Multi-actor project - Advisory network
- Project acronym
- STRATUS
- CORDIS Fact sheet
- Project contribution to CAP specific objectives
-
- SO1. Ensuring viable farm income
- SO2. Increasing competitiveness: the role of productivity
- SO3. Farmer position in value chains
- SO4. Agriculture and climate mitigation
- SO5. Efficient soil management
- SO6. Biodiversity and farmed landscapes
- Environmental care
- Preserving landscapes and biodiversity
- Fostering knowledge and innovation
- Project contribution to EU Strategies
-
- Achieving climate neutrality
- Reducing the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides and/or use of more hazardous pesticides
- Reducing nutrient losses and the use of fertilisers, while maintaining soil fertility
- Protecting and/or restoring of biodiversity and ecosystem services within agrarian and forest systems
EUR 3 998 770.31
Total budget
Total contributions including EU funding.
EUR 3 998 770.31
EU contribution
Any type of EU funding.
28 Practice Abstracts
Polish arable farmers widely use computer programs that calculate the nutrient balance (N, P, K) on the field, and prepare fertilization plans in accordance with the principles of sustainable mineral management. Examples of fertiliser advisory applications software are Macrobil, NawSald, etc. Such tools include mineral, natural and organic fertilisers and support farmers with their proper fertilizer management and making a decision on carbon farming and eco-schemes.
One step further is the use of satellite data to follow up their crops. SatAgro is an online platform designed for farms specialised in arable crop production which is also available in a mobile version (Android). Farmers using SatAgro can monitor their crops, implement precision farming techniques (for fertilisation, sowing and plant protection), keep records, collect and analyse a variety of spatial field data (yield maps, results of electromagnetic soil scanning, meteorological data, etc). The main source of information provided is the normalized difference vegetation index NDVI which is calculated on the basis of satellite images (observations from NASA, ESA and private operators) and quantifies the crop health and density. With its help, farmers receive information about the condition of the crops, as well as their differentiation in space and time what allows to adapt the dosage of fertilizers and plant protection products to the needs of individual field zones
Geographical Location
Poland
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Uniform fertilization based on soil sample analyses
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Optimisation of fertiliser use, increase of yields, preservation of the environment
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? about 1 year
Polish arable farmers widely use computer programs that calculate the nutrient balance (N, P, K) on the field, and prepare fertilization plans in accordance with the principles of sustainable mineral management. Examples of fertiliser advisory applications software are Macrobil, NawSald, etc. Such tools include mineral, natural and organic fertilisers and support farmers with their proper fertilizer management and making a decision on carbon farming and eco-schemes.
One step further is the use of satellite data to follow up their crops. SatAgro is an online platform designed for farms specialised in arable crop production which is also available in a mobile version (Android). Farmers using SatAgro can monitor their crops, implement precision farming techniques (for fertilisation, sowing and plant protection), keep records, collect and analyse a variety of spatial field data (yield maps, results of electromagnetic soil scanning, meteorological data, etc). The main source of information provided is the normalized difference vegetation index NDVI which is calculated on the basis of satellite images (observations from NASA, ESA and private operators) and quantifies the crop health and density. With its help, farmers receive information about the condition of the crops, as well as their differentiation in space and time what allows to adapt the dosage of fertilizers and plant protection products to the needs of individual field zones
Geographical Location
Poland
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Uniform fertilization based on soil sample analyses
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Optimisation of fertiliser use, increase of yields, preservation of the environment
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? about 1 year
When reviewing the yield quantity for their potato crop, farmers usually calculate the average amount of yield per hectare of a certain field, in some cases even over multiple fields. However, the variation in crop yield within fields can be relatively large. Knowing on what spots in the field crop yields are relatively low can give insights in the optimal fertilization strategy for the upcoming year. When considering the availability of nutrients out of crop residue degradation in the following year, a lower crop yield in this year will indicate less nutrients being available in the crop residues. But a lower crop yield might also indicate a structural lower nutrient content in the soil, indicating the need for more a specific soil analysis on that location. So, insight in the crop yield over a field is the first piece of a puzzle to create the fertilization strategy of the following year. Besides, it can give insight in the profitability of less productive parts of a field. If crop yields are substantially lower in a certain part of a field, crops with high input costs might not be profitable in this site. Quantifying this data might even result in growing different crops in certain locations as the high input crop (for instance potatoes) is not profitable.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Averaging the crop yield per hectare and not linking it to the fertilization strategy of the next year and crop.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The variation in crop yield at different locations in the field can be substantial. Some parts of a field can be more fertile, have a different soil type, might be covered in shade because of trees next to a field, etc. However, the inconsistencies are hardly considered when managing and fertilizing agricultural fields. By monitoring crop yield variation within a field, farmers can gain insight in the variation of a field and take this into account the following year.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Installing the system requires time. As it is technologically advanced soft- and hardware, users need time to install this and learn how to manage this. Depending on the user, this can vary from a couple of hours to multiple working days.
When reviewing the yield quantity for their potato crop, farmers usually calculate the average amount of yield per hectare of a certain field, in some cases even over multiple fields. However, the variation in crop yield within fields can be relatively large. Knowing on what spots in the field crop yields are relatively low can give insights in the optimal fertilization strategy for the upcoming year. When considering the availability of nutrients out of crop residue degradation in the following year, a lower crop yield in this year will indicate less nutrients being available in the crop residues. But a lower crop yield might also indicate a structural lower nutrient content in the soil, indicating the need for more a specific soil analysis on that location. So, insight in the crop yield over a field is the first piece of a puzzle to create the fertilization strategy of the following year. Besides, it can give insight in the profitability of less productive parts of a field. If crop yields are substantially lower in a certain part of a field, crops with high input costs might not be profitable in this site. Quantifying this data might even result in growing different crops in certain locations as the high input crop (for instance potatoes) is not profitable.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Averaging the crop yield per hectare and not linking it to the fertilization strategy of the next year and crop.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The variation in crop yield at different locations in the field can be substantial. Some parts of a field can be more fertile, have a different soil type, might be covered in shade because of trees next to a field, etc. However, the inconsistencies are hardly considered when managing and fertilizing agricultural fields. By monitoring crop yield variation within a field, farmers can gain insight in the variation of a field and take this into account the following year.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Installing the system requires time. As it is technologically advanced soft- and hardware, users need time to install this and learn how to manage this. Depending on the user, this can vary from a couple of hours to multiple working days.
When using animal manure, there is often a large variation in the amount of nutrients applied over the field. Manure is transported with trucks and when applying animal manure different trucks come from different locations. Although the manure comes from the same type of animals, the nutrient content of the manure varies depending on the feed the animals ate and the intensity of the mixing of the manure. Farmers get the result of the samples after the manure is applied on the field.
With NIR measurements, the nutrient content of the manure is measured while it is being applied, allowing precision farming as it becomes possible to apply manure based on its content.
With NIR measurements, the nutrient content of the manure is measured in real time while it is being applied. During application, the NIR sensor emits near-infrared light onto the manure as it flows through the applicator. This light interacts with the manure, and the sensor measures the amount of light that is absorbed and reflected at specific wavelengths. Nitrogen has unique absorption patterns, which the sensor analyzes to determine the precise nitrogen content. The data is then processed and displayed in real time, allowing the farmer to adjust application rates immediately.
This way, surpluses can be avoided which potentially result to leaching of nutrients, soil acidification and a poor crop development. On the contrary, areas that receive less nutrients will have a reduced crop yield, lower organic matter input and overall does not reach the full soil potential. If this can be linked to task maps, the variation in the field can be reduced as the application can be adjusted based on the current situation in the field. This way, farmers will reduce costs, minimize emissions and nutrient leaching, while increasing the crop yields. Eventually, this will result in a more sustainable farming practice.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Depends on the crop. This can often be a basic fertilization with slurry with an additional artificial fertilizer.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Uncertainty in the nutrient application with animal manure. Because the inconsistency in animal manure contents, farmers do not know how much nutrients they apply, leading to over/under application. This leads to both environmental emissions and economical losses, as the yield potential is not achieved.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Once the NIR measurement is developed and installed, similar time as regular animal manure. As there is very little experience with implementing the system, it is not possible to estimate the amount of time it takes to install the tools.
When using animal manure, there is often a large variation in the amount of nutrients applied over the field. Manure is transported with trucks and when applying animal manure different trucks come from different locations. Although the manure comes from the same type of animals, the nutrient content of the manure varies depending on the feed the animals ate and the intensity of the mixing of the manure. Farmers get the result of the samples after the manure is applied on the field.
With NIR measurements, the nutrient content of the manure is measured while it is being applied, allowing precision farming as it becomes possible to apply manure based on its content.
With NIR measurements, the nutrient content of the manure is measured in real time while it is being applied. During application, the NIR sensor emits near-infrared light onto the manure as it flows through the applicator. This light interacts with the manure, and the sensor measures the amount of light that is absorbed and reflected at specific wavelengths. Nitrogen has unique absorption patterns, which the sensor analyzes to determine the precise nitrogen content. The data is then processed and displayed in real time, allowing the farmer to adjust application rates immediately.
This way, surpluses can be avoided which potentially result to leaching of nutrients, soil acidification and a poor crop development. On the contrary, areas that receive less nutrients will have a reduced crop yield, lower organic matter input and overall does not reach the full soil potential. If this can be linked to task maps, the variation in the field can be reduced as the application can be adjusted based on the current situation in the field. This way, farmers will reduce costs, minimize emissions and nutrient leaching, while increasing the crop yields. Eventually, this will result in a more sustainable farming practice.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Depends on the crop. This can often be a basic fertilization with slurry with an additional artificial fertilizer.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Uncertainty in the nutrient application with animal manure. Because the inconsistency in animal manure contents, farmers do not know how much nutrients they apply, leading to over/under application. This leads to both environmental emissions and economical losses, as the yield potential is not achieved.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Once the NIR measurement is developed and installed, similar time as regular animal manure. As there is very little experience with implementing the system, it is not possible to estimate the amount of time it takes to install the tools.
The iAgro Mobile App uses 3D point clouds (big data) to optimize variable‑rate fertilization in vineyards. Acting as a Decision Support System (DSS), it applies AI‑based computer vision to analyze a vineyard’s digital twin and assess canopy biometrics and field parameters. From this analysis, the app generates vigor maps and prescription maps for optimized fertilization.
Designed for Android/iOS, the app allows technicians or winegrowers to quickly and objectively assess spatial‑temporal variability of vineyard foliage using the smartphone’s camera and GPS. Users capture geo‑referenced images of the canopy side wall, which are processed through proprietary cloud‑based AI. The system automatically determines canopy biometric parameters such as thickness, height, volume, LAI, and general vineyard parameters like LWA and TRV. By manually entering vineyard characteristics (inter‑row spacing, phenological phase, disease risk), the user receives the recommended water dose for applying fertilizers, along with the optimized fertilizer dose.
The app is available on Apple Store and Google Play and works on common smartphones. A data connection is not required during field image capture; photos can be uploaded later.
Farmers can scan a row section or an isolated plant. After upload, processing takes a few minutes, after which a 3D point‑cloud model of the scanned area appears on the smartphone. The app provides canopy thickness, height, volume, LAI, LWA, TRV, and the optimal water dose for treatments. By repeating scans at a sufficient number of points (minimum 5 per field), the app produces vigor (LAI) maps and optimal water‑dose maps for fertilization or treatments.
Geographical Location
Italy
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Foliar fertilizations at fixed doses and at periodic intervals.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Lower costs due to reduction in the quantity of fertilizers used, lower environmental impact .
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? It’s an innovative tool, at least two years are needed for the diffusion of the innovative practice.
The iAgro Mobile App uses 3D point clouds (big data) to optimize variable‑rate fertilization in vineyards. Acting as a Decision Support System (DSS), it applies AI‑based computer vision to analyze a vineyard’s digital twin and assess canopy biometrics and field parameters. From this analysis, the app generates vigor maps and prescription maps for optimized fertilization.
Designed for Android/iOS, the app allows technicians or winegrowers to quickly and objectively assess spatial‑temporal variability of vineyard foliage using the smartphone’s camera and GPS. Users capture geo‑referenced images of the canopy side wall, which are processed through proprietary cloud‑based AI. The system automatically determines canopy biometric parameters such as thickness, height, volume, LAI, and general vineyard parameters like LWA and TRV. By manually entering vineyard characteristics (inter‑row spacing, phenological phase, disease risk), the user receives the recommended water dose for applying fertilizers, along with the optimized fertilizer dose.
The app is available on Apple Store and Google Play and works on common smartphones. A data connection is not required during field image capture; photos can be uploaded later.
Farmers can scan a row section or an isolated plant. After upload, processing takes a few minutes, after which a 3D point‑cloud model of the scanned area appears on the smartphone. The app provides canopy thickness, height, volume, LAI, LWA, TRV, and the optimal water dose for treatments. By repeating scans at a sufficient number of points (minimum 5 per field), the app produces vigor (LAI) maps and optimal water‑dose maps for fertilization or treatments.
Geographical Location
Italy
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Foliar fertilizations at fixed doses and at periodic intervals.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Lower costs due to reduction in the quantity of fertilizers used, lower environmental impact .
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? It’s an innovative tool, at least two years are needed for the diffusion of the innovative practice.
Site‑specific fertilization using vigor maps is a precision farming method that optimizes fertilizer use, improves yields, and reduces nutrient losses and environmental impacts. Vigor maps are generated from data collected by sensors on machinery, drones, or satellites. These sensors capture plant health indicators such as NDVI, which measures reflection in the near‑infrared spectrum and is strongly linked to plant vigor and photosynthesis. Multispectral cameras provide the highest accuracy.
For tree crops, drone‑mounted sensors are most effective because satellite resolution is too low for precise fertilization recommendations. For field crops like cereals or maize, satellite imagery is a cost‑effective option with sufficient spatial resolution. Field sensors are useful for specific purposes—e.g., disease forecasting or water‑stress monitoring—but their point‑in‑time measurements may not represent the entire field. By combining vigor maps with field data and soil analysis, farmers obtain a complete picture of crop health and nutrient needs.
This technique supports the creation of prescription maps for Variable Rate Fertilization (VRF). These maps guide equipment to apply fertilizers at the correct rate and location, addressing nutrient deficiencies while avoiding over‑application in areas already sufficient. Integrating vigor maps with VRF improves productivity and supports sustainability by reducing risks such as nutrient runoff and soil degradation. Farmers and agronomists benefit from more efficient input use, better crop quality, and improved compliance with environmental regulations, making vigor maps a valuable tool in modern precision agriculture.
Geographical Location
Italy
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? The standard practice in this region involves fertilization with a single, uniform dose applied across the entire field for each crop type. This approach is based on generalized recommendations rather than site-specific data, often leading to inefficiencies. While straightforward and easy to implement, this method does not account for variability in soil fertility, crop nutrient requirements, or field conditions. As a result, it can lead to over-fertilization in some areas, increasing nutrient leaching and environmental risks, and under-fertilization in others, potentially limiting crop yields. In contrast, precision fertilization practices, such as those using vigor maps, offer a more targeted approach that addresses these limitations.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Lower costs due to reduction in the quantity of fertilizer used, lower environmental impact
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Depends on the progress of the growing season and ranges from three to six months
Site‑specific fertilization using vigor maps is a precision farming method that optimizes fertilizer use, improves yields, and reduces nutrient losses and environmental impacts. Vigor maps are generated from data collected by sensors on machinery, drones, or satellites. These sensors capture plant health indicators such as NDVI, which measures reflection in the near‑infrared spectrum and is strongly linked to plant vigor and photosynthesis. Multispectral cameras provide the highest accuracy.
For tree crops, drone‑mounted sensors are most effective because satellite resolution is too low for precise fertilization recommendations. For field crops like cereals or maize, satellite imagery is a cost‑effective option with sufficient spatial resolution. Field sensors are useful for specific purposes—e.g., disease forecasting or water‑stress monitoring—but their point‑in‑time measurements may not represent the entire field. By combining vigor maps with field data and soil analysis, farmers obtain a complete picture of crop health and nutrient needs.
This technique supports the creation of prescription maps for Variable Rate Fertilization (VRF). These maps guide equipment to apply fertilizers at the correct rate and location, addressing nutrient deficiencies while avoiding over‑application in areas already sufficient. Integrating vigor maps with VRF improves productivity and supports sustainability by reducing risks such as nutrient runoff and soil degradation. Farmers and agronomists benefit from more efficient input use, better crop quality, and improved compliance with environmental regulations, making vigor maps a valuable tool in modern precision agriculture.
Geographical Location
Italy
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? The standard practice in this region involves fertilization with a single, uniform dose applied across the entire field for each crop type. This approach is based on generalized recommendations rather than site-specific data, often leading to inefficiencies. While straightforward and easy to implement, this method does not account for variability in soil fertility, crop nutrient requirements, or field conditions. As a result, it can lead to over-fertilization in some areas, increasing nutrient leaching and environmental risks, and under-fertilization in others, potentially limiting crop yields. In contrast, precision fertilization practices, such as those using vigor maps, offer a more targeted approach that addresses these limitations.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Lower costs due to reduction in the quantity of fertilizer used, lower environmental impact
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Depends on the progress of the growing season and ranges from three to six months
The theoretical calculation of crop nitrogen needs in France has been carried out since 1992. This calculation is used to comply with the Nitrates Directive (European directive). The necessary data are provided by technical institutes and aggregated through COMIFER (French Committee for the Study and Development of Rational Fertilization). Estimating crop needs using satellite imagery is a major advance in precision agriculture. The images captured reveal information on plant cover (biomass) and allow the modelling of plant nitrogen content (Nitrogen Nutrition Index) to assess plant nitrogen needs and advise farmers on their site-specific fertilization practices for winter cereals and rapeseed.
Thanks to spectral indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), farmers can identify areas requiring specific nitrogen inputs. All farmers can use these digital solutions (such as
Mes Sat’images and Farmstar) to optimize their fertilization strategy both with solid and liquid fertilisers. Fertilisers can be applied uniformly all over the field using conventional equipment or at different rates in each part of the field using precision farming tools using e.g. the ISOBUS standardized data exchange format (ISOXML). ISOXML facilitates the interoperability between the precision farming tools and software packages such as Farmstar. This optimizes fertilization, thereby reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. In addition, this approach promotes sustainable resource management, while increasing yields. By integrating satellite imagery into agricultural practices, it becomes possible to respond more precisely to the crop needs, ensuring a more efficient and resilient food production.
Geographical Location
France
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Standard practice is to apply the nitrogen balance method (COMIFER Guide to Reasoned Fertilization). Over a given period of time, the mass balance of the soil mineral nitrogen stock in the crop root zone is written as follows: Final state - Initial state = Inputs – Outputs
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Agronomic and economic optimization of nitrogen management (reasoning the inputs to provide the right dose)
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Since 1992, the use of COMIFER gradually increase up to about 1/3 of the winter cereals and rapeseed area in France in 2024 (7 500 000 hectares total)
The theoretical calculation of crop nitrogen needs in France has been carried out since 1992. This calculation is used to comply with the Nitrates Directive (European directive). The necessary data are provided by technical institutes and aggregated through COMIFER (French Committee for the Study and Development of Rational Fertilization). Estimating crop needs using satellite imagery is a major advance in precision agriculture. The images captured reveal information on plant cover (biomass) and allow the modelling of plant nitrogen content (Nitrogen Nutrition Index) to assess plant nitrogen needs and advise farmers on their site-specific fertilization practices for winter cereals and rapeseed.
Thanks to spectral indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), farmers can identify areas requiring specific nitrogen inputs. All farmers can use these digital solutions (such as
Mes Sat’images and Farmstar) to optimize their fertilization strategy both with solid and liquid fertilisers. Fertilisers can be applied uniformly all over the field using conventional equipment or at different rates in each part of the field using precision farming tools using e.g. the ISOBUS standardized data exchange format (ISOXML). ISOXML facilitates the interoperability between the precision farming tools and software packages such as Farmstar. This optimizes fertilization, thereby reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. In addition, this approach promotes sustainable resource management, while increasing yields. By integrating satellite imagery into agricultural practices, it becomes possible to respond more precisely to the crop needs, ensuring a more efficient and resilient food production.
Geographical Location
France
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Standard practice is to apply the nitrogen balance method (COMIFER Guide to Reasoned Fertilization). Over a given period of time, the mass balance of the soil mineral nitrogen stock in the crop root zone is written as follows: Final state - Initial state = Inputs – Outputs
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Agronomic and economic optimization of nitrogen management (reasoning the inputs to provide the right dose)
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Since 1992, the use of COMIFER gradually increase up to about 1/3 of the winter cereals and rapeseed area in France in 2024 (7 500 000 hectares total)
CropSat is a free Swedish precision farming tool that uses satellite imagery to optimize nitrogen fertilization for crops such as wheat and other cereals. It relies on NDVI data from satellites captured every 2–5 days to monitor crop growth, biomass, and field variability. Using these insights, CropSat generates nitrogen application maps that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and lower environmental impact.
Farmers access CropSat through its user‑friendly web platform, where fields appear on an interactive map showing vegetation differences caused by soil quality, water availability, or nutrient issues. These variations help identify underperforming zones needing targeted fertilization.
To create Variable Rate Application (VRA) maps, the user follows several steps:
a) Satellite imagery detects crop health and biomass variability as the basis for precision planning.
b) Farmers generate maps by choosing the field, crop, and target nitrogen rates, and entering parameters such as fertilizer product type.
c) The VRA map can be downloaded as ISO‑XML or Shapefile, ensuring compatibility with modern tractor guidance systems and variable rate spreaders.
d) The task map is uploaded to the tractor terminal, enabling automatic adjustment of nitrogen rates in real time. This prevents over‑fertilization in healthy zones and adds nutrients where needed.
CropSat boosts yields, sustainability, and fertilizer savings by replacing uniform nitrogen application with maps that account for field variability. It solves past inefficiencies where some zones were over‑fertilized—causing higher costs and nitrogen leaching—while others were under‑fertilized, reducing yields. Compared with tools like N‑sensors, CropSat is more affordable and accessible, requiring no expensive equipment and only basic digital skills. Farmers simply need internet access, a compatible variable rate
Geographical Location
Sweden
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? If farmers do not use VRA for their nitrogen application, they use recommended nitrogen rate tables, which correlate with the crop and the expected yield. The same amount of nitrogen is then applied to the whole field without taking into account field variations.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Nitrogen fertiliser is a major expense for farmers and has a negative impact on the environment. A more resource-efficient approach to nitrogen application has both economic and environmental benefits. Previously, nitrogen fertilizer was applied evenly across fields, which led to inefficiencies: some areas received excessive amounts, while others received too little. Alternatively, farmers had to invest in expensive N-sensors. Compared to using satellite imagery, spreading nitrogen more evenly over the field reduces fertiliser costs, gives better and more consistent crop quality and reduces nitrogen emissions.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? The system was developed in 2014-2015 in a collaboration of… There was an earlier version of Cropsat but it was not as user-friendly and accurate. After the development of 2014-2015 Cropsat is integrated and developed by DataVäxt. The use of Cropsat has been gradual since 2015, but by 2024 it is an established part of grain production for cereal farmers.
CropSat is a free Swedish precision farming tool that uses satellite imagery to optimize nitrogen fertilization for crops such as wheat and other cereals. It relies on NDVI data from satellites captured every 2–5 days to monitor crop growth, biomass, and field variability. Using these insights, CropSat generates nitrogen application maps that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and lower environmental impact.
Farmers access CropSat through its user‑friendly web platform, where fields appear on an interactive map showing vegetation differences caused by soil quality, water availability, or nutrient issues. These variations help identify underperforming zones needing targeted fertilization.
To create Variable Rate Application (VRA) maps, the user follows several steps:
a) Satellite imagery detects crop health and biomass variability as the basis for precision planning.
b) Farmers generate maps by choosing the field, crop, and target nitrogen rates, and entering parameters such as fertilizer product type.
c) The VRA map can be downloaded as ISO‑XML or Shapefile, ensuring compatibility with modern tractor guidance systems and variable rate spreaders.
d) The task map is uploaded to the tractor terminal, enabling automatic adjustment of nitrogen rates in real time. This prevents over‑fertilization in healthy zones and adds nutrients where needed.
CropSat boosts yields, sustainability, and fertilizer savings by replacing uniform nitrogen application with maps that account for field variability. It solves past inefficiencies where some zones were over‑fertilized—causing higher costs and nitrogen leaching—while others were under‑fertilized, reducing yields. Compared with tools like N‑sensors, CropSat is more affordable and accessible, requiring no expensive equipment and only basic digital skills. Farmers simply need internet access, a compatible variable rate
Geographical Location
Sweden
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? If farmers do not use VRA for their nitrogen application, they use recommended nitrogen rate tables, which correlate with the crop and the expected yield. The same amount of nitrogen is then applied to the whole field without taking into account field variations.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Nitrogen fertiliser is a major expense for farmers and has a negative impact on the environment. A more resource-efficient approach to nitrogen application has both economic and environmental benefits. Previously, nitrogen fertilizer was applied evenly across fields, which led to inefficiencies: some areas received excessive amounts, while others received too little. Alternatively, farmers had to invest in expensive N-sensors. Compared to using satellite imagery, spreading nitrogen more evenly over the field reduces fertiliser costs, gives better and more consistent crop quality and reduces nitrogen emissions.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? The system was developed in 2014-2015 in a collaboration of… There was an earlier version of Cropsat but it was not as user-friendly and accurate. After the development of 2014-2015 Cropsat is integrated and developed by DataVäxt. The use of Cropsat has been gradual since 2015, but by 2024 it is an established part of grain production for cereal farmers.
WatchITgrow is an online platform helping farmers monitor arable crops and vegetables to improve yield quality and quantity. It serves growers, contractors, advisors, and buyers. It combines satellite, weather, soil, IoT, and farmer field data. Using big data analytics and machine learning, it provides timely, personalized advice. Farmers can store field info such as variety; planting/harvest dates; and fertilizer, pesticide, or irrigation applications, and choose whether to share it.
The platform shows crop growth from satellite images. Greenness maps reveal within‑field variability and allow field‑to‑field comparisons. Weather data (temperature, rainfall) help assess risks for production or quality losses. WatchITgrow also provides yield forecasts for Bintje and Fontane potatoes and can create application maps for variable rate planting, irrigation, haulm killing, and variable fertilization.
To create a variable fertilization map, the farmer selects the machine, fertilizer type (mineral, organic, compost), and product(s). They may choose an existing product or create one by adding minerals, then enter the normal dose (kg/ha or l/ha). With “Auto dosage,” this dose is distributed across zones based on the chosen strategy: “Make bad areas better” increases doses in low‑greenness zones; “Make good areas better” increases doses in high‑greenness zones. Manual adjustments remain possible.
Zones are defined using fAPAR greenness images from Sentinel‑2. fAPAR measures the fraction of solar radiation absorbed by green, living leaves. Each pixel is compared with the field’s median greenness and grouped into five classes: <85%, 85–95%, 95–105%, 105–115%, >115%. Finally, the farmer names the map, may add an advice date, and downloads a shapefile containing polygons and fertilizer doses for use in variable rate fertilization equipment.
Geographical Location
Belgium
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? A uniform quantity of fertilizer is applied to the field, usually based on a soil sample analysis and advice at parcel level. Variation in soil quality/fertilizer need within the parcel is not taken into account.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? In most agricultural fields, a natural variation in soil quality is observed, which is linked to the yield potential. If the farmer applies a uniform dose of fertilizer on the field, zones with an overdose or underdosage will occur. This leads to a low efficiency in fertilizer use. The evolution towards precision agriculture allows this variation to be mapped and managed accordingly. WatchITgrow provides information on crop growth and development as observed from satellite images. From the greenness maps you can easily detect variability within your field and create application maps for variable rate.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? The first version of the WatchITgrow platform was developed within the iPot research project in the period 2014-2016 and was launched in 2016 focusing the field and yield data in potato production. Since then and till today, the tool was continuously improved and expanded with additional crops and modules including variable fertilization. To promote the use of the platform, Belgian potato farmers could receive a financial bonus from their buyer in 2019 and 2020 when they actively use the WatchITgrow platform to submit field data and actual yields. The platform can be used to monitor fields in Belgium and surrounding countries.
WatchITgrow is an online platform helping farmers monitor arable crops and vegetables to improve yield quality and quantity. It serves growers, contractors, advisors, and buyers. It combines satellite, weather, soil, IoT, and farmer field data. Using big data analytics and machine learning, it provides timely, personalized advice. Farmers can store field info such as variety; planting/harvest dates; and fertilizer, pesticide, or irrigation applications, and choose whether to share it.
The platform shows crop growth from satellite images. Greenness maps reveal within‑field variability and allow field‑to‑field comparisons. Weather data (temperature, rainfall) help assess risks for production or quality losses. WatchITgrow also provides yield forecasts for Bintje and Fontane potatoes and can create application maps for variable rate planting, irrigation, haulm killing, and variable fertilization.
To create a variable fertilization map, the farmer selects the machine, fertilizer type (mineral, organic, compost), and product(s). They may choose an existing product or create one by adding minerals, then enter the normal dose (kg/ha or l/ha). With “Auto dosage,” this dose is distributed across zones based on the chosen strategy: “Make bad areas better” increases doses in low‑greenness zones; “Make good areas better” increases doses in high‑greenness zones. Manual adjustments remain possible.
Zones are defined using fAPAR greenness images from Sentinel‑2. fAPAR measures the fraction of solar radiation absorbed by green, living leaves. Each pixel is compared with the field’s median greenness and grouped into five classes: <85%, 85–95%, 95–105%, 105–115%, >115%. Finally, the farmer names the map, may add an advice date, and downloads a shapefile containing polygons and fertilizer doses for use in variable rate fertilization equipment.
Geographical Location
Belgium
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? A uniform quantity of fertilizer is applied to the field, usually based on a soil sample analysis and advice at parcel level. Variation in soil quality/fertilizer need within the parcel is not taken into account.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? In most agricultural fields, a natural variation in soil quality is observed, which is linked to the yield potential. If the farmer applies a uniform dose of fertilizer on the field, zones with an overdose or underdosage will occur. This leads to a low efficiency in fertilizer use. The evolution towards precision agriculture allows this variation to be mapped and managed accordingly. WatchITgrow provides information on crop growth and development as observed from satellite images. From the greenness maps you can easily detect variability within your field and create application maps for variable rate.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? The first version of the WatchITgrow platform was developed within the iPot research project in the period 2014-2016 and was launched in 2016 focusing the field and yield data in potato production. Since then and till today, the tool was continuously improved and expanded with additional crops and modules including variable fertilization. To promote the use of the platform, Belgian potato farmers could receive a financial bonus from their buyer in 2019 and 2020 when they actively use the WatchITgrow platform to submit field data and actual yields. The platform can be used to monitor fields in Belgium and surrounding countries.
Optimizing fertilizer inputs is crucial to reduce agriculture’s environmental impact while meeting global demand for food, fibre, and fuel. Centrifugal fertilizer spreaders are the most common mineral fertilizer machines due to their wide working width, small size, low cost, and simple, robust design. Despite this simplicity, the spreading process is hard to control because it depends on particle properties, wind, and machine settings. This often causes deviations between desired and actual spread patterns, leading to under‑ and over‑application and losses beyond the field.
To evaluate spreader performance and adjust settings, farmers must determine the spread pattern. Uniformity is assessed by measuring the single transverse spread pattern using a row of collection trays placed perpendicular to the driving direction. Material collected in each tray is weighed and converted into an application rate. Broadcast spreaders typically create gauss‑ or trapezoid‑shaped patterns, with higher doses centrally behind the spreader and decreasing rates toward the edges. This requires overlap between swaths for homogeneous distribution.
Uniformity across the swath width is expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV). Optimal swath width and application rate are determined from the measured pattern. The European standard EN13739 (2003) requires that the CV must not exceed 15%. If an undesirable pattern is found, the spreader should be adjusted—e.g., vane position, spreader height, orifice position. This method is mainly used for mineral fertilizer centrifugal spreaders but also applies to pendulum and manure spreaders.
Because of their wide working width and pattern shape, broadcast spreaders also risk spreading beyond field borders. To avoid environmental losses, various border spreading technologies (e.g., deflector plates, disc‑integrated systems) are ava
Geographical Location
Belgium
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? In most cases no check of the spread pattern is performed. Adjustment of the spreader is done following the instructions of the machine manufacturer or a default setting is used.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Poor distribution of the fertilizer leads to yield losses, visible spreading lanes and quality difference within the field. Fertilizer losses out of the field mean economic losses for the farmer, losses to the environment and are bad for the reputation of the farmer.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? ILVO's fertilizer spreader calibration service was established as the result of a 4-year research project and is operational for several years. Due to the large spreading widths, performing spread pattern tests is a very laborious, time-consuming process. Adjusting the spreader needs some operational knowledge combined with trial and error which makes spread pattern measurements quite expensive. In addition, measurements are weather dependent and require a lot of space. Finally, there is no mandatory spreader testing in Europe which is different from sprayers. For these reasons, and despite the clear advantages, the level of implementation by farmers is relatively low. The level of implementation could increase by setting up a (voluntary or mandatory) spreader testing campaign and/or to foresee some subsidies for farmers testing their spreader. Today, there is no direct monitoring. Indirect monitoring is done among others by measuring nitrogen content in soil and surface water.
Optimizing fertilizer inputs is crucial to reduce agriculture’s environmental impact while meeting global demand for food, fibre, and fuel. Centrifugal fertilizer spreaders are the most common mineral fertilizer machines due to their wide working width, small size, low cost, and simple, robust design. Despite this simplicity, the spreading process is hard to control because it depends on particle properties, wind, and machine settings. This often causes deviations between desired and actual spread patterns, leading to under‑ and over‑application and losses beyond the field.
To evaluate spreader performance and adjust settings, farmers must determine the spread pattern. Uniformity is assessed by measuring the single transverse spread pattern using a row of collection trays placed perpendicular to the driving direction. Material collected in each tray is weighed and converted into an application rate. Broadcast spreaders typically create gauss‑ or trapezoid‑shaped patterns, with higher doses centrally behind the spreader and decreasing rates toward the edges. This requires overlap between swaths for homogeneous distribution.
Uniformity across the swath width is expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV). Optimal swath width and application rate are determined from the measured pattern. The European standard EN13739 (2003) requires that the CV must not exceed 15%. If an undesirable pattern is found, the spreader should be adjusted—e.g., vane position, spreader height, orifice position. This method is mainly used for mineral fertilizer centrifugal spreaders but also applies to pendulum and manure spreaders.
Because of their wide working width and pattern shape, broadcast spreaders also risk spreading beyond field borders. To avoid environmental losses, various border spreading technologies (e.g., deflector plates, disc‑integrated systems) are ava
Geographical Location
Belgium
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? In most cases no check of the spread pattern is performed. Adjustment of the spreader is done following the instructions of the machine manufacturer or a default setting is used.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Poor distribution of the fertilizer leads to yield losses, visible spreading lanes and quality difference within the field. Fertilizer losses out of the field mean economic losses for the farmer, losses to the environment and are bad for the reputation of the farmer.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? ILVO's fertilizer spreader calibration service was established as the result of a 4-year research project and is operational for several years. Due to the large spreading widths, performing spread pattern tests is a very laborious, time-consuming process. Adjusting the spreader needs some operational knowledge combined with trial and error which makes spread pattern measurements quite expensive. In addition, measurements are weather dependent and require a lot of space. Finally, there is no mandatory spreader testing in Europe which is different from sprayers. For these reasons, and despite the clear advantages, the level of implementation by farmers is relatively low. The level of implementation could increase by setting up a (voluntary or mandatory) spreader testing campaign and/or to foresee some subsidies for farmers testing their spreader. Today, there is no direct monitoring. Indirect monitoring is done among others by measuring nitrogen content in soil and surface water.
Satellite images are well suited for crops like cereals, maize, and other field crops because their scale matches the spatial resolution of Sentinel‑2. Combined with drone data, they support Variable Rate Application (VRA) of fertilizers. Optical satellites and multispectral drones capture high‑resolution imagery and vegetation indices such as NDVI and NDRE, revealing field zones with differences in crop health, growth, or nutrient status. These zones often need targeted checks such as nitrate tests or soil sampling.
To support fieldwork, farmers use a mobile app developed in the EIP Precision Farming and Digitalisation project. The app displays maps guiding users to zones flagged by satellite data. Farmers can navigate to underperforming areas, enter soil nitrate results, and add real‑time observations. This combination of remote sensing and ground‑truth data increases accuracy and reliability.
Agronomists analyze all collected data to produce targeted fertilization recommendations and a digital fertilization plan. Farmers transfer these files to machinery via USB, cloud systems, or wireless connections.
Integrating satellite images, drone data, soil measurements, and precision equipment improves fertilizer accuracy. When combined with soil analysis, farmers gain a complete view of plant and soil needs. Satellite imagery highlights variability, while soil data confirms nutrient deficiencies, enabling highly precise fertilizer adjustments.
Using VRA provides higher yields, lower fertilizer costs, and reduced environmental impact. Precision dosing avoids over‑fertilizing healthy zones and supplies extra nutrients to weaker areas, creating more uniform growth and better resource efficiency. This supports sustainable farming by reducing nutrient leaching, protecting water quality, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Geographical Location
Slovenia
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region?
Most farmers use conventional fertilisation with one uniform dose across the whole area. The rate is set “by feel,” based on recommended and allowed annual N levels. This often leads to over‑ or under‑fertilisation, inefficient nutrient use, environmental impacts, and yield variability. Only a few farmers create an N plan using soil or plant samples, and even then, the plan specifies one single rate per fertiliser and growth stage for the entire field.
What was the on‑farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice?
The main challenge was the underuse of modern VRA‑capable machinery. Many farms own equipment that can perform VRA but still apply uniform fertiliser rates, using only section control. Because VRA requires advanced knowledge and digital skills, farms often rely on specialists or highly trained technologists. For larger farms, VRA offers opportunities to save money, increase profitability, and protect natural resources. Smaller farms face different drivers, such as crop levelling, reducing fertiliser use (especially during price spikes), and gaining knowledge through the project to learn how to apply VRA effectively.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor?
Introducing the method typically takes one growing season, depending on farmer initiative and technical ability. Adoption requires significant learning and practice. Monitoring includes checking satellite images, tracking fertiliser use, and evaluating field performance.
Satellite images are well suited for crops like cereals, maize, and other field crops because their scale matches the spatial resolution of Sentinel‑2. Combined with drone data, they support Variable Rate Application (VRA) of fertilizers. Optical satellites and multispectral drones capture high‑resolution imagery and vegetation indices such as NDVI and NDRE, revealing field zones with differences in crop health, growth, or nutrient status. These zones often need targeted checks such as nitrate tests or soil sampling.
To support fieldwork, farmers use a mobile app developed in the EIP Precision Farming and Digitalisation project. The app displays maps guiding users to zones flagged by satellite data. Farmers can navigate to underperforming areas, enter soil nitrate results, and add real‑time observations. This combination of remote sensing and ground‑truth data increases accuracy and reliability.
Agronomists analyze all collected data to produce targeted fertilization recommendations and a digital fertilization plan. Farmers transfer these files to machinery via USB, cloud systems, or wireless connections.
Integrating satellite images, drone data, soil measurements, and precision equipment improves fertilizer accuracy. When combined with soil analysis, farmers gain a complete view of plant and soil needs. Satellite imagery highlights variability, while soil data confirms nutrient deficiencies, enabling highly precise fertilizer adjustments.
Using VRA provides higher yields, lower fertilizer costs, and reduced environmental impact. Precision dosing avoids over‑fertilizing healthy zones and supplies extra nutrients to weaker areas, creating more uniform growth and better resource efficiency. This supports sustainable farming by reducing nutrient leaching, protecting water quality, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Geographical Location
Slovenia
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region?
Most farmers use conventional fertilisation with one uniform dose across the whole area. The rate is set “by feel,” based on recommended and allowed annual N levels. This often leads to over‑ or under‑fertilisation, inefficient nutrient use, environmental impacts, and yield variability. Only a few farmers create an N plan using soil or plant samples, and even then, the plan specifies one single rate per fertiliser and growth stage for the entire field.
What was the on‑farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice?
The main challenge was the underuse of modern VRA‑capable machinery. Many farms own equipment that can perform VRA but still apply uniform fertiliser rates, using only section control. Because VRA requires advanced knowledge and digital skills, farms often rely on specialists or highly trained technologists. For larger farms, VRA offers opportunities to save money, increase profitability, and protect natural resources. Smaller farms face different drivers, such as crop levelling, reducing fertiliser use (especially during price spikes), and gaining knowledge through the project to learn how to apply VRA effectively.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor?
Introducing the method typically takes one growing season, depending on farmer initiative and technical ability. Adoption requires significant learning and practice. Monitoring includes checking satellite images, tracking fertiliser use, and evaluating field performance.
This practice describes the use of available satellite images to monitor actual crop status and act quickly on it. This helps to use fertiliser inputs more efficiently and reduce costs. Variable rate fertiliser prescription maps are traditionally based on soil samples of a given area. The aim of this new approach is to optimize fertiliser use, reduce costs and at the same time increase the efficiency of fertilization using crop information acquired from satellite images. Satellite images make it possible to retrieve information on the state of agricultural areas in a global level. These images can be used so that farmers, researchers and agronomists can monitor plant growth, assess field conditions and identify potential problems that affect the quantity and quality of crops. With the latest development of satellite technology, images have become increasingly accurate and more accessible, making it easier to use them in agricultural practice. A significant advantage is the speed with which information on the situation of crops in the field can be obtained so that the farmer can react immediately with the application of appropriate fertilisers at the right location.
Geographical Location
Slovenia
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Standard practice is to calculate fertilizer application rate based on soil and plant analyses, use a fertiliser plan and apply the same amount over and over again, regardless of soil and plant variability.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Cost of investment in technology, especially on smaller farms
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? 3 - 5 years
This practice describes the use of available satellite images to monitor actual crop status and act quickly on it. This helps to use fertiliser inputs more efficiently and reduce costs. Variable rate fertiliser prescription maps are traditionally based on soil samples of a given area. The aim of this new approach is to optimize fertiliser use, reduce costs and at the same time increase the efficiency of fertilization using crop information acquired from satellite images. Satellite images make it possible to retrieve information on the state of agricultural areas in a global level. These images can be used so that farmers, researchers and agronomists can monitor plant growth, assess field conditions and identify potential problems that affect the quantity and quality of crops. With the latest development of satellite technology, images have become increasingly accurate and more accessible, making it easier to use them in agricultural practice. A significant advantage is the speed with which information on the situation of crops in the field can be obtained so that the farmer can react immediately with the application of appropriate fertilisers at the right location.
Geographical Location
Slovenia
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? Standard practice is to calculate fertilizer application rate based on soil and plant analyses, use a fertiliser plan and apply the same amount over and over again, regardless of soil and plant variability.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Cost of investment in technology, especially on smaller farms
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? 3 - 5 years
The zero‑spot fertilization method for winter wheat applies nitrogen in three steps:
- Early spring (BBCH 30, mid‑March): 25–40% of total estimated N.
- Main application (BBCH 30, mid‑April): 40–55%, ensuring availability at shooting (BBCH 32).
- Final application (BBCH 39, mid‑May): Rate calculated from zero‑spot measurements.
A zero spot is a 3×4 m unfertilized area used to quantify the soil’s nitrogen supply. Satellite‑based biomass data distributes the final supplementary N. After evaluating zero‑spot N uptake, the total N requirement is calculated using formulas based on wheat variety and use. Varieties are grouped by optimal protein level:
- Low protein <10%,
- Medium 10–12%,
- High >12%.
Nitrogen need also depends on final use:
A) Own feed/bread wheat: 22 kg N/t harvest,
B) Industrial feed or starch wheat (medium/high protein): 20 kg N/t,
C) Industrial feed or starch wheat (low protein): 15 kg N/t.
Zero spots are established in spring and kept nitrogen‑free through all fertilizations. Near BBCH 39, nitrogen uptake in the zero spots is measured using Yara N‑tester and image analysis in Yara Atfarm. These values, along with variety, use, expected yield, and previous fertilization, are entered into Yara’s formula to determine the supplementary N requirement. This value is then used to create an optimal variable‑rate distribution via Atfarm or Cropsat.
In these tools, the zero‑spot reading is calibrated to satellite images to assign it correctly within the field. A VRA (Variable Rate Application) file is then generated for the final N application.
If two zero spots are used during organic fertilizer spreading—one receiving only organic fertilizer and one receiving no N—the contribution of the organic fertilizer can also be calculated by comparing N uptake in both spots.
Geographical Location
Sweden
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region?
Most farmers use three nitrogen applications, similar to the zero‑spot method. However, N levels are determined from experience, previous years’ results, and the fertilization done during the previous winter, rather than from in‑season measurements.
What was the on‑farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice?
Traditional N field experiments only provided the optimal fertilization strategy after harvest, and no tools existed to assess N needs during the season or adjust applications according to crop and field variation. Analyses of N trials showed that differences in N requirements at sites with the same yield were driven by soil nitrogen delivery, measurable through nitrogen zero spots. At the same time, new variety‑specific experiments showed that Swedish winter wheat can be divided into three groups based on kernel protein at optimal N. These results enabled calculation tools combining variety characteristics, final wheat use, expected yield, and soil N supply. Later, the method was linked to satellite‑based biomass maps to enable variable‑rate fertilization instead of uniform dosing, applying N according to real crop needs.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor?
The zero‑spot method is based on knowledge built up over several years. It took about 10 years from the start of N‑evaluation trials to a practical farmer‑ready method. Once developed, uptake was quick. In 2015, farmers used a handheld N sensor, but this was slow because one device had to be shared across farms. From 2015 onward, other indirect measurements (e.g., straw‑length image analysis) were tested to simplify N uptake assessment. In 2024, farmers could finally measure N uptake in their own zero spots without
The zero‑spot fertilization method for winter wheat applies nitrogen in three steps:
- Early spring (BBCH 30, mid‑March): 25–40% of total estimated N.
- Main application (BBCH 30, mid‑April): 40–55%, ensuring availability at shooting (BBCH 32).
- Final application (BBCH 39, mid‑May): Rate calculated from zero‑spot measurements.
A zero spot is a 3×4 m unfertilized area used to quantify the soil’s nitrogen supply. Satellite‑based biomass data distributes the final supplementary N. After evaluating zero‑spot N uptake, the total N requirement is calculated using formulas based on wheat variety and use. Varieties are grouped by optimal protein level:
- Low protein <10%,
- Medium 10–12%,
- High >12%.
Nitrogen need also depends on final use:
A) Own feed/bread wheat: 22 kg N/t harvest,
B) Industrial feed or starch wheat (medium/high protein): 20 kg N/t,
C) Industrial feed or starch wheat (low protein): 15 kg N/t.
Zero spots are established in spring and kept nitrogen‑free through all fertilizations. Near BBCH 39, nitrogen uptake in the zero spots is measured using Yara N‑tester and image analysis in Yara Atfarm. These values, along with variety, use, expected yield, and previous fertilization, are entered into Yara’s formula to determine the supplementary N requirement. This value is then used to create an optimal variable‑rate distribution via Atfarm or Cropsat.
In these tools, the zero‑spot reading is calibrated to satellite images to assign it correctly within the field. A VRA (Variable Rate Application) file is then generated for the final N application.
If two zero spots are used during organic fertilizer spreading—one receiving only organic fertilizer and one receiving no N—the contribution of the organic fertilizer can also be calculated by comparing N uptake in both spots.
Geographical Location
Sweden
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region?
Most farmers use three nitrogen applications, similar to the zero‑spot method. However, N levels are determined from experience, previous years’ results, and the fertilization done during the previous winter, rather than from in‑season measurements.
What was the on‑farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice?
Traditional N field experiments only provided the optimal fertilization strategy after harvest, and no tools existed to assess N needs during the season or adjust applications according to crop and field variation. Analyses of N trials showed that differences in N requirements at sites with the same yield were driven by soil nitrogen delivery, measurable through nitrogen zero spots. At the same time, new variety‑specific experiments showed that Swedish winter wheat can be divided into three groups based on kernel protein at optimal N. These results enabled calculation tools combining variety characteristics, final wheat use, expected yield, and soil N supply. Later, the method was linked to satellite‑based biomass maps to enable variable‑rate fertilization instead of uniform dosing, applying N according to real crop needs.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor?
The zero‑spot method is based on knowledge built up over several years. It took about 10 years from the start of N‑evaluation trials to a practical farmer‑ready method. Once developed, uptake was quick. In 2015, farmers used a handheld N sensor, but this was slow because one device had to be shared across farms. From 2015 onward, other indirect measurements (e.g., straw‑length image analysis) were tested to simplify N uptake assessment. In 2024, farmers could finally measure N uptake in their own zero spots without
To optimise crop growth throughout the season, it is important to offer the right amount of fertiliser to the crop at the right time. In The Netherlands several institutes offer a method that combines soil samples and crop growth modelling to optimize crop yield while minimizing the environmental impact.
The method works by collecting soil samples to assess the current available nutrients. These samples are combined with crop-specific growth models to simulate plant development and nutrient demand. These models account for factors such as planting date and soil type and give advice about the amount of nutrients a farmer should give till the end of the grow season.
This integration enhances decision-making by providing a comprehensive overview of nutrient management practices. For example, a farmer uses a standard fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, which consists mainly of slurry. During the growing season, an additional soil sample provides the optimal amount of fertilizer. The main benefits of applying this practice are:
a)By optimizing fertilization this method can help farmers achieve higher yields and better crop quality.
b)Precise nutrient application minimizes the risk of nitrogen leaching and emissions of greenhouse gases.
c)By applying only the necessary amount of fertilizer, farmers can reduce input costs.
d)This practice helps farmers comply with strict nitrate regulations by providing data-driven
recommendations.
A real example comes from a potato farmer in a region with sandy soils. This method uses extra soil samples, and crop growth models to determine that 50 kg N/ha is needed at a specific time. By following this recommendation, the farmer can optimize nitrogen use, reduce environmental impact, and maximize wheat yield. By leveraging advanced technology and data-driven insights, this method empowers farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen fertilization, leading to more sustainable and profitable agriculture.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? In this region, the standard practice for fertilization is a standardized fertilizer plan. This typically involves applying uniform fertilizer rates across entire fields based on general crop requirements and past experiences. While this approach is straightforward and widely used, it often fails to account for variations in soil nutrient levels, weather conditions, and crop growth patterns within a field.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? In the Netherlands nitrate regulations are quite strict so farmers needed ways to have more control to adjust the amount of fertilizer they use during the season.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? These extra samples are used in horticulture crops for years, with the rising cost of fertilisers around the world. Arable crop farmers started to use these samples more often.
To optimise crop growth throughout the season, it is important to offer the right amount of fertiliser to the crop at the right time. In The Netherlands several institutes offer a method that combines soil samples and crop growth modelling to optimize crop yield while minimizing the environmental impact.
The method works by collecting soil samples to assess the current available nutrients. These samples are combined with crop-specific growth models to simulate plant development and nutrient demand. These models account for factors such as planting date and soil type and give advice about the amount of nutrients a farmer should give till the end of the grow season.
This integration enhances decision-making by providing a comprehensive overview of nutrient management practices. For example, a farmer uses a standard fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, which consists mainly of slurry. During the growing season, an additional soil sample provides the optimal amount of fertilizer. The main benefits of applying this practice are:
a)By optimizing fertilization this method can help farmers achieve higher yields and better crop quality.
b)Precise nutrient application minimizes the risk of nitrogen leaching and emissions of greenhouse gases.
c)By applying only the necessary amount of fertilizer, farmers can reduce input costs.
d)This practice helps farmers comply with strict nitrate regulations by providing data-driven
recommendations.
A real example comes from a potato farmer in a region with sandy soils. This method uses extra soil samples, and crop growth models to determine that 50 kg N/ha is needed at a specific time. By following this recommendation, the farmer can optimize nitrogen use, reduce environmental impact, and maximize wheat yield. By leveraging advanced technology and data-driven insights, this method empowers farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen fertilization, leading to more sustainable and profitable agriculture.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? In this region, the standard practice for fertilization is a standardized fertilizer plan. This typically involves applying uniform fertilizer rates across entire fields based on general crop requirements and past experiences. While this approach is straightforward and widely used, it often fails to account for variations in soil nutrient levels, weather conditions, and crop growth patterns within a field.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? In the Netherlands nitrate regulations are quite strict so farmers needed ways to have more control to adjust the amount of fertilizer they use during the season.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? These extra samples are used in horticulture crops for years, with the rising cost of fertilisers around the world. Arable crop farmers started to use these samples more often.
Soil moisture sensors can measure soil moisture content. Growers use that information, for example, to prioritize irrigation of fields: which ones should be irrigated first, which can wait? This is especially important in situations where the fields of a farmer are spread over a wider region. There the transport and start of the irrigation set is a limiting factor in farm management, it might even be impossible to irrigate all fields that need it. Furthermore, optimal irrigation is needed for optimal uptake of minerals by plants. If uptake is not optimized, growth is affected plus minerals stay in the cultivation layer and may leach in case of heavy rainfall or in case of excessive irrigation (double negative effect!).
So, soil moisture has a strong direct and indirect effect on the profitability and sustainability of fertilizer management. A specific challenge for soil sensors is to install them in a way that they are representative for the field in which they are situated. The soil around the sensors should have a good connection, but not too firm; they should not be installed in a border and also not in places where the machines can destroy them. To cope with these challenges, different designs are available; mostly complex and expensive but also swarms of small sensors are under development. In the next years possibilities will expand, giving new impulses for precision agriculture.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? The majority of farmers fertilise and irrigate traditionally. When fertilisation takes place in dry periods, shortly after fertilising, irrigation will take place to stimulate mineral absorption.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Farmers don't really know when they need to start irrigation.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Soil moisture sensors are here for a couple of years. But the cost benefits are somewhat hard to compare. When it is dry farmers just need to irrigate and in those moments soil sensors are not really useful. But when it is starting to get dry you might have an advantage when you use a sensor.
Soil moisture sensors can measure soil moisture content. Growers use that information, for example, to prioritize irrigation of fields: which ones should be irrigated first, which can wait? This is especially important in situations where the fields of a farmer are spread over a wider region. There the transport and start of the irrigation set is a limiting factor in farm management, it might even be impossible to irrigate all fields that need it. Furthermore, optimal irrigation is needed for optimal uptake of minerals by plants. If uptake is not optimized, growth is affected plus minerals stay in the cultivation layer and may leach in case of heavy rainfall or in case of excessive irrigation (double negative effect!).
So, soil moisture has a strong direct and indirect effect on the profitability and sustainability of fertilizer management. A specific challenge for soil sensors is to install them in a way that they are representative for the field in which they are situated. The soil around the sensors should have a good connection, but not too firm; they should not be installed in a border and also not in places where the machines can destroy them. To cope with these challenges, different designs are available; mostly complex and expensive but also swarms of small sensors are under development. In the next years possibilities will expand, giving new impulses for precision agriculture.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which practice is considered as the standard in this region? The majority of farmers fertilise and irrigate traditionally. When fertilisation takes place in dry periods, shortly after fertilising, irrigation will take place to stimulate mineral absorption.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Farmers don't really know when they need to start irrigation.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Soil moisture sensors are here for a couple of years. But the cost benefits are somewhat hard to compare. When it is dry farmers just need to irrigate and in those moments soil sensors are not really useful. But when it is starting to get dry you might have an advantage when you use a sensor.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolysis, which is the thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen. This usually occurs in organic biomass, such as wood, agricultural residues, or other plant materials. It is primarily used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Biochar is usually applied during soil preparation and is either before or after seeding incorporated in the soil.
It can be applied in combination with an organic fertilizer, like compost or slurry.
By adding biochar to a soil, the carbon content is increased which contributes to the overall soil fertility. Specifically, the addition of biochar increases the water holding capacity of the soil. Next to that, it is a stimulus for soil life and can reduce the leaching by binding nutrients.
The biochar can be produced of many carbon rich products. In this project the experimentation was conducted on biochar obtained from the combination of forestry, agro-forestry, olive-growing, and agriculture. In particular, the aim is to reduce the waste out of olive pruning. This is particularly interesting from a circular economy perspective which, through vegetal the production of biochar, transforms what was previously a problem into a resource.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? It depends on the cultivation and it may be chemical or organic
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Valorize waste and processing residues with less impact than other forms of disposal and at the same time generate energy and increase in the fertility of the “soil system".
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? 29 Months
Geographical Location
Italy
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolysis, which is the thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen. This usually occurs in organic biomass, such as wood, agricultural residues, or other plant materials. It is primarily used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Biochar is usually applied during soil preparation and is either before or after seeding incorporated in the soil.
It can be applied in combination with an organic fertilizer, like compost or slurry.
By adding biochar to a soil, the carbon content is increased which contributes to the overall soil fertility. Specifically, the addition of biochar increases the water holding capacity of the soil. Next to that, it is a stimulus for soil life and can reduce the leaching by binding nutrients.
The biochar can be produced of many carbon rich products. In this project the experimentation was conducted on biochar obtained from the combination of forestry, agro-forestry, olive-growing, and agriculture. In particular, the aim is to reduce the waste out of olive pruning. This is particularly interesting from a circular economy perspective which, through vegetal the production of biochar, transforms what was previously a problem into a resource.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? It depends on the cultivation and it may be chemical or organic
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Valorize waste and processing residues with less impact than other forms of disposal and at the same time generate energy and increase in the fertility of the “soil system".
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? 29 Months
Geographical Location
Italy
The biofertilizer contains primarily of beneficial microorganisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), bacteria, and other fungi. These microorganisms are produced in vitro, in axenic cultures, and in vivo, resulting in effective inoculants. The AMF included in the biofertilizer belong to species such as Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Archaeospora spp., which have been isolated, multiplied because of their effectivity and efficiency.
The fertilizer is delivered in the form of alginate-based capsules containing the inoculum, which includes spores, hyphae, and colonized roots, as well as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria capable of
making phosphorus more accessible.
It is suitable for use on crops such as wheat, barley, sunflower, tomato, chickpea and alfalfa. Application is most effective directly after planting or during early crop stages to maximize the interaction between the microorganisms and plant roots. The biofertilizer stimulates nutrient uptake efficiency and supports crop growth. This way, the biofertilizer can be a potential to mineral fertilizers.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? All kind of fertilizer, chemicals and organic fertilizers
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Biofertilizers, efficient in conventional agriculture, can be used effectively to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides with a positive environmental impact on soil fertility and the diversity of agroecosystems.
Geographical Location
Italy
The biofertilizer contains primarily of beneficial microorganisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), bacteria, and other fungi. These microorganisms are produced in vitro, in axenic cultures, and in vivo, resulting in effective inoculants. The AMF included in the biofertilizer belong to species such as Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Archaeospora spp., which have been isolated, multiplied because of their effectivity and efficiency.
The fertilizer is delivered in the form of alginate-based capsules containing the inoculum, which includes spores, hyphae, and colonized roots, as well as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria capable of
making phosphorus more accessible.
It is suitable for use on crops such as wheat, barley, sunflower, tomato, chickpea and alfalfa. Application is most effective directly after planting or during early crop stages to maximize the interaction between the microorganisms and plant roots. The biofertilizer stimulates nutrient uptake efficiency and supports crop growth. This way, the biofertilizer can be a potential to mineral fertilizers.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? All kind of fertilizer, chemicals and organic fertilizers
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Biofertilizers, efficient in conventional agriculture, can be used effectively to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides with a positive environmental impact on soil fertility and the diversity of agroecosystems.
Geographical Location
Italy
Growing media include any materials other than soil used as a horticultural substrate for plant rooting and cultivation in a confined volume, as part of controlled environment agriculture. These growing media are used for growing vegetables, fruits and ornamentals in a range of hydroponic systems in greenhouses. Peat is widely used as major constituent in growing media but is controversial due to damage to peatlands and greenhouse gas emissions at harvesting.
Biochar can be used in growing media blends as fertilizer or for improving plant growth, disease suppression, and as a sustainable (partial) replacement of peat. Biochar is one of the products of pyrolysis, i.e., heating of biomass with no or limited presence of air. It can be produced from a wide variety of feedstocks, ranging from lignocellulosic materials (as wood, reed, and grass) to nutrient rich waste streams as manure.
Biochar contains nutrients originating from the feedstock, which can potentially be released by use in growing media. Next to that, biochar addition can alter the pH of the growing media, which influences nutrient mobility and availability.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? In general, peat-based growing media are used.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The use of peat in growing media is getting more and more controversial due to the high environmental impact of peat harvesting from wetlands.
Geographical Location
Belgium
Growing media include any materials other than soil used as a horticultural substrate for plant rooting and cultivation in a confined volume, as part of controlled environment agriculture. These growing media are used for growing vegetables, fruits and ornamentals in a range of hydroponic systems in greenhouses. Peat is widely used as major constituent in growing media but is controversial due to damage to peatlands and greenhouse gas emissions at harvesting.
Biochar can be used in growing media blends as fertilizer or for improving plant growth, disease suppression, and as a sustainable (partial) replacement of peat. Biochar is one of the products of pyrolysis, i.e., heating of biomass with no or limited presence of air. It can be produced from a wide variety of feedstocks, ranging from lignocellulosic materials (as wood, reed, and grass) to nutrient rich waste streams as manure.
Biochar contains nutrients originating from the feedstock, which can potentially be released by use in growing media. Next to that, biochar addition can alter the pH of the growing media, which influences nutrient mobility and availability.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? In general, peat-based growing media are used.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The use of peat in growing media is getting more and more controversial due to the high environmental impact of peat harvesting from wetlands.
Geographical Location
Belgium
Biostimulants aim to improve the effectiveness of fertilization, the efficiency of plant nutrition. Their use is rather preventive. A plant biostimulant is a product that stimulates plant nutrition processes independently of the nutrients it contains, with the sole aim of improving one or more of the following characteristics of plants or their rhizosphere: a) nutrient use efficiency; b) tolerance to abiotic stress; c) qualitative characteristics; d) availability of nutrients confined in the soil and rhizosphere. The biostimulants are made from a variety of natural sources, including plant extracts, microbial cultures and animal byproducts. They can be processed in different ways, by for instance being fermented, which are then formulated into products that can be applied on the fields.
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? This practice can be compared to fertilization without the use of biostimulants, since the aim of this BBF is to optimize conventional fertilization.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice?
- Nutrient Use Efficiency and Fertilizer Management Challenges: Challenge: One of the main on-farm challenges is optimizing the use of chemical fertilizers. Overfertilization can lead to nutrient imbalances, environmental pollution (e.g., water contamination), and inefficient nutrient uptake by plants. Farmers face growing pressure to reduce fertilizer use while maintaining or even improving crop yields. Opportunity: Biostimulants improve the efficiency of nutrient uptake by plants, enabling them to use available nutrients more effectively, even in soils with suboptimal fertility. By enhancing nutrient use efficiency, biostimulants help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, lowering costs and environmental impacts.
- Abiotic Stress and Climate Variability: Challenge: Farmers are increasingly dealing with climate change-related stresses, such as drought, heatwaves, and flooding, which reduce crop resilience and productivity. Crops that are stressed by extreme weather conditions often show reduced nutrient uptake and growth. Opportunity: Biostimulants have been found to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress by improving cellular functions, promoting root growth, and boosting plant defence mechanisms. For instance, some biostimulants help plants cope with water scarcity by increasing root depth and efficiency, which is crucial in drought-prone areas.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? 1 or 2 years
Biostimulants aim to improve the effectiveness of fertilization, the efficiency of plant nutrition. Their use is rather preventive. A plant biostimulant is a product that stimulates plant nutrition processes independently of the nutrients it contains, with the sole aim of improving one or more of the following characteristics of plants or their rhizosphere: a) nutrient use efficiency; b) tolerance to abiotic stress; c) qualitative characteristics; d) availability of nutrients confined in the soil and rhizosphere. The biostimulants are made from a variety of natural sources, including plant extracts, microbial cultures and animal byproducts. They can be processed in different ways, by for instance being fermented, which are then formulated into products that can be applied on the fields.
Additional information
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? This practice can be compared to fertilization without the use of biostimulants, since the aim of this BBF is to optimize conventional fertilization.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice?
- Nutrient Use Efficiency and Fertilizer Management Challenges: Challenge: One of the main on-farm challenges is optimizing the use of chemical fertilizers. Overfertilization can lead to nutrient imbalances, environmental pollution (e.g., water contamination), and inefficient nutrient uptake by plants. Farmers face growing pressure to reduce fertilizer use while maintaining or even improving crop yields. Opportunity: Biostimulants improve the efficiency of nutrient uptake by plants, enabling them to use available nutrients more effectively, even in soils with suboptimal fertility. By enhancing nutrient use efficiency, biostimulants help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, lowering costs and environmental impacts.
- Abiotic Stress and Climate Variability: Challenge: Farmers are increasingly dealing with climate change-related stresses, such as drought, heatwaves, and flooding, which reduce crop resilience and productivity. Crops that are stressed by extreme weather conditions often show reduced nutrient uptake and growth. Opportunity: Biostimulants have been found to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress by improving cellular functions, promoting root growth, and boosting plant defence mechanisms. For instance, some biostimulants help plants cope with water scarcity by increasing root depth and efficiency, which is crucial in drought-prone areas.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? 1 or 2 years
Small-scale anaerobic digestion of residual flows (mainly at dairy farms) can help the farmer to fulfil the electricity needs of the farm and partly the heat demand through combustion of biogas in a combined heat and power unit. It has a local character and limited scale as compared to a larger digester. As a “waste stream” the resulting digestate can be used as a fertilizer. It can be used and spread in a similar way as classic manure but has environmental advantages. Under default practices animal production causes significant amounts of methane slipping from manure storage. By first putting manure in anaerobic digestion this methane slip is avoided and even captured into a renewable resource. This way the carbon footprint of (dairy) farms is reduced. Furthermore, during the AD process the nutrients from the animal manure are mineralized rendering them more plant available and thus increasing their nutrient use efficiency.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Mineral fertilizer and/or pig manure (slurry)
Geographical Location
Belgium
Small-scale anaerobic digestion of residual flows (mainly at dairy farms) can help the farmer to fulfil the electricity needs of the farm and partly the heat demand through combustion of biogas in a combined heat and power unit. It has a local character and limited scale as compared to a larger digester. As a “waste stream” the resulting digestate can be used as a fertilizer. It can be used and spread in a similar way as classic manure but has environmental advantages. Under default practices animal production causes significant amounts of methane slipping from manure storage. By first putting manure in anaerobic digestion this methane slip is avoided and even captured into a renewable resource. This way the carbon footprint of (dairy) farms is reduced. Furthermore, during the AD process the nutrients from the animal manure are mineralized rendering them more plant available and thus increasing their nutrient use efficiency.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Mineral fertilizer and/or pig manure (slurry)
Geographical Location
Belgium
Digestates are the majority by-product of methanization. They are rich in organic and mineral elements, giving them a high organic fertilizer potential. The spreading of digestates, particularly of agricultural origin, is the most commonly carried out practice in order to valorize this product. Physicochemical and agronomic indicators are used in order to quantify their characteristics and qualities. The characteristics of digestates are very variable and depend on several factors such as inputs, operating conditions of methanizers and post-treatments. Here we propose the solid fraction of a digestate, mainly from plant matter, and supplemented with non-ruminant slurry and ruminant slurry.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Green waste compost
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The methanization sector has been developing rapidly in France for about ten years. This sector meets the needs of waste treatment, increased energy autonomy and energy decarbonization. But it also provides positive externalities, digestate. For the agricultural world, digestate is now considered a real product. It provides farmers who use it with a real technical and economic benefit. It also represents considerable potential for savings on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? In order to optimally use digestates, the first step is to know the products that will be spread. Indeed, digestates vary greatly depending on the method of methanization (dry or wet), the inputs and the post-treatments applied. The principle of fertilization balance, applicable to all fertilizers, also applies to digestates. The objective is to ensure that the crop's needs are covered by the soil and by digestates.
- STRATUS - Good Practices - Bio-Based Fertoilizers - SOLID FRACTION OF A DIGESTA…
- Fertiliser Avec Des Digestats - calculation methodsnd
Geographical Location
France
Digestates are the majority by-product of methanization. They are rich in organic and mineral elements, giving them a high organic fertilizer potential. The spreading of digestates, particularly of agricultural origin, is the most commonly carried out practice in order to valorize this product. Physicochemical and agronomic indicators are used in order to quantify their characteristics and qualities. The characteristics of digestates are very variable and depend on several factors such as inputs, operating conditions of methanizers and post-treatments. Here we propose the solid fraction of a digestate, mainly from plant matter, and supplemented with non-ruminant slurry and ruminant slurry.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Green waste compost
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The methanization sector has been developing rapidly in France for about ten years. This sector meets the needs of waste treatment, increased energy autonomy and energy decarbonization. But it also provides positive externalities, digestate. For the agricultural world, digestate is now considered a real product. It provides farmers who use it with a real technical and economic benefit. It also represents considerable potential for savings on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? In order to optimally use digestates, the first step is to know the products that will be spread. Indeed, digestates vary greatly depending on the method of methanization (dry or wet), the inputs and the post-treatments applied. The principle of fertilization balance, applicable to all fertilizers, also applies to digestates. The objective is to ensure that the crop's needs are covered by the soil and by digestates.
- STRATUS - Good Practices - Bio-Based Fertoilizers - SOLID FRACTION OF A DIGESTA…
- Fertiliser Avec Des Digestats - calculation methodsnd
Geographical Location
France
This good practice is inspired by a collaboration between farmers with a partnership with governments, and nature organizations called Agricycling. However, the initiative can be applied in many other places. It focuses on reusing available residual streams from society, such as roadside grass, by delivering them directly to farmers for composting. This process optimizes the use of residual streams from a soil perspective and uses the streams based on what the soil and plant needs. This can serve as an addition to or replacement for existing fertilization. The application process is data-driven and begins with analyzing the residual streams to assess their mineral composition and organic matter content. Based on this analysis, decisions are made about how to distribute the compost across farms. At the farm level, a soil analysis determines the specific application, ensuring it is done at the right time and place and in line with the needs of the soil and crops. This tailored approach provides to a sustainable alternative or addition to traditional fertilization, strengthening the connection between urban waste management and agricultural productivity. This results in both economic and ecological benefits, as it reduces fertilizer costs, while increasing soil fertility and reducing the need of mineral fertilizers.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Animal based fertilizer and chemical fertilizers
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? At least one year, to get all parties involved and aligned, quality protocols in place and have the practice starting.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
This good practice is inspired by a collaboration between farmers with a partnership with governments, and nature organizations called Agricycling. However, the initiative can be applied in many other places. It focuses on reusing available residual streams from society, such as roadside grass, by delivering them directly to farmers for composting. This process optimizes the use of residual streams from a soil perspective and uses the streams based on what the soil and plant needs. This can serve as an addition to or replacement for existing fertilization. The application process is data-driven and begins with analyzing the residual streams to assess their mineral composition and organic matter content. Based on this analysis, decisions are made about how to distribute the compost across farms. At the farm level, a soil analysis determines the specific application, ensuring it is done at the right time and place and in line with the needs of the soil and crops. This tailored approach provides to a sustainable alternative or addition to traditional fertilization, strengthening the connection between urban waste management and agricultural productivity. This results in both economic and ecological benefits, as it reduces fertilizer costs, while increasing soil fertility and reducing the need of mineral fertilizers.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Animal based fertilizer and chemical fertilizers
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? At least one year, to get all parties involved and aligned, quality protocols in place and have the practice starting.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
To ensure optimal nutrient use, it is important to guarantee the nutrient levels in animal manure before application. This approach is especially relevant for slurry and other processed forms of biobased fertilizers. By precisely determining the nutrient composition, farmers can supply nutrients based on the crop and soil need. This is currently not the case due to reliance on assumed nutrient values. This practice applies to all crops where animal manure is used.
Farmers often turn to artificial fertilizers to make specific adjustments in nitrogen or phosphate levels. However, with guaranteed nutrient levels in animal manure, these adjustments can also be made using manure, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Achieving this requires on-farm measurement equipment capable of providing fast and accurate nutrient analysis directly in the manure storage. Before application, an additional measurement should be taken by the arable farmer, for example using near-infrared (NIR) technology. More information about this can be found in the precision farming GP about NIR.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Organic manure (assumed nutrients) & artificial manure.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The challenge: the animal manure space is not used to its potential. In the ideal world the use of artificial fertilizer will be very much limited. To manage this, nutrient levels of animal manure should be known, so the animal manure space can be used to its full potential.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
To ensure optimal nutrient use, it is important to guarantee the nutrient levels in animal manure before application. This approach is especially relevant for slurry and other processed forms of biobased fertilizers. By precisely determining the nutrient composition, farmers can supply nutrients based on the crop and soil need. This is currently not the case due to reliance on assumed nutrient values. This practice applies to all crops where animal manure is used.
Farmers often turn to artificial fertilizers to make specific adjustments in nitrogen or phosphate levels. However, with guaranteed nutrient levels in animal manure, these adjustments can also be made using manure, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Achieving this requires on-farm measurement equipment capable of providing fast and accurate nutrient analysis directly in the manure storage. Before application, an additional measurement should be taken by the arable farmer, for example using near-infrared (NIR) technology. More information about this can be found in the precision farming GP about NIR.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Organic manure (assumed nutrients) & artificial manure.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The challenge: the animal manure space is not used to its potential. In the ideal world the use of artificial fertilizer will be very much limited. To manage this, nutrient levels of animal manure should be known, so the animal manure space can be used to its full potential.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Stripping-scrubbing of the liquid fraction of pig manure allows for on farm production of biobased fertilizer. It starts with the liquid fraction of pig manure followed by scrubbing for ammonium salt recuperation.
The operating principle of stripping-scrubbing is that ammonia (NH3) is stripped by air, steam or vacuum through the nitrogen rich waste stream in an NH3 stripping reactor, resulting in NH3 transfer from the aqueous phase to a gas phase. The released NH3 is removed in a chemical air scrubber by washing it with a strong acidic solution such as nitric acid (HNO3), resulting in ammonium nitrate. The efficiency of process can be increased by adjusting the pH and/or temperature by which more of water soluble NH4-N ion will be converted into the gaseous ammonia.
The resulting fertiliser is liquid and can be applied as any other liquid fertilizer through injection or through spraying followed by immediate ploughing. Applications where the fertiliser is brought as close as possible to the roots is ideal. This fertiliser is best applied at the start of the growing season because the nitrogen in the product is present as ammonium and it still needs to be converted to nitrate before the plant can absorb it. This type of fertiliser is useful for any kind of crop, but in case a S containing counter acid is used in the production step the resulting fertiliser can be of particular interest for crops that also have a sulfur need such as cabbage crops, onions, celery, grains, sugar beets etc.
As this fertiliser has an acidic character special attention should be paid to the material use when applying this fertiliser. Also, at any time the mixture with animal manure should be avoided as toxic H2S formation could occur.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Mineral fertilizer and/or (pig) manure (slurry)
Stripping-scrubbing of the liquid fraction of pig manure allows for on farm production of biobased fertilizer. It starts with the liquid fraction of pig manure followed by scrubbing for ammonium salt recuperation.
The operating principle of stripping-scrubbing is that ammonia (NH3) is stripped by air, steam or vacuum through the nitrogen rich waste stream in an NH3 stripping reactor, resulting in NH3 transfer from the aqueous phase to a gas phase. The released NH3 is removed in a chemical air scrubber by washing it with a strong acidic solution such as nitric acid (HNO3), resulting in ammonium nitrate. The efficiency of process can be increased by adjusting the pH and/or temperature by which more of water soluble NH4-N ion will be converted into the gaseous ammonia.
The resulting fertiliser is liquid and can be applied as any other liquid fertilizer through injection or through spraying followed by immediate ploughing. Applications where the fertiliser is brought as close as possible to the roots is ideal. This fertiliser is best applied at the start of the growing season because the nitrogen in the product is present as ammonium and it still needs to be converted to nitrate before the plant can absorb it. This type of fertiliser is useful for any kind of crop, but in case a S containing counter acid is used in the production step the resulting fertiliser can be of particular interest for crops that also have a sulfur need such as cabbage crops, onions, celery, grains, sugar beets etc.
As this fertiliser has an acidic character special attention should be paid to the material use when applying this fertiliser. Also, at any time the mixture with animal manure should be avoided as toxic H2S formation could occur.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Mineral fertilizer and/or (pig) manure (slurry)
Emissions of NH3 from livestock housing and slurry storage represent a large part of the total NH3 emissions from agricultural activities. Therefore chemical air scrubbing is used to reduce the ammonia and odor components in stable air. Water with added sulfuric acid is used to stream along the filter package. The acid washwater reacts with the ammonia in the stable air, producing ammonium sulphate which remains in the washwater. To optimally work the washwater needs to be removed regularly. This washwater can be used as a recuperated fertilizer and is recognized as a substitute for synthetic fertilizer. The resulting fertiliser is liquid and can be applied as any other liquid fertilizer through injection or through spraying followed by immediate ploughing. Applications where the fertiliser is brought as close as possible to the roots is ideal. This fertiliser is best applied at the start of the growing season because the N in the product is present as ammonium and it still needs to be converted to nitrate before the plant can absorb it. This type of fertiliser is useful for any kind of crop, but in case a S containing counter acid is used in the production step the resulting fertiliser can be of particular interest for crops that also have a sulfur need such as cabbage crops, onions, celery, grains, sugar beets etc.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Mineral fertilizer and/or pig manure
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The need to reduce emissions from stable air.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Need for permits + regular monitoring + obligatory analyses on frequent basis.
Geographical Location
Belgium
Emissions of NH3 from livestock housing and slurry storage represent a large part of the total NH3 emissions from agricultural activities. Therefore chemical air scrubbing is used to reduce the ammonia and odor components in stable air. Water with added sulfuric acid is used to stream along the filter package. The acid washwater reacts with the ammonia in the stable air, producing ammonium sulphate which remains in the washwater. To optimally work the washwater needs to be removed regularly. This washwater can be used as a recuperated fertilizer and is recognized as a substitute for synthetic fertilizer. The resulting fertiliser is liquid and can be applied as any other liquid fertilizer through injection or through spraying followed by immediate ploughing. Applications where the fertiliser is brought as close as possible to the roots is ideal. This fertiliser is best applied at the start of the growing season because the N in the product is present as ammonium and it still needs to be converted to nitrate before the plant can absorb it. This type of fertiliser is useful for any kind of crop, but in case a S containing counter acid is used in the production step the resulting fertiliser can be of particular interest for crops that also have a sulfur need such as cabbage crops, onions, celery, grains, sugar beets etc.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Mineral fertilizer and/or pig manure
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The need to reduce emissions from stable air.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Need for permits + regular monitoring + obligatory analyses on frequent basis.
Geographical Location
Belgium
Municipal sludge is a large source of nutrients. Unlike other organic fertilizers, municipal sludge has a stable composition, enabling precise adjustments to mineral fertilization. Nitrogen in organic fertilizer is available in different ways and depending on which one is prevailing, products need to be managed in one or another way. For years field trials with these products have been developed, leading to a better understanding of the nitrogen availability during years after application. The aim is to raise awareness among farmers about reducing mineral nitrogen fertilization when using municipal sludge.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region?
- Nitrogen: Urea 46%.
- Phosphorus: TSP 45%
- Potassium: KCl 60%, but it is not applied to cereals in our region as soil has high potassium contents
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Farmers usually apply municipal sludge in our region as it is a cheap fertilizer (they don´t pay for it), but most of them are not aware of the amount of mineral N they can save when applying this product.
Geographical Location
Spain
Municipal sludge is a large source of nutrients. Unlike other organic fertilizers, municipal sludge has a stable composition, enabling precise adjustments to mineral fertilization. Nitrogen in organic fertilizer is available in different ways and depending on which one is prevailing, products need to be managed in one or another way. For years field trials with these products have been developed, leading to a better understanding of the nitrogen availability during years after application. The aim is to raise awareness among farmers about reducing mineral nitrogen fertilization when using municipal sludge.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region?
- Nitrogen: Urea 46%.
- Phosphorus: TSP 45%
- Potassium: KCl 60%, but it is not applied to cereals in our region as soil has high potassium contents
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Farmers usually apply municipal sludge in our region as it is a cheap fertilizer (they don´t pay for it), but most of them are not aware of the amount of mineral N they can save when applying this product.
Geographical Location
Spain
Since 2022, it is mandatory in Spain to have a recent product analysis when applying organic fertilizers. However, this is not yet a common practice among farmers. Pig slurry, as a widely used organic fertilizer, play an important role in the fertilization strategy of many farmers. Understanding the nutrient content of pig slurry is important for the nutrient management. However, without knowing a nutrient analysis it is not possible to know the nutrient content of the slurry. This increases the risk of either over or underfertilizing the field. Underfertilizing the crop might prevent the crop reaching its yield potential. Yet, overfertilizing might result in negative externalities due to environmental risks. By analysing the composition of pig slurry, farmers can adjust their mineral fertilization strategies more accurately and adjust the artificial fertilizer gift accordingly.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? As nitrogen fertilizer the standard in the region is Urea 46%
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? When trying to adjust or reduce nitrogen fertilization, it is important to know beforehand the amount of nitrogen we will apply when using a specific organic product.
Geographical Location
Spain
Since 2022, it is mandatory in Spain to have a recent product analysis when applying organic fertilizers. However, this is not yet a common practice among farmers. Pig slurry, as a widely used organic fertilizer, play an important role in the fertilization strategy of many farmers. Understanding the nutrient content of pig slurry is important for the nutrient management. However, without knowing a nutrient analysis it is not possible to know the nutrient content of the slurry. This increases the risk of either over or underfertilizing the field. Underfertilizing the crop might prevent the crop reaching its yield potential. Yet, overfertilizing might result in negative externalities due to environmental risks. By analysing the composition of pig slurry, farmers can adjust their mineral fertilization strategies more accurately and adjust the artificial fertilizer gift accordingly.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? As nitrogen fertilizer the standard in the region is Urea 46%
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? When trying to adjust or reduce nitrogen fertilization, it is important to know beforehand the amount of nitrogen we will apply when using a specific organic product.
Geographical Location
Spain
Cut and carry fertilizers are organic fertilizers produced from plants. Those plants are often leguminous species. The plants are grown in one place and after being harvested transported to another location and applied as fertilizers. In between they might be dried and processed into grains. The growing of the fertilizing crops is often done on less arable fields. Once they are mature, they are brought to agricultural areas where they can contribute to soil fertility. Such a cropping system can result in plant-based fertilization strategies that reduce the need of animal or artificial fertilizers. The production and application lead to less direct greenhouse gas emissions. By adding considerable amounts of organic matter, the fertilization strategy can contribute to enhancing the soil structure, supporting soil life and if applied in the form a mulch layer plant-based fertilizers can reduce weed pressure. A downside of this technique is the land requirements, as external land is required for the mineral input in other regions. Therefore, less fertile soils are often used for this method. Additionally, the approach can be costly as it requires additional land and transporting materials that have a relatively low nutrient density.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Depends on the crop. This can often be a basic fertilization with slurry with an additional artificial fertilizer.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Fertilization strategies are often based on the application of mineral fertilizers. Also the application of slurry, which comes from animals, is often based on grass that was fertilized with mineral fertilizers. To reduce the dependency on mineral fertilizers, cut & carry fertilizers can be applied.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Multiple years, as you need time for the nutritional crop
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Cut and carry fertilizers are organic fertilizers produced from plants. Those plants are often leguminous species. The plants are grown in one place and after being harvested transported to another location and applied as fertilizers. In between they might be dried and processed into grains. The growing of the fertilizing crops is often done on less arable fields. Once they are mature, they are brought to agricultural areas where they can contribute to soil fertility. Such a cropping system can result in plant-based fertilization strategies that reduce the need of animal or artificial fertilizers. The production and application lead to less direct greenhouse gas emissions. By adding considerable amounts of organic matter, the fertilization strategy can contribute to enhancing the soil structure, supporting soil life and if applied in the form a mulch layer plant-based fertilizers can reduce weed pressure. A downside of this technique is the land requirements, as external land is required for the mineral input in other regions. Therefore, less fertile soils are often used for this method. Additionally, the approach can be costly as it requires additional land and transporting materials that have a relatively low nutrient density.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Depends on the crop. This can often be a basic fertilization with slurry with an additional artificial fertilizer.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? Fertilization strategies are often based on the application of mineral fertilizers. Also the application of slurry, which comes from animals, is often based on grass that was fertilized with mineral fertilizers. To reduce the dependency on mineral fertilizers, cut & carry fertilizers can be applied.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Multiple years, as you need time for the nutritional crop
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Depending on the crop, crop residues can contain considerable amounts of nutrients. The nutrients are for instance stored in leaves, which are after being harvested left on the field. When degrading, those nutrients become available for soil organisms and the following crop. For instance the crop residues of sugar beets, a commonly grown crop in the Netherlands, leave over 50 kg N per hectare on the field after being harvested. However, those nutrients are often not considered when creating a fertilization strategy. The additional mineralized nutrients are prone to runoff. This research innovation quantifies the mineralization of nutrients out of crop residues and considers those during the following year in order to make a fertilization strategy that considers all the available nutrients, not only those applied but also the ones that become available in the soil throughout the year.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Depends on the crop. This can often be a basic fertilization with slurry with an additional artificial fertilizer.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The mineralization rate is uncertain, as it depends on many factors such as tillage intensity and weather circumstances.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Depending on the strategy. Taking samples would take a few hours per month, basing the numbers on literature hours per year.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Depending on the crop, crop residues can contain considerable amounts of nutrients. The nutrients are for instance stored in leaves, which are after being harvested left on the field. When degrading, those nutrients become available for soil organisms and the following crop. For instance the crop residues of sugar beets, a commonly grown crop in the Netherlands, leave over 50 kg N per hectare on the field after being harvested. However, those nutrients are often not considered when creating a fertilization strategy. The additional mineralized nutrients are prone to runoff. This research innovation quantifies the mineralization of nutrients out of crop residues and considers those during the following year in order to make a fertilization strategy that considers all the available nutrients, not only those applied but also the ones that become available in the soil throughout the year.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Which fertiliser type is considered as the standard in this region? Depends on the crop. This can often be a basic fertilization with slurry with an additional artificial fertilizer.
What was the on-farm issue/challenge/opportunity that led to the implementation of the practice? The mineralization rate is uncertain, as it depends on many factors such as tillage intensity and weather circumstances.
How long did it take to implement the practice and which are the measures needed to monitor? Depending on the strategy. Taking samples would take a few hours per month, basing the numbers on literature hours per year.
Geographical Location
Netherlands
Contacts
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INSTITUTO NAVARRO DE TECNOLOGIAS E INFRAESTRUCTURAS AGROALIMENTARIAS SA
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Centrum Doradztwa Rolniczego w Brwinowie
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Agricultural University of Athens
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Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia
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Iniciativas Innovadoras
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ZLTO
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Vegepolis Valley
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AC3A
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EUFRAS
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South Eastern Advisory Service Network
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Regione Toscana
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Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
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Wageningen University & Research
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HS Hushallningssallskapens Service Aktiebolag
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University Of Ghent
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info@ugent.be Website Educational or continued professional development organisation (including vocational trainers)