project - Research and innovation
Implementation of conservation tillage in organic production systems
Implementation of conservation tillage in organic production systems
Objectives
Traditionally excessive use of nutrients and irrigation have masked the detrimental effects of poor soil management on agricultural production. However, with more stringent environmental rules and more erratic rainfall patterns enhancing inherent soil fertility will be required to sustain agricultural productivity.
Objectives
Traditionally excessive use of nutrients and irrigation have masked the detrimental effects of poor soil management on agricultural production. However, with more stringent environmental rules and more erratic rainfall patterns enhancing inherent soil fertility will be required to sustain agricultural productivity.
Activities
This project aims to implement an international program pertaining to succesful use of conservation tillage in organic agriculture. It entails a number of research studies of which two are located in the Netherlands at Wageningen and Lelystad. However, additional opportunities are available to conduct research in close collaboration with scientists at ISARA (France) and FIBL (Switzerland).This project aims to provide a quantitative understanding of the effect of tillage, soil ammendments and/or cover crops on the breakdown and distribution of soil organic matter, nutrient availability, biodiversity, weed growth and crop yields. Soil nutrient release, weed growth dynamics, and crop growth are being monitored via frequent sampling. By using the NDICEA model nutrient mineralisation is also being assessed and changes in soil organic matter and overall nutrient balances are being quantified.
Activities
This project aims to implement an international program pertaining to succesful use of conservation tillage in organic agriculture. It entails a number of research studies of which two are located in the Netherlands at Wageningen and Lelystad. However, additional opportunities are available to conduct research in close collaboration with scientists at ISARA (France) and FIBL (Switzerland).This project aims to provide a quantitative understanding of the effect of tillage, soil ammendments and/or cover crops on the breakdown and distribution of soil organic matter, nutrient availability, biodiversity, weed growth and crop yields. Soil nutrient release, weed growth dynamics, and crop growth are being monitored via frequent sampling. By using the NDICEA model nutrient mineralisation is also being assessed and changes in soil organic matter and overall nutrient balances are being quantified.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Other public (national, regional) research funds
- Agricultural sectors
- Crops (generic)
1 Practice Abstracts
Experiences gained
Designing and conducting an on-farm field experiment
Gain practical experience with soil sampling and yield measurements
Become familiar with a state-of-the-art innovative tillage techniques in the Netherlands and selected regions throughout Europa
Gain skills in qualitative assessment of biodiversity and soil profile description
Contacts
Project coordinator
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Project coordinator
Project partners
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Plant Sciences Wageningen UR The Netherlands
Project partner
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ISARA (France)
Project partner