Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Netherlands: Integrating nature-based solutions for sustainable nutrient management

Netherlands

The Dutch trans4num site investigates plant-based fertilisation as a circular alternative to animal manure. At the long-term Planty Organic experimental field, legume biomass grown within the crop rotation is harvested and returned to the soil to reduce dependence on external nutrient inputs while maintaining a balanced farm nutrient cycle. Results demonstrate the potential of plant-based fertilisation to improve nutrient circularity, although long-term agronomic and economic performance requires further evaluation.

The need

Specialised organic arable farms without livestock often rely on externally sourced organic manure, which can be scarce and expensive. The Dutch site addresses the need to develop more self-sufficient nutrient management systems for seed potato and arable production while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers, animal manure and imported nutrients. Located near vulnerable Natura 2000 areas, the site also seeks to maintain productivity while protecting sensitive ecosystems.

One of the main challenges is synchronising nutrient release from plant biomass with crop demand throughout the growing season. Additional research is needed to assess long-term productivity, land-use efficiency, economic feasibility and scalability under commercial farming conditions.

The benefits

  • Reduced dependence on external organic manure through plant-based fertilisation.
  • Greater nutrient circularity by recycling nitrogen within crop rotations.
  • Decision support through the NDICEA nutrient model.
  • New opportunities for specialised arable systems and animal-free fertilisation.
  • Strong knowledge exchange through SPNA field trials, advisors and farmer engagement.

Additional information

trans4num solution

The Dutch site centres on the long-term Planty Organic experiment, where legume biomass is grown within the crop rotation, harvested, stored and reapplied according to crop nutrient requirements using decision-support modelling. Additional trials evaluate plant-based fertiliser pellets in winter wheat, grass-clover fertilisation in organic wheat, and straw- and grass-based mulches to improve crop health and reduce aphid-transmitted virus risks in seed potato production.

The Dutch AKIS brings together SPNA, Wageningen University, farmers and crop advisors to test, monitor and demonstrate NBS. SPNA manages the field experiments while Wageningen University provides scientific monitoring and analysis. Results are shared through field meetings, lectures, webinars, newsletters, videos and hybrid events.

A distinctive feature of the Dutch approach is the active involvement of an experienced crop consultant. Conventional farming recommendations are compared directly with NBS alternatives throughout the growing season, helping translate research findings into practical advisory guidance and increasing the likelihood of farmer adoption.

Challenges / limitations

Plant-based fertilisers require careful timing to match crop nutrient demand. Long-term monitoring is needed to capture climate variability, while successful implementation depends on farmer adaptation, advisory support and additional data collection.

Resources needed

Implementation requires legume biomass production and storage, plant-based fertilisers, nutrient planning tools, soil and crop monitoring, advisory services and continuous farmer knowledge exchange to support wider adoption.

Source Project
Transformation for sustainable nutrient supply and management
Ongoing | 2022-2026
Main funding source
Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, China
Project details

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