The first co-creation sessions of the SOILCRATES project have started enthusiastically! At three locations – ‘t Kompas in Valthermond, the Biosintrum in Oosterwolde and SPNA Ebelsheerd in Nieuw Beerta – various parties came together to develop plans that contribute to healthy soil. These locations act as so-called lighthouses within the European programme.

During the sessions, local farmers, businesses, governments, nature organizations and researchers worked together on ideas for projects that are eligible for financial support through the FSTP fund (Financial Support to Third Parties). These funds help new partners to test innovations and set up their locations as experimental spaces within SOILCRATES. Support and long-term involvement are essential here.

What happened during the sessions?

 

Valthermond – March 11

 

The first session took place at ‘t Kompas. Nine arable farmers – mainly with peat-colonial building plans – participated, together with representatives of a.o. Agrimaco, AB Drone, WUR Field Crops, and the province of Drenthe. The discussions included:

 

  • Effects of measures on nematode populations
  • Decrease in crop resilience and the disappearance of crop protection products
  • Monitoring of soil threats
  • Soil compaction and water management
  • New revenue models and profitable construction plans

 

Nieuw Beerta – March 18

 

The second session was at SPNA Ebelsheerd. ANOG, Cosun Beet Company, Noorderzijlvest and Louis Bolk Institute, among others, joined in. Themes that were central:

  • Manure processing and regulations
  • Climate adaptation: drought, downpours, salinization
  • Role of soil life
  • Green manures and undersowing
  • Soil variation and site-specific soil management

 

Oosterwolde – March 19

 

The last session took place at the Biosintrum, with dairy farmers, arable farmers and farmers’ collectives such as ELAN and AgriCycling. The topics:

  • Herb-rich grassland at plot and farm level
  • Cooperation between arable farmers and dairy farmers on fertilization
  • Water buffering and level-controlled drainage
  • Keeping fields green and the role of green manures
  • Compost tea as an alternative to manure and crop protection
  • Use of KOPROS and effects on soil and emissions