Overview

SOILCRATES Living Lab Northern Netherlands works towards sustainable agriculture and nature in the provinces of Groningen, Fryslân and Drenthe. This area has soil types such as sand, peat and clay, each with its own challenges. Within the Living Lab, we look at soil compaction and salinisation, water availability and flooding, and the loss of derogation. We also look at the effects of pesticides, nematodes and other soil life, and the future for new generations on the farm. In the Living Lab, more than 50 local farmers, 20 businesses, three provinces and six research institutes work together. All with the aim of acting as a catalyst for resilient soil management in the region, now and in the future.

Meetings are organised in three BodemBakens. These meetings focus on discussing issues relating to soil health. We also explore potential solutions with research institutions, businesses, public authorities and farmers. A BodemBaken is a translation of the term ‘Lighthouse’ used by the European Union in the EU Soil Mission. BodemBakens are the physical locations where we work together to get new insights into sustainable soil management. This includes, for example, presentations by experts, in-depth discussions and experiments with farmers in the area.

In SOILCRATES Living Lab Northern Netherlands, we analyse soil problems in the different areas. This forms the basis for making and improving a future perspective for sustainable soil use in the Northern Netherlands. This means that we carefully look at changes in the soil, the environment, and society. Thanks to this we can map challenges that will play a role in the future and place them on the agenda in time. At the same time, participants of the Living Lab develop practical solutions, which they then test in the field. We call these “BoerenExperimenten” (farmer experiments)

In the Living Lab we bring together local farmers, land-managing organizations, educational institutions, regional governments, and others. We do this because only by working together can we tackle the urgent soil challenges in the Northern Netherlands. Thanks to this collaboration, our initiatives contribute to better soil health, sustainable water use, and the improvement of biodiversity.

Our approach in build around the equal exchange of knowledge between local and regional stakeholders. With this, we aim to strengthen regional resilience. In addition, we want to offer practical solutions to farmers and other stakeholders for the challenges they are facing or will face. Think, for example, of adapting to climate change and jointly developing new forms of agriculture that fit a changing environment.

SOILCRATES Living Lab Northern Netherlands is an initiative of the three northern provinces, Noardlike Fryske Wâlden, Wageningen University & Research, Wetsus, the Louis Bolk Institute and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences.

The BodemBakens of the Living Lab

There are three BodemBakens (Lighthouses) in this Living Lab, one for each participating province. These are physical places where participants of the Living Lab meet each other, ask questions, and exchange knowledge. We also discuss together how to continue, for example by thinking about which experiments we want to do in the field. We have three BodemBakens because the provinces differ in soil type and challenges. In this way, we can work together toward a sustainable future for soil in a way that fits the region.

BodemBaken Fryslân – Biosintrum, Oosterwolde

Biosintrum is the beating heart of the biobased economy, located in the inspiring ecological working landscape Ecomunitypark. It is a knowledge and conference centre that consists of over 80% biobased materials, making it one of the most sustainable and innovative buildings in Europe. It is the meeting place for education, entrepreneurs, and government, to pioneer together towards a sustainable future.

BodemBaken Frylan - Biosintrum - Ecomunitypark 5, 8431 SM Oosterwolde

BodemBaken Groningen - SPNA Ebelsheerd
Hoofdweg 26, 9687PL Nieuw Beerta

BodemBaken Groningen – SPNA Ebelsheerd, Nieuw Beerta

At the Ebelsheerd location of the Foundation Experimental Farms for Northern Arable Farming (SPNA), a wide range of practical trials are done on new and old varieties of cereals, rapeseed and sugar beet, cultivation methods, and for example the effects of climate change on arable farming. At this location, both organic and conventional farming is practiced. The exchange of knowledge between research and the daily practice of the arable farmer is most important at this experimental farm.

BodemBaken Drenthe – Experimental Farm 't Kompas, Valthermond

In Valthermond lies one of the experimental locations of the business unit Open Field Crops of Wageningen University & Research. Research is conducted into arable farming, green space and open-field vegetables. Experimental farm ’t Kompas has a peat-colonial cropping plan and manages 104 hectares of reclaimed peat soil. In addition to the peat-colonial cropping plan, ‘new’ crops such as chicory and onions are also cultivated.

BodemBake, Drenthe - 't Kompas - Noorderdiep 211, 7876 CL Valthermond

Farmer Experiments - SOILCRATES pilots

The BoerenExperimenten (farmer experiments) are the basis on how we develop knowledge step by step in this Living Lab. What works? And what does not? Under which conditions? And what are the economic benefits and costs? These are all questions that we look at in these experiments. In the Living Lab, 13 agricultural businesses, both arable farms and dairy farms, have now started two-year experiments. All to improve soil health!

Would you like to know more about SOILCRATES Living Lab Northern Netherlands or the project? Would you like to participate, or do you have a suggestion, complaint, or compliment? Then you can get in touch with Jasper Wubs of Ilse Ubels.