Location: Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe
Focus Areas: Soil health, sustainable land management, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and community engagement
Partners and Collaborators: Province of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe, LouisBolk, Wetsus, NFW, regional authorities, farmers, local companies, research institutes, NGOs, and vocational education institutions
Overview
The Living Lab North of the Netherlands, part of the SOILCRATES project, is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture and soil resilience across the northern provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. These regions are characterized by diverse soil types, including clay, sand, and peat, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. The lab focuses on tackling issues like soil compaction, salinization, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Collaborating with over 50 local farmers, 20 companies, three provincial authorities, and six research institutes, the Living Lab combines practical knowledge, scientific research, and community engagement to pioneer resilient soil management practices that address both current and future environmental challenges.
Key initiatives
Soil compaction mitigation and improvement of soil structure
Soil compaction, a significant issue in the northern Netherlands due to intensive farming practices, reduces soil permeability and plant growth. The lab works with farmers to test reduced tillage practices, organic soil amendments, and advanced machinery that minimizes ground pressure. These efforts aim to restore soil structure, increase biodiversity within the soil, and improve overall soil health.
Salinization risks
Salinization, particularly in areas near the Wadden Sea, poses a growing threat to agriculture in the region. The lab experiments with salt-tolerant crops, innovative irrigation methods, and soil amendments that reduce salt impact, helping farmers adapt to rising soil salinity levels. By tackling salinization, the lab aims to protect crop yields and maintain soil productivity in the face of climate change and rising sea levels.
Climate resilience and soil health
The lab integrates practices that enhance soil’s ability to retain water and withstand extreme weather. Initiatives include cover cropping, organic matter enrichment, and regenerative grazing to boost the land’s resilience against droughts and floods. These climate-adaptive techniques support soil health while also contributing to carbon sequestration, aligning with national climate goals.
Biodiversity promotion and ecosystem health
Biodiversity is crucial for resilient and productive agriculture. The Living Lab North of the Netherlands promotes the establishment of wildlife corridors, the use of cover crops, and natural pest control methods. By encouraging the return of native flora and fauna, the lab supports ecological balance and a healthier farming environment.
Community-based research and knowledge sharing
With an emphasis on collaboration, the lab organizes regional “tables” in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe, where local stakeholders come together to exchange knowledge and set shared goals. This approach includes regular sessions, workshops, and excursions, creating an interactive environment that fosters innovation and shared responsibility. Through events and activities, community members, educators, and farmers contribute to and learn from the lab’s findings, building a robust network for sustainable agriculture.
Impact on the region
The Living Lab North of the Netherlands plays a critical role in addressing the environmental and agricultural challenges unique to the northern provinces. By collaborating with local farmers, educational institutions, and regional authorities, the lab’s initiatives contribute to improved soil health, sustainable water use, and biodiversity conservation. The lab’s community-based approach strengthens regional resilience, equipping farmers and stakeholders with practical solutions for adapting to climate change. These practices not only protect the agricultural productivity of the land but also preserve the rich biodiversity and ecological heritage of the area, including the Wadden Sea and its surrounding landscapes.
