HydroSoilWise

Context

Northwest Europe has a long history of intensive horti- and agriculture. Frequent plowing, monoculture and the use of chemical fertilizers have led to low soil organic matter levels of 0-2%.

 These issues lead to:

•  Low soil sponge capacity, which limits the soil's ability to retain water, leading to drought stress for crops.
•  Poor water infiltration, increasing the risk of erosion and floods during heavy rainfall.

 With climate change intensifying droughts and rainfall extremes in the Northwest Europe area, there are important threats to crop yields, food security and flood management.

Objectives

HydroSoilWise aims to improve water management and soil health in agriculture for 4 drought-sensitive key crops encompassing ± 550 000 ha in the participating countries:

• Annual vegetables
• Potatoes
• Fruit trees
• Nursery trees

 The project aims to implement solutions in about 3% of the target area, delivering tangible benefits for farmers such as more climate-resilient and sustainable crop production

Project initiatives

1. Identify techniques that reduce floods and drought impact risks by improving soil organic matter, water use efficiency or reduce erosion and run-off.
2. Pilot trials and demonstrations to farmers on approved techniques, separately and in combination in the 4 drought-sensitive crops.
3. Online toolbox for farmers that brings together various techniques that improve soil organic matter levels, water use efficiency and reduce erosion.
4.  Theoretical course and practical sessions with demonstrations on the use and effect of the techniques in the HydroSoilWise toolbox, to increase the knowledge of farmers and relevant stakeholders.

Working together across borders

Droughts and heavy intense rainfall occur frequently in NWE due to climate change, and this will only increase. This challenge is common in NWE, having the same history of intensive agriculture, crops and practices, and the same climate profile, with temperate temperatures and relatively high precipitation, but also with the same prospects in terms of climate change, i.e. longer periods of drought, and more intense precipitation.

The collaboration of 12 partners from Belgium, The Netherlands, France and Germany, will offer advantages by pooling dispersed resources and expertise, enabling a more comprehensive approach to optimal solutions.