In North-West Europe, intensive horti- and agriculture have led to low soil organic matter levels of 0-2%. As a result, the soil is less permeable and less able to retain water, making crops more vulnerable to drought, erosion and flooding.
The HydroSoilWise project (2025-2028) therefore aims to provide practical solutions in 4 drought-prone crops under different soil and climate conditions (1-year-old vegetables in rotation, potatoes, fruit trees and tree nursery crops).
Testing, improving, sharing
Over a four-year period, various techniques focusing on soil organic matter build-up, erosion reduction and water use efficiency will be brought together in a user-friendly online toolbox. In several trials, these techniques will be optimized and demonstrated. Theoretical courses and demonstration times will be developed to share these techniques.
European cooperation to benefit producers
The
Interreg North-West Europe project HydroSoilWise – ‘Enhancing Hydromanagement
& Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment’ is a
collaboration between 12 partners in Belgium (Viaverda, Ghent University, Soil
Service of Belgium, Boerenbond Project), the Netherlands (Delphy, Treeport, FRC
Randwijk), France (ASTREDHOR, PLANETE LFP, Verexal) and Germany (Universität
Kassel, Hochschule Geisenheim University). All partners are specialised
in hydromanagement and soil sciences.