SoilCare

What is SoilCare?

If European crop production is to remain competitive while reducing environmental impacts, then the development and uptake of effective soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) is required. The overall aim of SoilCare was to identify and evaluate promising soil-improving cropping systems and agronomic techniques increasing profitability and sustainability across scales in Europe. A trans-disciplinary approach was used to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of a new generation of soil-improving cropping systems, incorporating all relevant bio-physical, socio-economic and political aspects.

Approach

Existing information from literature and long term experiments was analysed to develop a comprehensive methodology for assessing the performance of cropping systems at multiple levels. A multi-actor approach was used to select promising soil-improving cropping systems for scientific evaluation in 16 study sites across Europe covering different pedo-climatic and socio-economic conditions. Implemented cropping systems were monitored with stakeholder involvement, and were assessed jointly with scientists. Specific attention was paid to the adoption of soil-improving cropping systems and agronomic techniques within and beyond the study sites.

Upscaling to the European level

Results from study sites were up-scaled to the European level to draw general lessons about applicability potentials of soil-improving cropping systems and related profitability and sustainability impacts, including assessing barriers for adoption at that scale. An interactive tool was developed for end-users to identify and prioritise suitable soil-improving cropping systems anywhere in Europe.

SoilCare and policy

Current policies and incentives were assessed and targeted policy recommendations were provided. SoilCare took an active dissemination approach to achieve impact from local to European level, addressing multiple audiences, to enhance crop production in Europe to remain competitive and sustainable through dedicated soil care.

Project Objectives

In the project plan, a number of project objectives were formulated (SICS = Soil-improving Cropping System)

To review which SICS can be considered soil-improving, to identify current benefits and drawbacks, and to assess current and potential impact on soil quality and environment,
To select and trial SICS in 16 Study Sites across Europe, representing various pedo-climatic zones and socio-economic conditions following a multi-actor approach,
To develop and apply an integrated and comprehensive methodology to assess benefits, drawbacks and
limitations, profitability and sustainability of SICS in the Study Sites, taking into account pedo-climatic, socio-economic and legislative conditions,
To study barriers for adoption and to analyse how farmers can be encouraged through appropriate incentives to adopt suitable SICS,
To develop and apply a method to upscale Study Site results to European level, taking into account different pedo-climatic and socio-economic conditions in different parts of Europe, to come up with Europe-wide information on which SICS would be most beneficial where in Europe,
To develop an interactive tool for selection of SICS throughout Europe,
To analyse the effect of agricultural and environmental policies on the adoption of SICS, and to support these policies in order to improve adoption,
To disseminate key information about SICS including agronomic techniques to all stakeholders.
The SoilCare project introductory leaflet provides details of the aims and objectives of the project and the partners involved. It is available in 14 different languages

Duration

March 2016 - August 2021

Resources