What is the case?

Two farmer experiments, two projects. In the first, three dairy farms with adjacent and comparable plots, but different farming practices (organic, regenerative, transitioning to organic, and conventional), have common questions about soil condition, soil life, and a shared interest in increasing the natural productivity and resilience of their plots. In the second, three dairy farms with adjacent and comparable plots have common questions about the effects of composted organic residues on soil condition and soil life functioning.

Less dependence on chemicals and labour, more space for and connection with ecology. The goal is to collaborate with the ecological system and make it work for the farm. The aim is to work together to gain the insights needed to determine a route, i.e., a business strategy, towards a sustainable farming method that fits a circular and nature-inclusive society.

What is the project doing about it?

We are investigating the current state of soil life to get an indication of the room for improvement and to understand how this improvement can be achieved. These current farmer experiments will provide farmers with a wealth of knowledge and insights into the research setup and concrete actions that can be implemented in a longer Living Lab trajectory.

What does the project deliver?

These projects will contribute to the transition of agriculture towards a sustainable system that is circular, nature-driven, and regenerative.

Project details

Applied Research Group Leader: Martina Sura-de Jong, Emiel Elferink, Kika Lewak, Ruben Dümmer
Project Duration: June 2023 – December 2023

Project Partners Libjende Landbou It Heidenskip: Dairy farms Y.K. Galama, Bokma family, A.H. Kramer, University of Groningen, Galama Sustainable Solutions
Project Partners Libjende Landbou Ferwâlde: Dairy farms P. Van der Valk, Sj. Sterkenburg, J.J. Bokma, Agricycling Foundation, University of Groningen, Galama Sustainable Solutions