Symbiosis: an integrated review of the different activities in the Interreg project BodemBreed (SYMBIOSE)

Sustainable agricultural soil management was the central topic of BodemBreed Interreg. The overall objectives are (1) to provide insight into the mutual relationships between soil chemical, physical and biological properties and processes; agricultural suitability; and crop yield, (2) to search for useful indicators for and to measure soil quality, and (3) to evaluate how we can influence all of the above with appropriate farming practices that are relevant and feasible within the project’s region. In terms of farming practice, soil tillage was the main focus of this project, together with an evaluation of how to combine tillage with other farming practices.

 

The activities of this project resulted in the generation of a broad set of knowledge, results and experience. In this final report, we gather and evaluate those results, insights, trends, interactions and also contradictions and stumbling blocks from the various project activities. This report is meant to be read by several groups: farmers, advisors (consultants), policy makers, researchers and educators.

This project clearly depicts how soil tillage should be a well-considered and locally adapted measure that is integrated into a broader system approach of soil management (including the fertilization regime, crop rotation and crop protection) and be based on knowledge and careful evaluation of field conditions. An integrated policy and long-term multidisciplinary research which consistently starts with the practical experience of the farmer may serve as an important foundation for decisions about soil tillage.