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Lessons learned in4 years of project execution

LIFE10 ENV ES 471

Soil analysis1. A gamma-ray detector system and a ground penetrating radar (GPR) were used for rapid in situ mapping of soil

parameters (Agribox)2. Edaphic characterization was performed for each area3. The RhoC was used to measure the total soil bulk density. The Penetrologger was used for measuring soil rooting depth4. According to the characteristics of the soil, a crop rotation plan was designed for each area

cereal

oilseed

legume

1. Agribox

Mapping of plots

4. Crop rotation

2. Edaphic characterization 3.Rhoc Penetrologger

Project areas

First training course (2012):Introduction to organic farmingScientific basis of organic farmingBasic techniques of organic field crops

Training courses for farmers

Second training course (2012):Weed Control Part 1Weed Control Part 2Presentation by Xavier Sans - Weeds

Third training course (2013):Soil exploration and fertilization managementPresentation by Jean Pierre SchererFourth training course (2014):Crop management in dry land areasPresentation by Carlos Lacasta - Organic farming in dry landPresentation by Carlos Lacasta - Efficiency in cereal cultivationPresentation by Carlos Lacasta - The soil and the farmerPresentation by Ramon Meco - Organic farming in dry land

The training courses have been organized by VIDASANA and have helped farmers to solve doubts about the agronomic management during the process of conversion from conventional to organic farming.

Crop and harvest managementData collection has been performed during each campaign and for each region

Navarra Guadalajara

Guadalajara

Zamora

AragónZamora

1. Objective: To increase soil organic matter with 20%The organic matter of the plots indicates quite the degree of soil fertility. Several experts as Jean Pierre Scherer, Juan Pablo del Monte and Pedro Alonso explained that the important factor is the active organic matter, i.e. humus, which is obtained by increasing soil biology. In the last year, it will be essential to analyze soil respiration and root and mycorrhiza activity.

2. Objective: To increase farmers' income by 20%a) Much will depend on the weather (i.e. rainfall is a constraint, there is a great

difference between crop volumes in 2011 and in 2012) b) Work with the minimum investment costc) Training courses and advice from expert agronomists have helped optimize crop

management. This translates in higher production and yield / ha in campaigns 2012-2013 and 2013-2014

In addition: The Consortium have selected species and varieties with higher market demand Weeds have been better managed through harrowing better results are observed in

cereal crops than in pea crops Land management has been established according to soil characteristics. Depending on the

case, tillage is performed or it is not in some cases, no-tillage in the long term does not function optimally, mainly because there is soil compaction

Lessons learned (1)

3. Objective: To introduce at least 5 new crop varieties

a) There is demand in the market for "specialties". But Almost no availability of seeds (ecological) Often there is lack knowledge on how to work these crops

b) Several crops have been introduced, both traditional or new use for the area (safflower, camelina, canola, lentils, chickpeas, varieties of durum wheat and wheat)

4. Objective: Increase awareness of the economic viability of farmers (20%)

a) Interviews were conducted at the beginning of the project and will be repeated at the end

b) The reaction of participants has been very positive so far They use knowledge of trainers and agronomists They like the exchange of views with farmers from other regions Results of soil analyses were very illustrative of its condition They are encouraged to experiment with crop rotation, including new crops Overall, the preliminary results (harvest) have been positive

Lessons learned (2)

Contribution to the objectives of the CAP and the GREENING:

The reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a timely opportunity to provide a coherent set of interventions that address these challenges. The European Commission has proposed a number of 'greening measures', including obligatory crop rotation, grassland maintenance, and more specific agri-environment measures, aimed at climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Whilst these proposals are a step in the right direction, they do not sufficiently address the resource efficiency of European agriculture in terms of productivity, water use, carbon capture, external inputs like nutrients and pesticides and ecosystem resilience (EEA Greening the CAP, 2012).

The CAP concerning the period 2014–2020, recognises organic farmers as 'green by definition' as they are automatically entitled to the green payment. It enables specific agri-environment measures aimed at climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation as well as organic farming practices to qualify for financial support from the rural development (EEA SOER, 2015).

Therefore, the lessons learned during this project are a good opportunity to offer a coherent set of interventions that address these challenges, as they are: to encourage the cultivation of traditional species, incorporate the use of cover crops, mediate soil compaction and controlling weeds. All these, in order to promote the resilience of dryland areas seeking a balance in the efficient use of resources and promote rural development with low carbon footprint.

Lessons learned (3)

THREATS Implementation of EU legislation is different in each

region (i.e. compost is prohibited in Castilla La Mancha) Bureaucracy of certifying entities; no stimulus to change Climate change (excess or shortage of water, global

warming) Soil recovery is a very slow process of several years Farmers want to see immediate results and are not

always willing to invest in long-term improvements

STRENGTHS Applies techniques to control weeds more effectively Applies techniques to increase soil fertility Preserves food quality, it is residue free and with special attention to

infant feeding Lower energy costs and greater economic, ecological and social profit Inherited knowledge of traditional farming techniques among older

farmers (retired ) on soil management, crop rotation and natural fertilization

WEAKNESSES Variable production yields Variable product quality (protein, specific weight, pests) Dependence on subsidies Weed control remains complicated Little demand and supply in the Spanish market (continuous

imbalance; often ends up selling conventional) Inadequate equipment and in some cases unprofessional It starts with poor soil and with compaction problems, lack of humus

and biological activity Natural fertilizers are scarce and expensive; supply is not professional The use of organic fertilizers is a challenge because there are always

three months of drought

OPPORTUNITIES Wide availability of dry land (which, without immediate

action, are expected to be abandoned) Demand for organic products in Europe is rising Increased interest especially in forage protein crops Political support from Brussels for a more sustainable

agriculture Young farmers understand better the economic,

environmental and social challenges Agroforestry with perennial crops is considered as an

interesting alternative Contribute to the objectives of the CAP and GREENING

2020 Contribute to the formulation of agricultural and

environmental solutions under CAP and GREENING policies

Preliminary observations of the organic agriculture model in marginal dry land areas