Soil Practitioner is the name of a one-year practical training course for farmers and advisors on the subject of soil fertility. As part of the project, course materials and a course concept are being developed that will enable the course to be repeated in different regions of Switzerland. In addition, the first courses will be evaluated and the course concept and course materials will be further developed on the basis of this experience.
There is a strong interest in the sustainable use of resources in agriculture in Switzerland. However, the educational programmes on offer are lagging behind this interest. The challenge lies in the organisation of sustainable farms, taking into account economic efficiency, biodiversity, climate change, animal welfare and job satisfaction.
Specialist practitioner courses on specific topics such as soil fertility are suitable for further training. These courses do not offer a patent remedy, but promote a holistic understanding in order to utilise resources more efficiently. Successfully implemented in Germany and Austria, the soil practitioner is now to be established in Switzerland.
Expert input is provided by researchers, farmers and advisors. Participants also work on self-defined projects and practise methods for assessing soil fertility. Participation is not only open to organic farmers, but also to conventional farmers.
Project manager
