The loss of soils and their inherent fertility is a major problem as the outcome of intensified land-use. Organic farming and reduced soil tillage, both, are efficient means to build up soil organic matter and fertility and help to mitigate climate change. The farm Juchowo in Western Poland cultivates about 1500 ha on highly variable soils in a glacially formed landscape. Precipitation is 600 mm and temperature averages at 8 °C. The objectives of the project are to increase soil fertility by reducing tillage intensity, by using supplemental mineral fertilizers and deep rooting crop species, and sequester soil carbon. With reduced tillage fossil fuel use will be lower, but under organic conditions weed pressure needs particular attention.
Software AG Stiftung
Fundacja im. Stanislawa Karlowskiego, Juchowo
Wyzsza Szkola Srodowiska, Bydgoszcz
