The main policy goal of this theme is to enhance the application of technologies that enable farmers to work with lower inputs of nitrogen and phosphate, in order to reduce losses to the environment while sustaining farm economy.
The program addresses nitrogen as well as phosphate issues. For the sand district, focus is on precisions systems for fertilizer and manure application in maize, potato and open field vegetables, combining sensor technology, localized placement, and decision rules. Further approaches studied are the better use of catch crops, and the reduction of animal manure inputs on sandy soils.
For the clay district, research and extension focus on enhancing technology for application of animal manures in spring, since autumn application has been banned. Also, application techniques for efficient use of phosphate fertilizers on clay soils are developed and tested under farm conditions. Many of these projects are linked with initiatives in the field with contractors. All topics under this theme were indicated by the farmers association LTO and by the Dutch 4th Action Programme responding to the nitrates Directive.
This theme is closely linked to the theme Scientific basis for nitrogen and phosphate application standards, and for related restrictions aiming to reduce N and P emissions to groundwater (BO-12.07-008). |
