The research program Soilless cropping is focused on developing and implementing new cropping systems for horticultural field crops with low emissions to ground and surface water. Besides reduction of emissions, the program should contribute to an overall increase in sustainability of open field horticulture by improving labor conditions and labor efficiency, reduction of pesticide residues on products, higher production of better quality and cropping systems that are better adapted to climate change. In the program the research approach of the system innovation programs is used. The program is placed between current practice and the desired future. On one hand promising innovations of pioneers are supported and on the other hand new systems are developed which fulfill future demands.
In the program, there is close cooperation between researchers, farmers, suppliers, retail organizations and other relevant stakeholders to realize the development and implementation of the new cropping systems. Substantial finance of the agricultural community is expected in the program next to the finance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. The program contains the following activities:
- Knowledge development (explorations, feasibility studies, interdisciplinary systems design)
- Development and testing on practical scale of cropping systems, as well on research locations as on farms.
- Knowledge transfer to farmers, suppliers and on farm implementation.
- Project management as part of the co_innovation program water of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Horticultural product board.
In 2009, explorations and designs were made for 9 crops. In 2010 the experimental development of these systems is started. This experimental development will be continued in 2011. For some crops like leek and other leaf crops, the step to implementation on farms will be started. In the winter period 2010_2011, feasibility studies for these crops will be made. The coordinating activities will be continued in 2011. These activities include support of project leaders in the management of the development process and stakeholder management, monitoring and evaluation of the progress, social explorations to e.g. acceptance of the new cropping systems, monitoring sustainability of the developed systems, communication and program management. |
