WP3 Experimental evaluation of management options at field level
This work package quantifies the expected impacts of alternative soil management options on the major goal variables: productivity, climate change mitigation, and soil quality. Based on this information, best management practices are formulated.
The objective of WP3 is to make a comprehensive, indicator-based analysis of the effects that different soil management options have on productivity, climate change mitigation (carbon sequestration and GHG emissions) and soil quality (soil health, chemical soil fertility and physical quality and conservation). Soil management options include activities and choices related to a) water management, b) crop rotation, c) tillage, weed control, residue management, d) organic and inorganic fertiliser application, and e) specific measures for pest and disease control.
Analyses start at the field level, using long-term field experiments (LTE’s) held by the partners, but also involve literature study. Based on expected impacts, best management practices are selected. However, some practices will have a positive impact on one goal (e.g., productivity), but a negative impact on another (e.g., climate). We aim to express such tradeoffs where possible.
The outputs from this work package (best practices with their effects quantified) are the basis for compatibility studies en decision tools in WP4 and WP5.
Deliverables of WP3 can be found here.
Map with locations of LTE's analysed in Catch-C
WP3 is led by Adelheid Spiegel.
Summary of results
Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Contact: Adelheid Spiegel
Productivity
Contact: Carlo Grignani and Laura Zavattaro
Physical Soil Quality
Contact: Juan Vicente Giráldez and Gema Guzmán
Biological soil quality
Contact: Leendert Molendijk and Tommy D'Hose
