Research projects

Improving C-Balances on Organic Farms II (EUKI2) builds on the previous project Improving C-Balances in Organic Farms and aims to improve carbon sequestration on stockless organic farms in Slovenia, Serbia and Poland.

Agricultural soils in these countries have experienced a decline in organic matter content over recent decades, negatively affecting soil fertility and contributing to climate change. Organic farming offers significant opportunities to increase soil organic carbon stocks. However, the adoption of suitable practices is often limited by a lack of technical knowledge and insufficient cooperation between farmers, agricultural advisors and policymakers.

The project focuses on developing and testing sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of cover crops, the establishment of agroforestry systems and the application of organic fertilisers, including organic pelletised fertilisers. Through demonstration trials on different organic farms, it aims to improve soil organic matter management and increase the capacity of agricultural soils to sequester carbon.

An important part of the project is also dedicated to connecting farmers, experts and policymakers, facilitating knowledge exchange and encouraging the adoption of good practices in agricultural production.

Main Activities and Results

The project will develop a knowledge base and practical solutions to support the implementation of demonstration trials and the wider adoption of proven agricultural practices.

The main activities include:

• Conducting demonstration trials on organic farms in Slovenia, Serbia and Poland to test practices that contribute to increasing soil organic carbon stocks.
• Investigating the use of cover crops, agroforestry systems and organic fertilisers to improve farm carbon balances.
• Exchanging knowledge and good practices in berry, wine grape, vegetable, fruit and arable crop production.
• Organising workshops, training sessions, study visits and demonstration field visits for farmers, agricultural advisors and other interested stakeholders.
• Connecting research institutions, agricultural organisations and policymakers, and supporting the integration of climate-friendly agricultural practices into relevant policies.
• Developing a Best Practices Toolbox, including strategies, guidelines and examples of good practices, which will be made available to users across Europe.

The project will contribute to the development of modern, environmentally friendly farming systems, improved soil fertility, and greater competitiveness and sustainability of organic farms.

Partnership

The project is coordinated by Naturland – Association for Organic Agriculture (Germany). The project coordinator and contact person is Werner Vogt-Kaute.

Project Partners:

• Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS), Slovenia
• Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops (IFVC), Serbia
• National Institute of Horticultural Research, Poland

Funding

The project is funded under the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. EUKI is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.