FunDiv-Frick
Influence of cultivation on the functional diversity of the soil in the "Frick trial on preparations and soil"
Total cost € N/A EU contribution € N/A Funding Programme Other

In the "Frick trial on preparations and soil" three soil fertility-enhancing measures have been investigated since 2002: manure compost fertilisation, the use of biodynamic field and compost preparations and reduced tillage. Biodynamic farming methods as well as reduced tillage are expected to lead to improvements in soil fertility, which can be increasingly clearly demonstrated with increasing duration. The basis of both systems is the promotion of active and functionally diverse soil life as a healthy basis for plant production. For biodynamic cultivation, an increase in product quality is also assumed, especially through the use of biodynamic preparations. The aim of this project is to investigate the influence of the three trial factors tillage (ploughing versus reduced tillage), fertilisation (full slurry versus manure compost with reduced use of slurry) and biodynamic preparations (with versus without) on the soil metagenome and on soil chemical and biological parameters as well as on yield, weed development and crop quality. Furthermore, the aim is to find out whether there are interactions between biodynamic cultivation and the type of tillage.

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Not targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Not targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Not targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Partially targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Not targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Partially targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Not targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Not targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Not targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Not targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Not targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Not targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Not targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Not targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Not targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Not targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Not targeted
  • 4. International
    Not targeted

© European Union, 2024. Image sources: Adobe.Stock.com