SOILRES
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Multi-Faceted Biodiversity Integration for a Healthy Soil and Resilient Crop Management
Total cost € 8 529 485.00 EU contribution € 7 999 938.51 Funding Programme Horizon Europe - Mission Soil

SOILRES's mission is to improve soil health and crop resilience in response to the declining health of soil ecosystems, largely caused by the overuse of agrochemicals and the impacts of climate change. This will be achieved by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that prioritise biodiversity and the interactions between soil, plants and microorganisms.

To achieve these goals, SOILRES will adopt a comprehensive strategy that includes active engagement with stakeholders, the development of agroecological methods, and the implementation of digital tools for effective soil health management.

SOILRES will undertake a number of key activities, including the establishment of collaborative co-creation sessions, the development of microbial bioinoculants and biostimulants, and the formulation of best practices tailored to each use case. Field trials will be conducted in six diverse use cases, targeting key agro-climatic regions in Europe (Atlantic (DK), Boreal (FI), Continental (FR), Pannonian (HU) and Mediterranean (IT, PT)), with the objective of validating and refining these interventions. By assessing agronomic, environmental and cost effectiveness, we will identify challenges and opportunities and design optimal strategies for scaling and replicating sustainable practices.

SOILRES is aligned with the Missions Programme, which is focused on promoting agricultural sustainability and resilience. It is expected that these outcomes will result in a reduction in the dependence on chemical inputs and an increase in crop productivity. Furthermore, there will be a broader adoption of practices that support biodiversity among farmers. Ultimately, SOILRES aims to strengthen long-term food security and environmental sustainability in Europe by advocating for integrated soil and crop management strategies.

HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01

Thematic areas

Awareness and engagement Biodiversity Tackling pollution and restoration

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
    Targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Partially 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
    Partially 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
    Targeted

Innovation hotspots

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

Cross-cutting dimensions

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

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