Press article
Soil organic matter
9 OCTOBER 2015
Press article 500 words
Improving soils
Four tips to improve organic matter content in Mediterranean soils
Compared to other European areas, Mediterranean regions suffer from distinctly lower organic
matter content in their soils. However, there are practical solutions to increase soil organic matter
content and secure soil functionality and fertility. Philippe Hinsinger is the coordinating expert for
the Focus Group on soil organic matter content in Mediterranean regions, set up by the European
Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI). He elaborates:
“This is a concern that farmers have had since the very start of agriculture. Few of the solutions
that are available are actually new, as many of them were rather common before the
intensification of agriculture in the 1950s. The Focus Group analysed pros and cons of current
solutions, resulting in concrete tips for farmers.”
Use local manure
Animal manure and organic waste – for instance transformed to compost – can influence soil organic matter.
Philippe Hinsinger: “Animal manure is most likely the largest resource of organic carbon suitable for application
in agriculture. In Mediterranean areas where there is little large-scale animal production, it would become very
expensive for farmers to pay for manure transportation, as large amounts are needed. Promoting the use of
sources available on or near the farm, or using dehydrated or composted materials is important to decrease the
cost of transportation, thus improving the cost-efficiency of the application of carbon rich inputs.”
Avoid ploughing
Tillage techniques have been widely practiced for centuries, so completely stopping this practice would require
a considerable shift. Reduced tillage or no-till practices can be used to maintain or increase soil organic matter
content. Soil surface cover by mulching can efficiently reduce the runoff and subsequent soil erosion. Mulching
can also help to combat weeds and improve the ability of the soil to bear the impact of vehicles such as tractors,
without damaging the soil structure.
Choose your crops wisely
Crop residues are a major source of organic inputs in agriculture and should be part of a farmer’s strategy to
increase or maintain soil organic matter content. The way crops are managed in space and time also plays an
important role in securing soil functionality: more diverse rotations and longer soil coverage by living plants can
help to protect the soil and increase organic matter content. These practices are less common in Mediterranean
regions, in spite of their positive impact on soil fertility and water conservation.
Seek other novel solutions
The Focus Group also looked at opportunities to further investigate how to improve soil organic matter content
in Mediterranean regions, and identified 16 research priorities. On top of that, the Focus Group experts proposed
subjects for innovative projects, so-called Operational Groups, funded by the European Commission and by the
EU Member States and regions via Rural Development Programmes. The Focus Group suggests – for
1
PRESS ARTICLE SOIL ORGANIC MATTER 9 OCTOBER 2015
instance – to develop diagnostic procedures and recommendations on the management of soil organic matter
and organic resources from tree-based cropping systems, such as olive or fruit orchards. Farmers from all over
Europe will be able to start up Operational Groups, testing their project ideas and seeking solutions to improve
their daily work.
More information: www.eip-agri.eu – Focus Group Soil Organic Matter webpage
Press article 250 words
Four tips to improve organic matter content in Mediterranean
soils
Compared to other European areas, the Mediterranean regions suffer from distinctly lower organic
matter content in their soils. However, there are practical solutions to increase soil organic matter
content and secure soil functionality and fertility. Philippe Hinsinger is the coordinating expert for
the Focus Group on soil organic matter content in Mediterranean regions, set up by the European
Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI). He elaborates:
“The Focus Group analysed pros and cons of current solutions, resulting in concrete tips for
farmers.”
Use local manure - In Mediterranean areas where there is little large-scale animal production, it would become
very expensive for farmers to pay for manure transportation. Using sources available on or near the farm, or
using dehydrated or composted materials is important to improve the cost-efficiency of the application of carbon
rich inputs.
Avoid ploughing - Reduced tillage or no-till practices can be used to maintain or increase soil organic matter
content.
Choose your crops wisely - Crop residues are a major source of organic inputs in agriculture. The way crops
are managed in space and time also plays an important role in securing soil functionality.
Seek other novel solutions - The Focus Group also looked at opportunities to further investigate how soil
organic matter content can be improved: they identified 16 research priorities and proposed subjects for
innovative projects, so-called Operational Groups, funded by the European Commission and by the EU Member
States and regions via Rural Development Programmes.
More information: www.eip-agri.eu – Focus Group Soil Organic Matter webpage
2
PRESS ARTICLE SOIL ORGANIC MATTER 9 OCTOBER 2015
Background information
EIP-AGRI
The European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' (EIP-AGRI) is one of five EIPs
which were launched by the European Commission to promote rapid modernisation of the sectors concerned,
by stepping up innovation efforts. The EIP-AGRI aims to foster innovation in the agricultural and forestry sectors
by bringing research and practice closer together – in research and innovation projects as well as via the EIPAGRI Network.
EIPs aim to streamline, simplify and better coordinate existing instruments and initiatives and complement them
with actions where necessary. Two specific funding sources are particularly important for the EIP-AGRI: the EU
Research and Innovation framework, Horizon 2020, as well as the EU Rural Development Policy.
www.eip-agri.eu
EIP-AGRI Focus Group Soil Organic Matter
The EIP-AGRI Focus Group (FG) on Soil Organic Matter in Mediterranean regions was launched by the European
Commission in 2014, to make recommendations on transferable innovative solutions for the purpose of
improving soil organic matter content in the Mediterranean region in a cost-effective way, while securing soil
functionality and soil fertility in the specific context of Mediterranean regions.
The final report of this Focus Group is available here.
An EIP-AGRI Focus Group is one of the building blocks of the EIP-AGRI network, which is funded under the EU
Rural Development policy. Working on a narrowly defined issue, EIP-AGRI Focus Groups temporarily bring
together 20 experts (such as farmers, advisers, researchers, up- and downstream businesses and NGOs) to map
and develop solutions within their field.
EIP-AGRI Brochure on EIP-AGRI Focus Groups
Operational Groups
An Operational Group is a group of people who come together to work on concrete solutions to a practical
problem or innovative opportunity, and whose project is funded by the EU Rural Development policy. An
Operational Group consists of several partners with a common interest in a specific, practical innovation project.
The people involved in the Operational Group should contribute different types of practical and, where
necessary, scientific expertise. They may include farmers, scientists, agri-business and many others. Every
country or region has the possibility to define specific national demands or restrictions on how to put together
an Operational Group.
EIP-AGRI Brochure on Operational Groups: Turning your idea into innovation
A list of all Managing Authorities can be found in the EIP-AGRI Brochure, allowing you to contact your local
authority for further information.
Other EIP-AGRI Brochures
EIP-AGRI Network
EIP-AGRI Service Point. How can we help you?
Innovation support services
EU funding opportunities related to innovation in agriculture, food and forestry
3
PRESS ARTICLE SOIL ORGANIC MATTER 9 OCTOBER 2015
Contact information
Ina Van Hoye
Communication officer
EIP-AGRI Service Point
Ina.vanhoye@eip-agri.eu
0486 90 77 43
4