Resource explained
Crop diversification has the potential to produce many benefits, such as improved soil nutrients and soil fertility. However, it also comes with several challenges. DiverIMPACTS was a 5-year EU Horizon 2020 project with 34 partners. The aim was to achieve the full potential of diversification of cropping systems for improved productivity, delivery of ecosystem services and resource-efficient and sustainable value chains. DiverIMPACTS identified several success stories of crop diversification across Europe. The examples given (many with videos) show a selection of these success stories and highlight why certain crop diversification strategies have been successful and the challenges that were needed to be overcome to achieve success.Findings & recommendations
- Increasing domestic protein supply with intercropping (Switzerland). Protein self-sufficiency increased from 3% in 2008 to 15% mainly due to the involvement of a cross-sectoral working group along the entire value chain.
- Combined rotation, cover crops and companion cropping (UK). Northants LEAF farmer Duncan Farrington broadened his cereals/oil seeds rotation to deal with blackgrass, pigeons and disease problems. Cover crops have helped with weed control as well as complimenting crop and soil nutrition.
- Crop diversification experiences in Hungary. Farm converted to organic incorporating 25-30% of legumes in rotation, increasing biodiversity and pollinators. Greater complexity has been challenging.
- Maximum diversification of organic farming to stabilise farm income (Poland). The use of cover crops and intercropping vegetables has increased yields and benefitted soil fertility. By co-operating with neighbouring farmers they have improved sales locally and nationally.
- Producing food for human consumption while enhancing arable land: crop diversification on an organic farm in Wallonia (Belgium). Crop diversification and intercropping has helped spread risks by promoting biodiversity to manage weeds, pathogens and pests.
- Soya bean cultivation in Flanders (Belgium). Finding the right varieties, pest control, weed control and harvesting has been a challenge. Experience has been gained and the focus is on improving quality for human consumption.
- Cover crops to reduce nutrient leaching (Sweden). Conservation agriculture has improved soil health and biodiversity, and reduced weeds and diesel use. Getting timings right for managing cover crops has been a challenge.
- Implementation of catch crops for drinking water protection (Germany). Results-oriented payments gave farmers flexibility to implement options. Good communications between actors was critical to success.
Summary provided by:
Phil Sumption (Agricology https://agricology.co.uk/resource/success-stories-of-crop-diversification-across-europe/)Edited by:
Janie Caldbeck (Agricology https://agricology.co.uk/resource/success-stories-of-crop-diversification-across-europe/)Link to resource: https://www.diverimpacts.net/success-stories.html
