SoilProS stands for Soil biodiversity analysis for sustainable Production Systems
Aims of SoilProS
The SoilProS research project utilizes and interprets big data on soil biodiversity and the chemical and physical characteristics of soils in relation to various soil functions.
The restoration of these important soil functions is currently limited not so much by what we can measure, but primarily by how we interpret the available data. SoilProS offers a solution to this by utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
In current agricultural practice, the role of soil life and biodiversity in soils and substrates is still underutilised. As a result, food production systems emit increasing amounts of greenhouse gases and nutrients and are less resilient to drought, extreme precipitation and soil-borne diseases. By closing this knowledge gap and establishing the link between the biodiversity of soil and substrates, this can lead to:
- lower emissions to air, groundwater and surface water
- greater water buffering capacity
- increased disease resistance in soils
This makes the biodiversity of soils and substrates predictable in relation to practical measures. Based on this, the project supports farmers in predicting which crop varieties, seed mixtures, (organic) fertilisers and organic substrates contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.
Expected outcomes of SoilProS
- Insight into the relationship between soil biodiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality within key soil types and land-use categories
- AI-driven machine learning models that use biodiversity data to predict practical measures that enhance ecosystem multifunctionality
- Experimentally validated AI predictions that are reused to further improve the models
- Actionable recommendations, developed and tested in collaboration with farmers, for the practical application of soils and/or organic substrates
Expected impact
SoilProS provides key building blocks for sustainable food production and healthier soil. Soil biodiversity plays a crucial role in soil functioning. Within SoilProS, we focus on preserving and enhancing this biodiversity, whilst simultaneously working towards more sustainable agriculture.
Within the project:
- we are mapping the current state of soil biodiversity in Dutch agricultural systems
- we are analysing soil multifunctionality using data science
- we are conducting greenhouse and field trials with various soil improvers
With this approach, SoilProS aims to contribute to making Dutch agriculture more sustainable, in line with the European Farm to Fork strategy.
Role of HAS green academy
Within SoilProS, the HAS green academy focuses primarily on bridging the gap between research and practice. Working alongside farmers, businesses and other stakeholders in the sector, HAS tests and translates research findings into practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.
In addition, HAS plays a key role in verifying and validating the models, insights and measures developed under practical conditions, ensuring that the results are genuinely useful for the field.
Research consortium
- Netherlands Institute of Ecological Research (NIOO-KNAW)
- HAS green academy
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (University of Amsterdam)
- University of Twente (TU Twente)
- Utrecht University (UU)
- Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
- And various government- and business partners
