Research project Co-creating Sustainable Biomass Production and Soil Health Restoration for Diverse European Lansdcapes

General introduction

SOILBIOMASS investigates how the sustainable biomass production can support both the bioeconomy and the restoration of soil health. Europe is seeking ways to increase the sustainable biomass production without compromising soil quality, biodiversity, and climate goals. At the same time, agricultural and land-use systems must becomee more resilient to drought, weather variability, and soil degradation.

Within this project, ILVO contributes expertise in soil-plant-water interactions and crop modelling. The modelling approaches used in the project make it possible to simulate how management measures and land-use options affect soil health, water availability, and biomass yield. This enables assessment of risks and opportunities before investments are made. 

Research approach

SOILBIOMASS combines practice-oriented living labs with advanced data analysis, modelling and sustainability assessment. ILVO develops and integrates process-based models that describe the interactions between soil, water and crop growth under various management and climate scenarios. To this end, soil, climate and field data are harmonised and linked to spatial datasets. The models are used to predict the effects of biomass crops on yield, soil health and ecosystem services. The results form the basis for scenario analyses and decision-support tools for stakeholders.

Relevance/Valorization

The SOILBIOMASS project delivers knowledge and tools that help farmers, land managers and policymakers to chose sustainable biomass production systems. ILVO's models allow assessment of the impact of management and land-use options in advance in terms of  soil health, water availability and biomass yield. This allows risks and opportunities to be better assessed before investments are made. The results contribute to the European Soil Mission and support Flemish and European policy objectives on climate adaptation, sustainable land use and the circular bioeconomy. Close involvement of stakeholders, ensures a rapid translation into practice and policy.

Financing

EU Horizon Europe