Research project Elaboration and feasibility ofa regional composting project in Grenspark Groot Saeftinghe
General introduction
A cooperation experiment between agricultural and nature sectors around joint production and use of compost as an agricultural soil improver under the guidance of ILVO has provided valuable insights in the Belgium-Netherlands border region and did actually improve local soil quality. The Groot Saeftinghe Border Park, located along the river Scheldt on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands, is committed to healthy, fertile agricultural soils. Caring for the soil was seen in the COMPOSTERING GGS project as a collective challenge that requires not only action from individual farmers, but also regional cooperation and shared infrastructure. Prior to the project, some local farmers (in 2020-2022) had already tested the use of quality compost, which clearly improved soil quality. ILVO then investigated the feasibility of a regional composting project with the central aim of helping to enable the increase in both production and use of quality compost based on local biomass flows.
Research approach
The study started by clarifying the reason for the project and the objectives, including the different composting methods, with a particular focus on windrow compost. This was followed by an analysis of the existing situation in the region, complemented by a SWOT and stakeholder analysis to identify potential forms of cooperation for the regional composting project. In addition, existing biomass flows from the area were identified and characterised, as well as relevant legal aspects of farm composting both in Flanders and the Netherlands. The final report formulates concrete recommendations for the further development of a composting project in the region.
Relevance/Valorization
The relevance of the composting project in Grenspark Groot Saeftinghe lies in the collective enhancement of soil quality and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices in the region. By using local biomass flows, the project contributes to strengthening soil health, which supports long-term agricultural productivity. The use of quality compost may also reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promote water retention, and stimulate soil biodiversity. On a societal level, the project fosters collaboration between agriculture and nature sectors, benefiting regional management and appreciation of natural resources. The accumulated knowledge and infrastructure also offer potential for scaling and replicating the project in other regions.
