Effects of fertilisation on soil life and nitrogen cycling: new insights, better decisions

How can we make intelligent use of the living soil system for sustainable agriculture?
Can we tackle the nitrogen problem and climate change with the help of soil life? Every agricultural soil is full of 'free labour': beneficial bacteria, fungi and soil organisms that support farmers and our environment. This project, commissioned by the municipalities of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland Campina, provides scientific insights into the potential of soil biology and explores concrete applications for practice.
How does fertilisation affect the functioning of soil life?
In our quest to learn more about soil life, we started with the role of manure.
The aim is to gain a better understanding of how different methods of manure application affect worms and microbiology (soil microbiome) in the soil.
Research: What did we look at and how?
For this study, we used modern DNA techniques to map the entire soil microbiome. The microbiome is a manifestation of conditions, history, quality and management. Our research shows that each farmer creates their own unique 'fingerprint' through the way they farm their land, combined with the characteristics of the soil.
Manure applied by injection and surface application, digestate and solid manure are compared.