The STRATUS project is based on creating a network of advisors specializing in efficient fertilization. This network consists of various entities specialized in precision agriculture, organic fertilizers, soil quality, and advisory services for farmers and ranchers. Additionally, the network includes 10 local working groups located in 10 European Member States. Throughout September, October, and November, network members are meeting to gather good practices in efficient fertilization that are effective across Europe, specifically in precision agriculture, soil quality, and bio-based fertilizers.
The agricultural sector, along with its most representative stakeholders, can participate in generating and exchanging good practices thanks to these local groups formed within the network. Each of the 10 groups has held its initial project meeting, a face-to-face workshop that allowed them to gather sector needs and serve as a meeting point for discussing new innovations and already established best practices.
The leaders of the local groups brought together representatives from their sectors (farmers, researchers, policymakers, industry members and agricultural advisors) at the following events:
These are some of the ideas that emerged during the workshops:
Regarding precision agriculture, “the importance of using drone imagery and data-driven decision-making based on sensor information stands out. However, the cost of the technology, combined with a lack of professionals in the sector and limited public funding, hinders the implementation of these technologies by end-users”
There was also discussion about research innovations, such as “tertiary treatment of pig manure using constructed wetlands for water recovery and potassium fertilizer, or the use of biostimulants and the need to understand their real effects on the soil.”
A need that was repeatedly identified was “the need for advisors and farmers to receive training on fertilization in all areas: precision agriculture, soil quality, and organic fertilizers.”
Regarding organic fertilizers, more studies are needed on their impact on soil fertility and long-term effects. It is also important to understand their real efficiency and better control their hygiene.
The results of these initial workshops are the seed for the network to begin collecting good practices in efficient fertilization. The first round of good practices and research innovations in precision agriculture, soil quality, and organic fertilizers will be published in January 2025. The collection will be available in 11 different languages and can be accessed from an open-access online repository