Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Soil Health and Biodiversity

This report details sustainable agricultural practices in the Netherlands focused on soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience post-2022. Key strategies include non-tillage, shallow plowing, compost and manure application, fallow crops, and nutrient management tailored to soil types. Field margins with native vegetation enhance biodiversity and water quality. Regulations since 2013 enforce ecological area maintenance, buffer strips, and ditch management. Permanent grasslands (>5 years) are prioritized for carbon sequestration and erosion control, with financial incentives for grassland preservation. Mixed-species swards and grazing improve drought resistance. Milk producers may use feed derogations if 80% of land is grassland. A 2025 target aims for 65% homegrown protein. Monitoring uses parcel data, aerial imagery, and field checks.