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NUTRICHECK-NET

The NUTRI-CHECK NETwork to maximise site-specific precision in managing the nutrition of European arable crops.

About project

Europe faces huge and urgent challenges of increasing crop productivity whilst reducing use of synthetic fertilisers and nutrient losses. This proposal is to establish a self-sustaining, multi-actor, Thematic Network called “NUTRI-CHECK NET” that builds farm-level adoption of best field-specific nutrient management practices across Europe. In nine countries farmers’ Crop Nutrition Clubs (CNC) will identify and share the nature of their uncertainties about crop nutrition, their challenges and barriers to change. Decision-systems and nutrition tools (including commercial products, services, and recent research outputs) will be assembled by national experts from across Europe, including leading farmers, into a common online NUTRI-CHECK NET platform. CNCs will then evaluate effectiveness of new protocols and tools selected from the a toolbox to meet their main challenges. Thence they will co-create and adopt farm- and field-specific ‘measure-to-manage’ approaches that address their crop nutrition challenge(s). Evaluations of protocols and tools by farmers and experts will address their ease of use, trustworthiness, costs, and benefits. Initial and final evaluations will be shared across the Network to define ‘best practices’, which will be demonstrated and disseminated widely, including through liaison with other relevant Thematic Networks and EIP-AGRI. The toolbox and best practices will be held accessible and improvable in perpetua on EU FarmBook. Widespread adoption of ‘measure-to-manage’ or ‘check-to-change’ approaches to crop nutrition will enhance nutrient recycling and crop productivity, whilst reducing synthetic fertiliser use and nutrient losses across Europe.

Project type
Horizon Europe
Country
-
Grant ID
10.3030/101086525
Start date
1/1/2023
End date
12/31/2025
CORDIS database
-
Project website
Project website

Contributions

    Establishing long-term nitrogen response of global cereals to assess sustainable fertilizer rates.

    Document
    Feb 01, 2022
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    • Hans J. M. van Grinsven

    The key findings from this scientific paper published in the high-impact Nature Food journal highlight the importance of using LT nitrogen response curves for sustainable nitrogen management in global cereal production. It covers several relevant topic areas, including long-term (LT) nitrogen (N) response curves, sustainable N inputs: economic and environmental implications, agronomic efficiency; optimal N rates: the concept of a 'safe operating space' for nitrogen application where yields are high, pollution is low, and economic benefits for both farming and society are balanced; the global applicability of LT response curves.

    Decision Support Tool: Major & Micro nutrient advice for productive agricultural crops

    Software Application
    Sep 16, 2025
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    • Teagasc

    <p>This tool provides science-based recommendations for nutrient inputs (N, P, K, S) tailored to specific crops, using target yield data and soil test results. It accounts for nutrients supplied through organic manures (based on book or lab values) and calculates total nutrient requirements. Recommendations are split into appropriate application rates and timings across the growing season to maximize efficiency and comply with environmental legislation.</p>