Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West EuropeDescription
The HydroSoilWise toolbox with techniques to improve SOM linked with the soil sponge capacity and WUE and reduce erosion(EN)
Training on the HydroSoilWise toolbox raising awareness on techniques to improve soil sponge capacity and WUE and reduce erosion(EN)
Website: http://hydrosoilwise.nweurope.eu
Thematic information
Priority:
(VI-B_NWE_1) Smart climate and environmental resilience for NWE territoriesPriority specific objective:
RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approachesPriority policy objective (Interreg specific objective):
PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobilityType of intervention:
064 Water management and water resource conservation (including river basin management, specific climate change adaptation measures, reuse, leakage reduction)Partners (12)
Lead Partner: Viaverda vzw
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998214876
Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0407784040
Department: Ornamental Research - Site Destelbergen
Address: Schaessestraat, 9070 Destelbergen, Belgium
Department address: schaessestraat, 9070 Destelbergen, Belgium
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://www.viaverda.be/
Total budget: EUR 967 252.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 580 351.20
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 386 900.80
- Fruit Research Centre Randwijk
-
Name: Fruit Research Centre Randwijk
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 879184139
Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL857388174B01
Address: Lingewal, 6668 LA Randwijk, Netherlands
Legal status: private
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://proeftuinrandwijk.nl/
Total budget: EUR 325 511.20
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 195 306.72
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 130 204.48
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
- Hochschule Geisenheim University
-
Name: Hochschule Geisenheim University
Department: Department of Vegetable Crops
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 947077349
Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE113823585
Address: Von-Lade-Strasse, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany
Department address: Von-Lade-Straße, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://www.hs-geisenheim.de/
Total budget: EUR 546 119.74
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 327 671.84
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 218 447.90
- Universität Kassel
-
Name: Universität Kassel
Department: Organic Farming and Cropping Systems
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999852624
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 113050755
Address: Nordbahnhofstraße, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
Department address: Nordbahnhofstraße, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: http://www.uni-kassel.de/go/foel
Total budget: EUR 473 098.34
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 283 859.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 189 239.34
- Treeport BCT Partners BV
-
Name: Treeport BCT Partners BV
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 873869315
Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL854677100B01 | 62136070
Address: Treeport, 4891PZ Rijsbergen, Netherlands
Legal status: private
Organisation type: SME
Website: https://www.businesscentretreeport.eu/
Total budget: EUR 344 100.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 206 460.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 137 640.00
- Delphy BV
-
Name: Delphy BV
Department: Team Fruit Cultivation; Team Projects & Innovations
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 968546359
Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL811269942B01
Address: Agro Business Park , 6708PW Wageningen, Netherlands
Department address: Lingewal, 6668 LA Randwijk, Netherlands
Legal status: private
Organisation type: SME
Website: https://delphy.nl/
Total budget: EUR 140 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 56 000.00
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
- Verger Experimentale d’Alsace
-
Name: Verger Experimentale d’Alsace
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 873865435
Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR 39402554083 | SIRET: 40255408300012
Address: Rue Adolphe Molher, 67210 Obernai, France
Legal status: private
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://www.verexal.net/
Total budget: EUR 349 952.60
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 209 971.56
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 139 981.04
- PLANETE Légumes Fleurs et Plantes
-
Name: PLANETE Légumes Fleurs et Plantes
Department: Vegetables
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948885526
Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR54490537065 | SIRET : 490 537 065 00016 | SIRET (EN)
Address: Rue Jean Mermoz, 68127 STE-CROIX-EN-PLAINE, France
Department address: Rue Jean Mermoz, 68127 STE-CROIX-EN-PLAINE, France
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs
Website: http://www.planete-lfp.fr
Total budget: EUR 219 282.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 131 569.20
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 87 712.80
- Institut des professionels du végétal
-
Name: Institut des professionels du végétal
Department: ASTREDHOR Siège and ASTREDHOR LOIRE-BRETAGNE
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 897298113
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 43414912725
Address: rue d'Alésia, TSA 51446, 75158 Paris, France
Department address: Rue de Cornay, 45590 SAINT-CYR-EN-VAL, France
Legal status: private
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://www.astredhor.fr
Total budget: EUR 374 223.92
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 224 534.35
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 149 689.57
- Boerenbond Projecten vzw
-
Name: Boerenbond Projecten vzw
Department: Climate and Technology
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951451467
Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0443086793
Address: Diestsevest, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Department address: diestsevest, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Legal status: private
Organisation type: Business support organisation
Website: http://www.boerenbond.be
Total budget: EUR 239 158.50
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 143 495.10
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 95 663.40
- Bodemkundige dienst van België
-
Name: Bodemkundige dienst van België
Department: Research and development
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 938227360
Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0420415024
Address: Willem de Croylaan, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
Department address: willem de Croylaan, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
Legal status: private
Organisation type: SME
Website: http://www.bdb.be
Total budget: EUR 446 880.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 268 128.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 178 752.00
GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20
- Ghent University
-
Name: Ghent University
Department: Faculty of Bioscience Engineering - Department Plants and Crops
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999986096
Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0248015142
Address: Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Department address: Coupure Links, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: http://www.ugent.be
Total budget: EUR 399 538.52
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 239 723.11
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 159 815.41
Partners map
Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Enhancing Hydromanagement & Soil health in agriculture for a Climate-Wise environment
Lead partner
Project partner
Summary
Project acronym: HydroSoilWise
Project ID: NWE0400527
Project start date: 2025-01-01
Project end date: 2028-12-31
Project status:
ongoingRelevant linked projects:
- Interreg NSR SOILCOM (2019-2023): Sustainable soils by quality compost with defined properties. SOILCOM has focused on the use of biowaste streams to produce high-quality tailor-made composts and their use to improve soils and plant growth. The SOILCOM project resulted in a 20% increase in compost use in the region, and farmers indicated a 5% decrease in the use of water, pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and a 10% increase in crop growth.
- The SOILCOM consortium continues their work in the Interreg NSR CLOSECYCLE project (2024-2027), which enables a more efficient use of residual rural and urban bioresources. The scope is widened from compost to all products that can be made from upcycling biological waste streams, such as soil-improvers, biostimulants, fertilizers, sustainable potting soil, etc.
- More info: https://northsearegion.eu/soilcom/about/ and https://www.interregnorthsea.eu/closecycle
- (EN) | Three partners were also involved in SOILCOM, namely Viaverda (then named PCS), Delphy, and dr. Hefner (now at UK, in SOILCOM at Aarhus University). Knowledge and experience gained from SOILCOM on the use of compost to increase the SOM is useful knowledge for the desktop study (D1.1.1) and for optimizing the use of compost in the pilot trial and the technical datasheet (D2.1.3). Knowledge and experience can be exchanged with the CLOSECYCLE consortium on the use of techniques improving SOM (A2.1) and WUE (A2.2). Joint field days and demonstrations with CLOSECYCLE will improve dissemination, reach and uptake by famers (D2.7.6).
- (EN), The OSBOBO project of the Flemish Agency of Agriculture and Sea Fisheries (2024-2026) aims to increase organic content in soils of tree nurseries, soil improvers such as compost and wood chips, but also via green cover crops, mulching or crop associations.
- Both partners Viaverda and BDB are working together with many growers in this Flemish project.
- (EN) | The OSBOBO project aims to increase SOM in tree nurseries, which is also an important topic in the HydroSoilWise project. The results of OSBOBO will be directly usable in the desktop study (D1.1.1) and a head start for the optimization of techniques in A2.1. Joint field days and demonstrations with OSBOBO will improve dissemination, reach and uptake by farmers (D2.7.6). (EN), The Relance project of the Flemish Agency of Agriculture and Sea Fisheries focused on climate robust growing (2021-2023) and was a cooperation of all 12 plant research centers in Flanders, coordinated by Viaverda. Combinations of agricultural techniques such as crop choice and cultivation technologies were tested and their effects on SOM and WUE demonstrated. (EN) | During this project, several techniques with effects on SOM and WUE were tested in many crops, including the 4 focus crops of HydroSoilWise. The results of these trials can be used in the desktop study (D1.1.1) and for the optimization of techniques (A2.1). The connection of Viaverda with the other plant research centers in Flanders will ensure dissemination of the HydroSoilWise toolbox amongst the farmers in the whole of Flanders (A3.3 and Output 3.1), and increase the institutional capacity of these research centers (Result 3). (EN), The OrnAqua project of the Flemish Agency of Agriculture and Sea Fisheries (2021-2025): provide growers of ornamental trees with tools to rationally and sustainably increase WUE while ensuring that commercial quality of the end product is maintained. The project includes new irrigation technologies based on sensor measurements and smart modeling, but also practical drought-mitigating cultivation techniques (bio-foil, mulching, biostimulants,…).
- This project is a collaboration between Viaverda, UGent and BDB three of the partners of HydroSoilWise.
- More info: https://researchportal.be/en/project/ornaqua-new-irrigation-reference-framework-increasing-water-use-efficiency-outdoor
- (EN) | This project is a collaboration between Viaverda, UGent and BDB, 3 HydroSoilWise partners. OrnAqua compares the WUE of several irrigation techniques and practices in ornamental trees. The knowledge gained in OrnAqua can be used immediately in the desktop study (D1.1.1). In WP2 (A2.2), these techniques can be tested and optimized for the 3 other focus crops.
- The OrnAqua project made many contacts with Flemish growers, who implemented one or more of the techniques in ornamental trees and shrubs. These locations can be continuously used as demonstrations in WP2 and 3, as peer-to-peer dissemination by farmers usually is the best way to increase implementations of methods.
- (EN), The VLAIO LA-project DRIP was funded by the Flemish Agency of Agriculture and Sea Fisheries and aimed to improve drip irrigation in vegetable crops. Different soil moisture sensors were evaluated to make a roadmap to pick the correct sensor and to use it to schedule drip irrigation correctly. The sensors measure the soil moisture which is used to parametrize a soil water balance model with the aid of machine learning. This way farmers can get real time field specific irrigation advice.
- More info: https://www.viaverda.be/Projecten/ArtMID/527/ArticleID/8673/DRIP-Druppelirrigatie-voor-een-duurzame-tuinbouw (EN) | The knowledge gained in the DRIP project on vegetable crops by Viaverda and BDB can be used in the HydroSoilWise project to feed the technical datasheet about irrigation control with sensors and models (D2.2.6) and to set-up new trials to control irrigation and compare irrigation techniques in the pilots in WP2 (A2.2) to optimize the technical datasheet for other crops. The DRIP project also aims to quantify the profitability and WUE from the drip irrigation, which is also useful information to incorporate in the technical database (D1.1.1). (EN), The Guidance service for Better Soil and Water Quality (B3W) was established in early 2021 to support the objectives of the Flemish manure policy, to help farmers to correctly implement the nitrate guidelines on their farms. Through specialized services, B3W supports farms in their transition to a more sustainable business strategy and operation regarding integrated soil management, soil health and judicious fertilization. The strength of B3W is undoubtedly the close collaboration between the 13 partners, established names in agricultural research and practice, including Viaverda and BDB. B3W regularly organizes thematic exchange moments on demonstration farms, focus groups to develop and apply a specific technique, and individual guidance. (EN) | The HydroSoilWise toolbox and its data sheets can enhance and support B3W's guidance, not only provided by Viaverda and BDB but also by their other B3W partners, to growers and farmers towards improvement of SOM and soil sponge capacity. Cooperation with B3W will ensure dissemination and uptake of the toolbox and techniques by other research stations in Flanders, who will increase their institutional capacity (Result 3). The geographical spread, field knowledge, specialized knowledge, expertise in demonstration, the strong link with scientific research and the practical network mean that a positive synergy can arise between B3W and HydroSoilWise in terms of communication towards growers and farmers about soil management and will result in an improved uptake of techniques. (EN), The COST Action CA21142, known as FruitCREWS (Fruit tree Crop REsponses to Water deficit and decision support Systems applications), aims to improve WUE in fruit trees by understanding crop responses to drought stress, using sensors for real-time plant water monitoring and crop modelling to refine decision support systems for irrigation management.
- Links: https://cost-fruitcrews.eu and https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21142/
- (EN) | The collaboration between HydroSoilWise and FruitCREWS (via partner UGent) offers a unique opportunity to combine expertise in enhancing plant water use efficiency, strengthening the toolbox developed in both projects and providing new knowledge as basis for the technical datasheets (A2.2). The knowledge gained on the fruit trees will be extended to the other focus crops in HydroSoilWise. The synergy will further broaden the dissemination of results. (EN), The Interreg NWE Smart Carbon Farming project (2024-2027) will develop a joint action plan that includes mapping current carbon measurement technologies, conducting a market analysis, and providing policy recommendations. Technological partners will test carbon monitoring solutions on pilot farms, ensuring their practical and economic viability. Additionally, a digital training platform will be developed, offering modules, training events, and resources for agricultural organizations. The project’s outcomes will include policy recommendations, enhanced carbon tracking techniques, and accessible digital training tools.
- More information: https://oostnl.com/en/eu-project/smart-carbon-farming (EN) | To increase the soil carbon levels in the Interreg project Smart Carbon Farming, they will use methods to increase the SOM levels.
- Smart Carbon Farming and HydroSoilWise can learn from each other, potentially we might identify interesting techniques to use in HydroSoilWise to measure and follow-up progress of SOM build-up in the trials and demos.
- In HydroSoilWise we will as well develop a toolbox to facilitate farmers in implementing techniques. This might be linked to the toolbox from Smart Carbon Farming.
- (EN), Nature-Based Solutions for Soil Management (NBSOIL) is a four-year EU-funded project under the ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ initiative. NBSOIL will develop a blended learning program focused on promoting soil health through nature-based solutions (NBS). The project will test six multi-functional practices, including organic fertilizers, cover crops, forest diversification, and bio-remediation, to promote sustainable soil management and aims to train over 300 soil advisors. (EN) | The NBSoil project is launching the NBSoil Academy for soil advisors, which also includes farmers. We can create an interaction between NBSoil and HydroSoilWise. On the one hand, our testing of the 15 techniques can feed their academy, and on the other hand, their experience with several soil health improving practices can improve the knowledge-base of the technical datasheets in WP1 and optimization in WP2. (EN), The VLAIO OP-PEIL project of the Flemish Agency of Agriculture and Sea Fisheries (2021-2025) aims to promote best practices of level-steered drainage for combating drought stress in crops. To determine which fields are best suited for conversion to level-steered drainage, a suitability map has been developed. Through decision support guidelines and practical recommendations, farmers are guided in transforming their traditional drainage to a feasible and financially profitable level-steered drainage.
- More info: https://www.peilgestuurdedrainage.be/
- (EN) | The insights gained from the OP-PEIL project will be collected for the WP1 technical datasheets, and further used to optimize the technical datasheet (D2.2.7) via trials and demonstrations proposed in WP2. HydroSoilWise provides the opportunity to expand this knowledge of OP-PEIL on a wider range of crops. As the positive outcomes of level-steered drainage are demonstrated on suitable farms, awareness and adoption of this technique will grow, benefiting not only farmers but also the surrounding environment. (EN), Interreg 2 Seas BIO4SAFE: An innovative approach to enhance resource efficiency of fertilizers and water by using biostimulants and innovative sensors in horticulture (2016-2022). During the project, experience was gained on how to apply abiotic stresses in a test environment and how to measure the effects of the biostimulants, both with sensors and by weighing/measuring. BIO4SAFE was coordinated by Viaverda (then named PCS) and included nursery trees and open field vegetables. (EN) | Viaverda and UGent gained a lot of experience on how to set-up and evaluate trials with biostimulants. The results and experiences gained are valuable for HydroSoilWise for the desktop study (D1.1.1.) and to further optimize application of biostimulants (D2.2.3) in the focus crops. (EN), Treeport is partner in the regional project 'The power of combinations: an agroforestry buffer strip for land valorisation in the cultivation sector' from the 'Onderzoek & Ontwikkel Fonds Regio West-Brabant' program (2023-2024). The consortium aims to carry out research and development on the use of multi-functional buffer strips (agroforestry) to manage water and soil pollution in (tree) cultivation and add value to agricultural land. Four main objectives within the project:
- (1) To research and develop measurement methodologies to monitor and control soil quality; (2) Developing a (universal) approach to the creation and use of multi-functional buffer strips; (3) Validating multi-functional buffer strips in combination with tree cultivation in practice (trial field & showcase);
- (4) Sharing the knowledge on multi-functional buffer strips with tree growers in the region; (EN) | The results and experiences gained during this project are valuable for HydroSoilWise as buffer strips will also be a possible technique to reduce erosion and run-off. Within HydroSoilWise, the usefulness and performance of buffer strips will be looked at in terms of erosion reduction, not just soil and water pollution in fruit trees, which is valuable information for the technical datasheet (D2.1.7-D2.3.3). (EN)
Total budget/expenditure: EUR 4 825 116.82
Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 895 070.08
Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 60.00%
Co-financing sources:
- ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 895 070.08. Co-financing rate, 60.00%.
Investments, deliverables, policy contributions
(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)
Deliverables:
Programme Common Output Indicator:
-
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
-
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
-
RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
Programme Common Result Indicator:
-
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
-
RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
Programme Result Indicator:
-
PSR 1: Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: Organisations
Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project
Financing programme
2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West Europe
Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme
2025-09-24
No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)
70 / 70 (100%)
No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)
742 / 742 (100%)
Notes on the data