DiverIMPACTS (Diversification through Rotation, Intercropping, Multiple Cropping, Promoted with Actors and value-Chains towards Sustainability) has brought together 34 partners focused on achieving “the full potential of diversification of cropping systems for improved productivity, delivery of ecosystem services and resource-efficient and sustainable value chains”.

One of the new videos examines the 12 participants in Wallonia blending organic and soil conservation approaches with the aim of successfully farming without tillage or pesticides. The project explains: “By taking advantage of the benefits of organic and conservation practices, these farmers seek to amplify ecological processes in their soils and crops so that they benefit in return from ecosystem services that are conducive to production, the environment and society as a whole.”

In addition to working together, farmers involved in the case study are being supported by advisers from Greenotec, a specialist conservation agriculture advisory service, and researchers from the Walloon Agricultural Research Centre.

The second video gives an overview of how allowing sheep to graze catch or service crops can be a win-win for both sheep and arable farmers. The project reports: “For sheep farmers, it is an opportunity to support the development of sheep production with a new, quality forage. For arable farmers, the practice could have numerous advantages, including improved soil fertility, reduced pressure from pests, non-mechanical destruction of cash crops, incorporation of organic matter, and a better image of arable farmers.”

Other videos available from DiverIMPACTS include both updates on experimental work and ‘real-life’ experiences from farmers. For example, arable farmers from the United Kingdom have shared their insights on intercropping and combined rotation, cover crops and companion cropping.

For more information:

• For a full list of videos, visit the DiverIMPACTS website here
• For more information about the project, go to the homepage here