PRAC2LIV Final Report : Stocktake and Stakeholder Exchanges on Decision Support Tools for Soil Organic Matter, Nutrient Use Efficiency, and Water Retention Across EJP SOIL Countries

Abstract

The project PRAC2LIV conducted a stocktake of Decision Support Tools (DSTs) focused on three key themes: soil organic matter, nutrient use efficiency, and water retention, currently in use in EJP SOIL countries. Building on previous stocktakes and an extensive literature review, this assessment included DSTs ranging from simple tools to next-generation support systems. Both the scientific basis of these DSTs, as well as their implementation and adoption at the farm level, were evaluated. In addition, mock-up designs for DSTs (mobile apps) related to the three themes were created. The results of the stocktake were discussed with various stakeholders through regional workshops, within the broader context of soil health. Further elaboration was conducted using a novel visualization method, in a participatory approach, with a focus on “DSTs for Soil Health in Living Labs.” By combining the findings from the literature, stocktake, workshops, mock-up designs, and visualization, conclusions and recommendations were made for the future development of DSTs in agro-ecosystems across Europe.