The Future of Soil Health Discussed at the Estonian University of Life Sciences

The aim of the seminar was to identify the practical solutions and field trials needed by Estonian farmers to improve soil health, and to discuss how these can be developed in cooperation with researchers and advisors. During the discussions, participants highlighted unstable weather conditions, low organic matter content in soils, declining soil structure, and the poor condition of drainage systems as key challenges. They also noted that the decreasing availability of plant protection products is making weed and pest control increasingly difficult.

Participants identified diverse crop rotations, the use of cover crops, testing of seed mixtures, and adding organic matter to soils as possible solutions. At the same time, farmers stressed the need for reliable local field trials before new practices can be adopted more widely.

In Estonia, MultiSoil project activities focus mainly on soil health issues related to potato, maize, and cereal cultivation. The aim of MultiSoil is to improve soil health and support sustainable agriculture across Europe. The project brings together 15 partners from eight countries and is coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). Estonian partners include the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, and the University of Tartu.

The project runs from 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2030 and is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

Agricultural producers can join the project activities by filling out a registration formlink opens in new page.

More information: www.multisoil.eulink opens in new page