Why is this important?
With the expected future freshwater shortages as well as the ecological debate about the negative impact of excess fertilizers on soil; a significant reduction in the amount of water and fertilizer is required. Biostimulants have shown to have a positive impact on these aspects and if therefore of interest for the sector, including biostimulants based on seaweed. The scope of this European project can have a large impact on healthier soils and plants with reduced water usage.
What were the objectives?
- To reduce water input in horticultural crops by 20%
- To reduce fertilizer input in horticultural crops by 10%
- To develop a protocol for policy makers to measure the impact of biostimulants on fertilizer and water use efficiency of plants
- To elaborate a market study, calculating the economic potential of seaweed-based biostimulants for seaweed-producing companies in the region
What did we do in this project?
North Sea Farmers lead the market study to elaborate on the economic potential of seaweed-based biostimulants. Also, we are concerned with translating research outcomes into actual implementation by (and with) entrepreneurs.
What are the results?
Who else were involved?
Proeftuin Zwaagdijk (NL), PCS (NL), UGent (BE), NIAB EMR (UK), Dove Associates (UK), Pôle Légumes Région Nord (FR), Yncréa Hauts de France, établissement ISA Lille (FR)
Finance: €3.2 million for 4 years
Support: Europese Unie | Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling (EFRO)
Partners: 8 organizations from 3 different EU countries
Time: 01/08/2017 - 31/07/2021
Contact: Eef brouwers
Website: https://www.interreg2seas.eu/nl/bio4safe
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAnHqWV5co
Photo header: Proeftuin Zwaagdijk