Soil improvement strategies based on local and high value organic inputs

This report examines various strategies to improve soil using organic inputs. It highlights key barriers that limit their adoption, such as a lack of reliable data, insufficient information, and examples of unsuccessful transitions. The report also explores technical aspects and focuses on bio-inputs observed during Nuffield travels and through discussions within the Nuffield network. Key bio-inputs include microorganisms, liquid fertilizers, biochar, and compost, among others.

Compost is identified as a particularly promising solution due to its wide range of benefits. The report also presents innovative practices observed in the trips, which have the potential to become future trends in sustainable agriculture.

Cultural factors are also addressed, as they play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of these bio-inputs and regenerative techniques. Examples include the importance of education in raising awareness and building skills, collaboration between universities and farmers to share knowledge and support implementation, and the role of institutional investors in validating and promoting sustainable management practices.

Finally, this report concludes that there is a significant opportunity to integrate bio-inputs into agricultural systems, offering both environmental and economic benefits. However, overcoming technical challenges and driving cultural shifts will be essential to scaling these solutions and enabling farmers to fully realize their potential.