The main target of this experimental project is to demonstrate concrete measures to increase soil-water holding capacity.
As a first step, well-known methods for improving water infiltration into the soil profile will be assessed, including their employment in farming technologies and techniques. This demonstration project will include field experiments with currently available technologies for sub-soiling and other farming practices designed to improve soil structure. It will consist of two parts: theoretical and practical. An inventory of water retention capacity in different soils will be developed. This first phase will also include an identification of pilot areas in Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovenia where compacted soils are present. The second part will consist of field experiments with sub-soiling technology and other farming measures (e.g. deep root plant cultivation, organic fertilizer use, carbonized biomass use). The research here will be documented by practical examples and transferred into a Compendium of Good Practices (Activity 7.1). This demonstration project will emphasize effective principles which can be used in farming practices (e.g. sub-soiling, new farming systems and technical approaches), including vast farming areas, which would need broad support by national ministries of agriculture.