We study the transition to sustainable ecology-based agriculture by using mixed-cropping systems that combine multiple crop species on a single field. Our team elucidates the ecological processes that make mixed cropping systems sustainably productive and we identify which socio-economic and societal or institutional factor need to be resolved to overcome the lock-in in current conventional farming systems. To allow a broad spectrum of farmers, consumers and stakeholders to reach transition goals, we embrace variation in transition paths. We explicitly compare how existing international value chains require adjustments as well as how new short and local value chains can emerge.

Nitrogen fertilizers promote productivity but also lead to emissions of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). At the same time there is growing interest in the potential role of plant diversity in intensively managed, climate-smart agroecosystems. In this research we will reveal how combinations of plant species with different characteristics can optimise nitrogen use and limit N2O emissions also when subjected to extreme weather events of flooding. This research will thereby provide unique insight into how traits of plant communities couple responses to climate change (flooding) and effects on climate change (N2O emissions).

Worldwide, micronutrient deficiencies affect crop yields, grain quality and human health. Zinc deficiency, for example, limits cereal production on ±50% of agricultural soils globally, and affects the health of >25% of the population in most African countries. Use of micronutrient fertilizers is a feasible strategy to mitigate these problems, but has so far been limited because current soil tests are inaccurate and expensive, and a suitable fertilizer recommendation system is lacking. To address these problems, we will build on novel insights in soil chemistry to deliver (i) a lowcost, reliable method to assess micronutrient availability in soil samples (ii) a field-scale fertilizer recommendation system for yield-limiting micronutrients; and (iii) regional and national soil maps of micronutrient availability in Africa, enabling policymakers to identify areas at risk of micronutrient deficiency, and fertilizer companies to develop tailor-made fertilizer blends.

Plant roots release an immense diversity of chemical compounds. What is the role of these compounds in soil functioning? This project investigates how root biochemical profiles of plant species steer soil nutrient and carbon cycling. By learning from nature, this research supports a transition towards nature-inclusive and sustainable agricultural systems.

This consortium aims to tackle a pressing issue in the Dutch society about how waste is used poorly, which leads to losing valuable materials, missing out on economic gains, and causing greenhouse gas emissions. To address this challenge and build a sustainable and thriving Dutch bioeconomy, we will develop innovative technology to turn low-quality waste into useful and sustainable materials that fit into a circular system. Our goal is to make the environment in the Netherlands cleaner and self-sustainable by cutting down on carbon emissions from fossil fuels, reducing critical materials in industry, reducing waste incineration, and re-using waste.