WR Living Lab - Netherlands
Name / Location | Lelystad, The Netherlands |
Lead Partner | Stichting Wageningen Research (WR)  |
Agroecological Zone | Temperate Atlantic / Continental transition =?? Temperate Maritime ?? |
Climate Type | Temperate maritime |
Legumes Tested |
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Cropping System Type | Perennial legume integration in arable rotations |
Agroecological Practices Applied |
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Living Lab Board Composition | Farmers, advisors, researchers, supply-chain actors and policy representatives (11 members) |
Duration of Field Trials | 3 growing seasons |
Key Ecosystem Services Targeted |
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Overview
The Dutch Living Lab, coordinated by Stichting Wageningen Research, operates in one of Europe’s most intensive agricultural systems. Dutch arable farming is highly productive but strongly dependent on mineral fertilizers and characterized by simplified rotations with emphasis on the cash crops.
This Living Lab focuses on the integration of perennial forage legumes— lucerne, red clover, and esparcette —into arable crop rotations to enhance soil health and reduce nitrogen inputs. By testing legume mixtures strategies, the Lab demonstrates how perennial legumes can restore ecological functions within high-input systems.
The Dutch LL provides robust data to support CAP nutrient management objectives and contributes directly to EU targets on fertilizer reduction and climate mitigation.
Main Challenges
Intensive arable systems in the Netherlands face several systemic pressures:
- High nitrogen fertilizer dependency
- Soil compaction and declining soil structure
- Reduced crop rotation diversity
- These challenges require solutions that maintain productivity while restoring ecosystem functions.
Legume-Based Response
Agroecological Strategy
The Living Lab integrates perennial legumes into crop rotations through:
- Legume mixtures to optimize nitrogen fixation and biomass production (for feed)
- Genotype selection to optimize adaptation to temperate conditions
- Benefits for the cash crop
This approach strengthens nitrogen cycling and enhances soil structure, reducing the need for synthetic inputs.
Cropping Systems Demonstrated
Indicative rotation schemes include:
- Clover → Clover → cash crop (Union or Potato atotttPot)
- Lucerne → Lucerne → cash crop (Union or Potato the Living Lab evaluates:
- Nitrogen fixation efficiency
- Soil biodiversity indicators
- Yield stability of subsequent crops
- Weed reduction due to mowing
- Field data are collected using harmonised protocols to support agronomic, environmental, and economic assessments.
Demonstration & Co-Creation
The Dutch Living Lab functions as a collaborative innovation environment involving:
- Arable farmers transitioning to legume-inclusive rotations
- Agronomic advisors and soil experts
- Value-chain stakeholders exploring forage and feed opportunities
Demonstration of events and technical meetings enables stakeholders to assess the performance of perennial legumes under practical farming conditions.
The data generated feed into:
- Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)
- Cost–benefit analysis
- The Decision Support System (DSS)
- The Digital Legume Information Hub (DLIH)
Expected Impact
The Netherlands (WR) Living Lab contributes to:
- Reduced synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use
- Improved soil structure and organic matter levels
- Enhanced biodiversity within intensive arable systems
- By integrating perennial forage legumes into high-input systems, this Living Lab demonstrates how ecological intensification can be achieved without compromising productivity.
