Climate-resilient, biodiverse and sustainable agriculture
Agriculture faces fundamental choices. Climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and issues of water scarcity and flooding all call for an integrated, area-specific approach. Together with partners, Wageningen University & Research develops robust and future-proof production systems for open-field cultivation — systems that align with local conditions and balance productivity, ecology and climate resilience.
To ensure the continued sustainable, resilient and productive cultivation of crops for food, feed and biobased materials, agriculture needs a fundamental transition. This means moving beyond one-off solutions towards systemic innovations that shape the farming of tomorrow: from soil to crop, and from water, input and nutrient management to biodiversity enhancement.
WUR researchers design integrated field cropping systems that are climate-smart, biodiverse and sustainable, tailored to regional conditions and contributing to a healthy, liveable environment. Examples include sustainable value chains, resilient crop rotations that withstand drought, heat, salinisation and flooding, regenerative practices that reduce emissions and restore soil health, and irrigation strategies that save water without reducing yields.
Our approach combines agroecological and social-scientific expertise, data and hands-on experience. In doing so, we develop broadly supported, practical solutions for companies, governments and civil-society organisations working to renew the agricultural sector.
Discover our expertises
Expertises
Climate-smart and sustainable field cropping systems
Climate change and new sustainability goals call for a different approach to farming. Wageningen University & Research develops climate-smart and sustainable cropping systems that enhance the resilience of arable, horticultural and fruit production. Through systems analysis, future scenarios and practice-oriented innovations, we support farmers and policymakers in the transition towards climate-resilient agriculture.
Climate-smart and sustainable field cropping systems
Climate change and new sustainability goals call for a different approach to farming. Wageningen University & Research develops climate-smart and sustainable cropping systems that enhance the resilience of arable, horticultural and fruit production. Through systems analysis, future scenarios and practice-oriented innovations, we support farmers and policymakers in the transition towards climate-resilient agriculture.
Soil health & nutrition optimisation
Healthy soils are the foundation of future-proof crop production. We study how soil structure, fertilisation and soil life can be brought into balance and translate this into practical solutions – from precision fertilisation and sensor technology to integrated soil quality planning. Our research supports farmers, policymakers and other partners in reducing costs and minimising environmental impact.
Regenerative agriculture
Regenerative agriculture works with nature to restore soils and ecosystems - securing the long-term production of food, feed and fibre. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) develops knowledge and innovations together with farmers, agribusinesses, governments and partners across the value chain to bring regenerative solutions into practice.
Water-smart agriculture and irrigation efficiency
Due to climate change and changing land use, sufficient clean water for agriculture can no longer be taken for granted. WUR researches irrigation, drainage and water storage, using models and monitoring to visualise effects. In doing so, we help farmers and growers improve their operations and provide policymakers with reliable knowledge for sustainable water management.
Related products and services
Related facilities
Get inspired
Why partner with WUR?
We offer:
- Systems thinking as the foundation for innovative crop production
- Scientifically grounded, exploratory and practice-oriented approach
- Leading expertise in agroecology and regenerative research — connecting ecology and technology
- Strong network of research institutes, farmers, companies and policymakers at regional, national and international levels
- Innovative facilities and long-term field trials
Contact us
Get in touch with us for collaboration or expert advice.
Explore related focus areas
Future-proof greenhouse horticulture
Circular, fossil-free and emission-free cultivation concepts that enable sustainable innovation in greenhouse production — without compromising on yield or quality.
Future-proof greenhouse horticulture
Circular, fossil-free and emission-free cultivation concepts that enable sustainable innovation in greenhouse production — without compromising on yield or quality.
Plant breeding and biotechnology
Advanced breeding technologies that accelerate genetic innovation for high-yielding, nutritious and naturally resilient plant varieties.
Plant and crop health
Sustainable crop protection strategies that reduce chemical use through smart diagnostics, resilient varieties and biological solutions.
AI, robotics and smart cultivation technologies
Knowledge and technology that unlock the potential of plants to produce nutritional ingredients, bioactive compounds and renewable feedstocks for sustainable materials.
Plant-based compounds for a circular bioeconomy
Companies and policymakers are seeking sustainable alternatives to production processes based on fossil resources. With its broad expertise in plant science, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) enables the use of plants for this purpose — from breeding and cultivation optimisation to valorising crop residues and designing sustainable biotechnological production and valorisation processes in and from plants.
Follow all plant research from Wageningen University & Research
Stay up-to-date on our research through LinkedIn