Climate-smart and sustainable field cropping systems

About this expertise

In short
  • Design of climate-smart and sustainable cropping systems
  • Soil and water management for resilient production
  • Modelling, data analysis and climate scenarios
  • Biodiversity and integrated pest management
  • Co-creation with businesses, farmers and policymakers
Get in touch with us

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.

Our researchers design cropping systems that are better able to withstand drought, heat and salinisation, while maintaining healthy soils, biodiversity and efficient use of water and nutrients. We combine knowledge of crops, soils and cultivation techniques with data, models and field research to explore how farming systems can adapt to changing conditions without compromising productivity or natural resilience.

This integrated approach connects science and practice, focusing on practical strategies for resilient production. Examples include crop varieties with stronger root systems, smart water and drainage solutions, and crop rotations that spread risks. Integrated methods such as Integrated Crop Management (ICM) also play a key role. Together with farmers, businesses and public authorities, we develop innovative cultivation strategies that contribute to climate-smart and sustainable agriculture – in the Netherlands and worldwide.

Get inspired (3)

Get inspired
agricultural field next to water
Longread

How to ensure your farming business keeps pace with a changing climate

You don't have to work in agriculture to notice climate change. Whereas 20 years ago a farmer could rely on his common sense, things are different today. Other measures are needed. And that varies from area to area. Take a look at salty Zeeland, level-controlled Peel, desiccating Veenkoloniën and compacting Flevoland.

Testimonial

Working from the bigger picture towards sustainable arable farming

Developing solutions for healthy and sustainable crop production.

Testimonial

Asian parasitoid wasp helps fruit growers combat the spotted-wing drosophila

Wageningen researchers have released Asian parasitoid wasps as a

Related products, services and facilities (7)

Products, services and facilities
Researcher in greenhouse
Facility

Unifarm – Research facility for plant science

Unifarm provides companies with access to advanced facilities for high-quality plant and crop research. From large-scale field trials and controlled greenhouse experiments to studies with specific plant material, including quarantine organisms – we create the right research environment with professional support. Our experts are client-focused and combine a hands-on approach with technical expertise to ensure professional execution of experiments.

Facility

Trial site Lelystad

Trial site Lelystad is WUR’s largest experimental site, located on young marine clay. With 700 hectares of trial-ready fields, we have the capacity to set up everything from small-scale to very large and complex field experiments. These can be combined with laboratory analyses and high-quality storage facilities.

Facility

Trial site Marwijksoord

On the sandy soils of Drenthe in Marwijksoord lies the Kooijenburg experimental farm. This research and demonstration site for arable and forage crops is the only WUR trial location on northern sandy soils in the Netherlands, with a historic nutrient deficiency field. On 60 hectares of sandy soil, we conduct practical research in cooperation with farmers and chain partners.

Facility

Trial site Valthermond

Trial site Valthermond is the only Wageningen University & Research trial location on peat-colonial sandy loam. This makes the site uniquely suited for practice-oriented research into soil quality, cropping systems, biodiversity and new technologies. Collaboration with farmers, chain partners and governments is central.

Facility

Trial site Vredepeel

Vredepeel, located in Venray, is the trial site for the sandy soils of the southeastern Netherlands. We conduct practical field trials on crops and cropping systems, focusing on soil quality, resilient cultivation, fertilisation, water and erosion. Together with Trial Site Wijnandsrade, we also carry out field research on loess soils in South Limburg.

Facility

Trial site Westmaas

The Westmaas field crops trial site, situated in the Hoeksche Waard region of South Holland, specialises in research on potatoes, cereals and sugar beet. The soils are predominantly heavy silt loam to light clay. In addition to field trials, the location offers extensive facilities for potato storage research. With its excellent infrastructure, Westmaas enables integrated chain research from field to product quality.

Facility

Fruit Research Centre - Applied research on nursery stock and fruit in Randwijk

Wageningen University & Research conducts applied research on nursery stock and fruit. At the Fruit Research Centre (FRC) Randwijk – of which WUR is one of the partners – we test varieties, sustainable cultivation systems, and innovations such as precision techniques, robotics, and new storage methods for apples, pears, stone fruit and soft fruit.

Get in touch with our expert

Contact

Do you have a question or would you like to collaborate? Contact our expert.

ir. JTW (John) Verhoeven

Expert climate-smart and sustainable field cropping systems