The starting point and the issue at hand
Climate change, with its consequences such as droughts, heavy rainfall events, hail, and erosion, is causing significant losses in agriculture, the loss of fertile soil, and increasing resource consumption. Local heavy rainfall events and prolonged dry periods are becoming more frequent. To cope with these new conditions, agriculture must adapt to ensure food security and the preservation of numerous ecosystem services. In particular, the disrupted water balance needs to be improved through holistic approaches.
Aim of this project
The goal of this LEADER project, running from January 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, was to develop a climate change-adapted management approach on eight agricultural plots in Eastern Styria through a professionally supported planning process and implementing it as a model. The aim was to create representative demonstration and research areas in the region for training and excursions. The main objectives were to improve the water balance, enhance climate resilience, and improve soil fertility. To achieve this, active soil humus-building measures, as well as approaches to agroforestry and water management using Key-line Design, were to be implemented.
The project was funded by the federal government, the state, and the EU, with support from the project partner LEADER Büro Zeitkultur Oststeirisches Kernland.
The 3 Pillars of the Project
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Training and Planning: In a professionally guided, interactive planning process with experts from both national and international backgrounds, the possibilities for redesigning agricultural practices (agroforestry systems, Key-Line Design, composting, integrated grazing management) were developed collaboratively.
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Implementation: The design, specifically adapted to the local conditions, was implemented as a model by the farmers. This included, for example, reducing erosion by planting agroforestry strips and creating infiltration trenches or decentralized water retention basins to improve the water balance and raise the groundwater level.
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Scientific Support and Documentation: The key parameters for future comparison were collected (soil analysis, infiltration capacity), and the project's contents were made accessible to the public through a short video on www.humusplus.at.
