Optimization of fertilization for the most widely cultivated field vegetables in Latvia to ensure sustainable technologies

The aim of the project: to assess the current status of nutrient supply in vegetable farms and to develop fertilization guidelines for the most widely cultivated field vegetables in Latvia (cabbage, carrots, onions, and beets) in accordance with the objectives of the European Green Deal.

Project tasks:
At the Institute of Horticulture (LatHort), in collaboration with several farms differing in soil granulometric composition, soil type, and nutrient availability (phosphorus and potassium), as well as farming practices (integrated and organic), the following tasks are planned:

• Assess the current nutrient supply (NPK) in at least 10 model farms cultivating the most widely grown vegetables in Latvia (cabbage, carrots, onions, and beets) by conducting soil analyses and calculating NPK balances over a four-year period (2021–2024); 
• Analyze the collected NPK data in relation to crop rotation, fertilizer application, farming system, and vegetable yield, to be used for the development of fertilization guidelines (2021–2025);
• Evaluate soil biological activity in different farms under varying nutrient management conditions, as well as in field trials with different crop rotations and green manure cover crops (2021–2025);
• Determine nutrient (NPK) uptake with the harvest for the most widely cultivated vegetables in Latvia (cabbage, carrots, onions, and beets) (2021–2023);
• Establish field trials at LatHort to assess the impact of different green manure and cover crops on soil NPK balance, vegetable yield, and economic efficiency (2021–2024);
• Develop optimal fertilization rates for the most widely grown vegetables, considering the expected yield and soil phosphorus and potassium availability (2025);
• Prepare scientific and popular publications to facilitate knowledge transfer (2023–2025)

All companies operating in the relevant sector have free access to the supported project's results.