Agroecological practices for sustainable dairy farming

The overall objective of the project is to raise awareness of agroecological dairy production as a viable production strategy in Finland. This approach reduces the use of non-renewable natural resources while taking into account both the environmental performance and economic viability of agricultural production. Agroecological dairy production does not, as such, involve strict rules or mandatory requirements. Instead, it combines the most effective elements of conventional and organic production. Achieving these objectives requires new expertise, practical knowledge and a change in attitudes.

Within the broader agroecological framework, the project focuses specifically on reducing nitrogen fertiliser use. The objective is to reduce the use of purchased nitrogen fertilisers by 25% from the 2025 level over a ten-year period. At the same time, the aim is to halve fertiliser-related nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. These objectives will be pursued by substantially increasing biological nitrogen fixation, improving production practices and reducing feed losses. Although the project itself will not run for ten years, AgroMaito will launch the initiative and help set the transition in motion.

The project’s specific measures include:

1. Developing new cultivation strategies for clover-based forage to extend the productive lifespan of leys to four harvest years;

2. Addressing the nutritional challenges associated with clover-based diets for dairy cows;

3. Improving the preservation and ensiling of clover-rich forages;

4. Evaluating urea fertilisation as an alternative to ammonium-based nitrogen fertilisers

5. Introducing previously underutilised, drought-tolerant forage species.