Extending and Diversifying Grass Rotation in the Changing Climate of the North - PiPo
PiPo
In North Ostrobothnia, agriculture differs significantly from farming conditions in southern Finland. The region offers particularly favorable conditions for grass production, which is why livestock farming is concentrated there. Another characteristic feature of the area is the large proportion of peatlands, with peat soils accounting for up to 30 % of the agricultural land. It is anticipated that winters will change, weather extremes and winter damage to crops will increase, and pest risks will become more significant. In the grassland-dominated agricultural systems of North Ostrobothnia, this means that consideration must be given to questions such as which plant species will perform well in future conditions, whether grass rotation cycles can be extended, and how carbon sequestration will be affected by climate change. Due to its northern location and the high proportion of peat soils, concerns have been raised about recognizing regional differences as part of the region’s capacity to practice sustainable agriculture in the future.
The main objectives of the project are to:
A) conduct field-scale measurements to assess the feasibility of extending grassland rotations to five years under northern conditions;
B) investigate the effects of extended grassland rotations on yield and carbon sequestration;
C) explore and pilot the use of temperature profile measurements and their potential applications in agriculture; and
D) organize workshops, events, and study visits while actively promoting knowledge exchange among different stakeholder groups.
As a result, the project will generate new knowledge, expertise, and applications of digital technologies for agriculture. The findings will benefit livestock and crop farms throughout the region, as well as a broad range of agricultural stakeholders.
The project is being implemented from 1 June 2024 to 31 March 2027. The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) coordinates the project, and the University of Oulu is a project partner. Naturcom, Pohjolan Maito and Boreal are collaborating partners contributing also to the project’s funding. The field experiments are conducted at the Natural Resources Institute Finland’s Ruukki experimental station, while project events are organized more broadly across the North Ostrobothnia region.
