Sustainable Tillage and Nutrient Management: Balancing Soil Health with Yield Stability and minimising emmision

Our Community of Practice (CoP) is guided by four SMART objectives over the 2026–2028 period. First, it will develop a localized “Sustainable Technology and Input Catalogue” by identifying and evaluating three cultivation technologies, such as no-till or reduced tillage, and two low-cost organic inputs like vinasse, by December 2026. Second, it will create a “Financial Transition Guide” through expert-led training, mapping available subsidies and modelling economic trade-offs between input savings and potential yield risks for at least two technologies. Third, we will test atleast one advisory tool or communication method, such as the TubuIn approach, during farm visits and contribute to an “Advisory Practice Report” in the media form or in the form of a report focused on overcoming farmer hesitancy and building trust by February 2027. Finally, a rotating host system, taking turns between the advisors , will be implemented across eight CoP meetings to ensure efficient delivery and completion of CSA-CAT capacity assessments by April 2028.

Capacity building within the CoP will be achieved by fostering a shift from knowledge transfer to knowledge exchange, creating a safe space for peer learning and innovation. This will include practical validation of climate-smart tools from the EU repository at farm level, structured peer learning across eight meetings, two specialised training sessions drawing on EU thematic networks, and continuous assessment using the CSA-CAT tool to monitor and adapt capacity development.

The overarching intent of this CoP is to establish a trust-based professional community that translates complex climate research into practical and profitable transition pathways for Hungarian farmers. By providing localized technical catalogues and financial guidance, it aims to reduce perceived financial risks and support a gradual, step-by-step transition toward climate-smart agricultural practices.