MIFASOLS

Supporting farmers in sustainable soil management in the mediterranean region

The "MIFASOLS" project aims to improve sustainable soil management in south-east France, focusing on vegetable and fruit farmers. As the region has predominantly calcareous soils, which often contain little organic matter, are susceptible to erosion and suffer from extreme temperatures and drought, there is a great need for regionally adapted recommendations for soil management. "MIFASOLS" aims to develop practical recommendations and tools to support farmers in converting their cultivation methods to sustainable soil management.

The aim of this preliminary study is to establish and consolidate a multidisciplinary network of advisors, researchers, experts and farmers to expand knowledge about regional soils and develop relevant indicators for soil function. Workshops will be jointly organised to identify the most important challenges and objectives based on the needs of the stakeholders involved. Based on this, an application-oriented research programme will be developed. With the help of selected practical indicators, regional comparative values will be created to support farmers in improving their decisions and strategies for sustainable soil management.

By focusing on the dynamics of inorganic (SIC) and organic (SOC) carbon and SIC-SOC interactions, "MIFASOLS" aims to build a research and action project that will provide farmers in south-east France with concrete resources and practical tools to support the adoption of sustainable practices. The project will thus help to strengthen the resilience of soils to climate change in a sentinel area of France and promote efficient management of agricultural resources.

Thematic areas

Biodiversity

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Not targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Partially targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Not targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Not targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Not targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Partially targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Not targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Not targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Not targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Partially targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Partially targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Not targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Not targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Not targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Not targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Not targeted
  • 4. International
    Not targeted

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