The revolution in holistic and collaborative soil management
MACC - SOIL an innovative initiative
The MACC-SOIL initiative is an important step towards sustainable soil management in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in the Region of Crete where agricultural land covers 2,755,000 hectares, while at the same time there are significant environmental challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and pollution. This initiative therefore promotes environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.
MACC-SOIL aims to maintain and improve soil quality by monitoring and promoting soil health and resilience. Through the application of innovative holistic management practices, this initiative contributes to preserving soil fertility and addressing the challenges that various activities around the soil, such as agriculture, face due to environmental changes.
By fostering collaboration between research organisations, businesses and farmers, policy makers and society, MACC-SOIL promotes the development of sustainable and resilient practices to improve soil and support related activities such as agriculture, an issue essential for the long-term preservation of the environment and the economic sustainability of rural communities.
MACC-SOIL, Holistic Approach to Precision Agriculture
The holistic approach includes the use of expertise in the fields of agronomy, environment, materials science, chemistry/physics, informatics, marketing, economics and other scientific fields. Through its Quadruple Helix model of collaboration involving stakeholders from universities, businesses, local government and society itself, Living Labs – MACC Soil, acts as a catalyst that activates a series of initiatives.
1. Universities
2. Business
3. Local Government
4. Society
As an example, starting from simple to specialized extensive assessments of soil quality and parameters, continuing with the development of predictive models and ending with policy support and technology application in primary sector activities such as Precision Agriculture and Organic Agriculture, the Living Lab organizes a range of activities with substantial social impact, emphasis on community awareness and hosting training programmes.
In this context, through strategic planning, the Living Lab, managed by MACC, carries out soil assessments across Crete, predictive analyses of soil degradation trends and collaborates with local farmers to pilot advanced management technologies. In addition, it promotes research and development partnerships with local universities, raises public awareness and actively seeks funding to support its initiatives.
More information about the Living Labs (ENoLL) network and organisation can be found here: https://www.enoll.org