Gypsum field trials and royal visit
In GYPREG, gypsum amendment is evaluated as an alternative to structural liming for tackling agricultural phosphorus load. Since beginning of September, the Swedish field trials with gypsum amendment are up and running. The field trials are an important part of the project and in Sweden the trials include a comparison between gypsum treatment and liming. As a great introduction to the trials, we were honoured with a royal visit during a demonstration at Sättra gård. Additionally, we are increasing the dialogue with stakeholders in both Sweden and Poland.
HRH Crown Princess Victoria visited GYPREG event at Sättra gård
The Crown Princess observing the difference with soil amendment. © Pelle T Nilsson, SPA
In connection with Baltic Sea Day 2024, we had the honour of hosting HRH Crown Princess Victoria for a field visit at Sättra Gård. During the visit, the Crown Princess observed a live demonstration of gypsum applications, which showcased both manual and equipment-based methods of gypsum spreading. The field visit was hosted by farmer Mats Eriksson and representatives from the Research Institutes of Sweden, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Hushållningssällskapet, and Agraria Ord & Jord were present to share their expertise on the subject.
Field trials up and running
Piloting gypsum treatment on field scale will take place in all five partner countries (Sweden, Finland, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania) to ensure results applicable with local context. RFTB are conducting the field trials in Sweden with help from Hushållningssällskapet and SLU and they are located at selected fields in Västerås, Norrköping and Gamleby (Västervik). During the first two weeks of September, the trials started by spreading three different soil amendments in separate parts of the fields: gypsum, ground limestone and structural lime. This to give a comparison with known Swedish soil amendments. In next spring, barley will be sowed on the fields and preliminary results of the trial will be seen in late summer 2025.
Important dialogue with stakeholders
Involving stakeholders is a key factor in the project, to get help to address the essential questions and get possibilities to spread knowledge on the effects on nutrient leakage of gypsum treatment. Several meetings have been held during September, with actors representing both farmers, advisories, municipalities and other authorities. This dialogue will continue to increase as the project develops.
Involvement in project activities in Poland
To prepare for our increased engagement in Polish activities later on in the project we are following the activities in Poland closely. The latest months, the Polish project partners have been conducting lab tests and preparing for field trials. Parallel to this, the stakeholder dialogue has accelerated by attendance at agricultural fairs and conferences and conducting surveys to farmers and advisories.