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. 

In connection with Baltic Sea Day 2024, our foundation, in collaboration with partners, had the honor of hosting HRH Crown Princess Victoria for a field visit at Sättra Gård, as part of the newly launched #GYPREG project (2023-2026).

Firstly RFTB would like to welcome Elsa Bertils who is the new business manager for the GYPREG project! Elsa has extensive experience from innovation and strategic sustainability work. In her previous role Elsa was Sustainability Manager at one of the largest soil producers in Sweden. In Q2, RFTB organised a stakeholder webinar for awareness raising and participated at the project partner meeting in Krakow. The theme was tackling agricultural phosphorus load by soil amendments. Field tests will begin in Sweden in August to evaluate gypsum's effectiveness.

The main purpose of the GYPREG project is to increase the uptake of gypsum treatment in agricultural fields and promote the adoption of good practices to reduce phosphorus losses into the Baltic Sea. Together with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), RFTB performed a GIS-analysis (Geographic Information System) of agricultural areas in Sweden draining to the Baltic Sea and suitable for gypsum amendment. The study showed that there are 229 645 hectares of suitable land in Sweden draining to the Baltic Sea, where gypsum treatment can be applied.