Research Program:
Climate Resilient Options for Productive Soils and Crops - LIFE

About CROPS Project

The CROPS-LIFE project aims to tackle the challenges of climate change and extreme weather on agriculture. By addressing the entire soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, the project integrates advanced agrivoltaics technology with sustainable farming practices to enhance crop protection and soil health.

Key components of the project include:

- Managed Agrivoltaics Panels: These panels create a controlled microclimate, protecting crops from severe weather and improving soil ecological quality. They stabilize temperature and light exposure, fostering a more favourable environment for plant growth and soil health.

- Optimized Water Management: The project incorporates a sophisticated water management system, featuring controlled partial rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation practices. This approach reduces water waste and ensures optimal use, crucial for adapting to climate variability.

- Cover Crops and Soil Services Modelling: Integrating cover crops enhances soil structure, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity. Soil services modelling supports this by optimizing soil functions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Environmental issues

adressed by CROPS

Water saving

Soil health & Soil and landscape protection

Agriculture

Dynamic Agrivoltaics & Renewable Energies

Expected Results

CROPS-LIFE aims to significantly increase crop resilience, improve soil health, and enhance water use efficiency. By combining these elements, the project seeks to develop a robust and adaptable agricultural system capable of withstanding climate-related stresses and contributing to long-term food security while adapting and replicating the approach for Mediterranean agricultural contexts. Through practical implementation and collaboration with farmers and stakeholders, the project promotes sustainable agriculture and secures future food production.

Expected results include measurable improve-ments across water savings, water efficiency, soil characterization, nematode fauna characterization, soil health dynamics, micro-climatic regulation and crop performance, demonstrating the overall benefits of the CROPS-LIFE approach under climate stress. Different soil and climate conditions will be monitored across various agrivoltaics sites around the Mediterranean area.