Grassland covers 34% of the EU's agricultural area. It provides fodder for food production and delivers important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water purification and erosion control. Intensification, changes in land use, abandonment of farming, soil degradation and climate change are threatening these services.
The "GrassWise" project is developing a scientific foundation and practical tools to enhance the diverse functions of grassland. The project harmonises data from networks of partner farms, Earth observation and existing datasets across nine European pedoclimatic zones. In collaboration with farmers, advisers, researchers and other stakeholders, decision-making tools are being developed for both the farm and landscape levels. These support the assessment of grassland services and the implementation of economically viable, low-emission management practices.
The aim is to improve productivity, forage quality, nutrient use efficiency, biodiversity, soil stability and water retention. At the same time, GrassWise provides a scientific basis for the further development of agricultural policy support instruments and for sustainable, climate-adapted grassland management in Europe.
Project partner
