A new CORDIS Results in Brief article showcases how NUTRI-CHECK NET brought farmers, advisers and researchers together to test practical tools to support more precise, evidence-based crop nutrition decisions across Europe.
The results and achievements of NUTRI-CHECK NET have been highlighted by the European Commission’s CORDIS platform in a dedicated Results in Brief article entitled Farm-tested tools help farmers cut fertiliser guesswork. The publication presents how the project worked directly with farmers and agricultural advisers to assess which crop nutrition tools can provide meaningful support for real-life decisions in the field.
Across nine European countries, farmers tested a broad range of tools and approaches, including soil analysis, leaf and grain testing, satellite imagery, decision-support software and national fertiliser recommendation systems. This practical testing process helped the project understand not only the technical potential of each tool, but also its suitability for farmers’ day-to-day activities and decision-making.
Read the CORDIS publications
- Read “Farm-tested tools help farmers cut fertiliser guesswork”
- Explore the CORDIS Results Pack on nutrient-rich fertilisers
The publication of these results supports NUTRI-CHECK NET’s commitment to keeping its knowledge, tools and publicly available outputs accessible through the project website and complementary European knowledge platforms. The project’s communication approach foresees the continued maintenance of its website and the dissemination of results through digital channels, partner networks and EU-FarmBook.
From measuring to better management
At the heart of NUTRI-CHECK NET’s work was the“measure-to-manage” approach, which encourages farmers to use reliable information throughout the crop nutrition cycle: first to plan, then to check and adjust during the growing season, and finally to review results after harvest.
Crop history, soil texture, expected yield and previous nutrient inputs can help establish an initial nutrient plan. Soil and manure analyses can then improve that plan, while tools such as satellite imagery and leaf analysis can provide additional information during the growing season. Following harvest, yield data, grain analysis and nutrient balance calculations can support the review of the strategy and inform future decisions.
Through its network of Crop Nutrition Clubs, NUTRI-CHECK NET created opportunities for farmers, advisers and researchers to exchange experiences and evaluate these tools under farm conditions. The CORDIS article notes that the tools most trusted by farmers tended to be those that were familiar, clear and supported by useful evidence. Soil analysis emerged as the highest-performing tool category when considering factors such as trust, user-friendliness, cost and perceived benefits.
Practical knowledge for European farmers and advisers
Rather than promoting one solution for every farm, NUTRI-CHECK NET recognised the diversity of European agricultural systems, crops and national contexts. The project therefore focused on identifying relevant categories of tools and developing practical guidance that could be adapted to different conditions.
This work resulted in 21 holistic best practices designed to support farmers across Europe. These practices connect crop nutrition decisions with tools that can assist with planning, in-season checking and post-harvest review. The project also developed an online platform where users can search, filter and compare available crop nutrition tools and services. Project outputs are intended to remain accessible through EU-FarmBook, helping to extend their visibility and use beyond the project’s lifetime.
Part of a wider European transition
NUTRI-CHECK NET is also featured in the CORDIS Results Pack Nutrient-rich fertilisers from organic waste and renewable biomass, alongside other EU-funded research and innovation projects working on bio-based fertilisers, nutrient recovery and sustainable nutrient management.
The Results Pack highlights the role of research and innovation in making fertilisers more available and affordable, improving nutrient recycling and reducing Europe’s dependence on imported mineral and fossil-based fertilisers. Within this wider landscape, NUTRI-CHECK NET contributes a distinctive farmer- and adviser-centred perspective by examining which crop nutrition tools can genuinely support field-level decisions.
The two CORDIS publications reinforce the relevance of practical, evidence-based nutrient management and the importance of transforming research results into knowledge that farmers and advisers can apply in their daily work.
