Soil and NBS handbook - Practice Abstracts Batch 1

This initial version will contain an introduction and the first batch of approx. 33 practice abstracts in the EIP - AGRI format with practical insights on how to implement the following NBS categories:Organic fertiliser from bio waste: examining the potential to produce organic fertilisers and biofertilisers by valorising waste and residues from agriculture, forestry and urban areas, with a circular economy approach in line with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork objectives to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers.Cover crops as a NBS for Soil Health, including their potential as a starting point leading to adoption of other sustainable farming practices such as intercropping, crop rotation, mixed farming, rotational grazing, shift from arable to grassland and agroforestry, and the use of cover crops in conventional to organic conversion. A model of paludiculture for peatland rewetting and restoration, including grazing by breeds adapted to wet conditions. This model of paludiculture is expected to revert the following threats: changes in water level, mineralisation of soil C stocks, changes in plant succession, natural habitats loss, inland and sea water eutrophicationManagement for age and species diversification for Forest Soils based on harvesting, thinning, and replanting methods leading to age and species diversification in both commercial tree plantations and natural secondary forests, with the aim to reduce erosion, risk of fires and landslides, and promote collaboration over the whole watershed to improve water quality and reduce flood risk in case of heavy rains. Bioremediation for Urban and industrial Soils remediating polluted soils in-situ to restore soil health and quality via the establishment of full or partial (urban) ecosystems through managed revegetation and supported soil microbial growth. Blue - green infrastructure in urban areas will examine the integration of vegetation, including urban agriculture, together with Sustainable Urban Drainage systems to reduce soil sealing and improve soil permeability, and water cycle management and prevent disasters, notably floods, in urban and periurban areas.