MEET THE CHALLENGES WE FACE TOGETHER

"Challenges of agriculture in Masuria: a shared path to resilience"

Adaptation of agriculture to climate change

Agriculture in Masuria is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the effects of changing climatic conditions. Irregular rainfall, droughts, and temperature fluctuations pose serious challenges to crop yields and soil health. In the face of rising fertilizer costs and dependence on mineral fertilization, maintaining the efficiency and quality of crops is becoming more difficult. At the same time, there is an urgent need to reduce production costs while ensuring food security.

Farmers often approach changes in their cultivation and animal husbandry methods cautiously. Therefore, it is crucial to engage farmers in the process of creating and testing innovations that can help adapt agriculture in the region to changing climatic conditions through collaboratively planned experiments and regular consultations. Transparently presenting test results will help build trust and increase interest in alternative agronomic methods.

Through joint action, we can develop practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to local conditions that will allow Masurian agriculture to better cope with the effects of climate change and secure future harvests.

Protection of biological diversity

Mazurian agriculture, primarily based on traditional methods of cultivation and animal husbandry, faces challenges in preserving biodiversity. Although ecological and low-input systems are gaining importance, their share in the region remains small. To combine agricultural efficiency with environmental protection, the widespread adoption of biodiversity-friendly practices, such as mixed crops near Natura 2000 areas, is needed. Such approaches can help balance agricultural production with the needs of Mazurian ecosystems.

Introducing agricultural practices that support biodiversity could improve soil health and its resilience to changes, but it may involve additional costs for farmers and a potential decrease in yields. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to be involved in the co-creation and testing of new practices. Through joint efforts, we can not only support biodiversity but also demonstrate that sustainable agriculture can be beneficial for both the environment and farmers, aligning their needs with the long-term protection of Mazurian ecosystems.

Stable sources of feed for animals

Animal production in Masuria requires reliable and climate-resilient feed sources. The dominance of corn in the regional feed market increases the sensitivity of farming to droughts and other extreme weather conditions. To strengthen the resilience of farming and ensure stable feed supplies, it is necessary to diversify crops and explore alternative drought-resistant plants. Such an approach can not only enhance the stability of animal production, particularly milk production, but also reduce dependence on commercial feeds by introducing locally available and diverse feed sources.

In Poland, little is still known about the potential of alternative feed sources, such as fodder trees like mulberry, as components of animal diets. There is a lack of data on their biomass yield, nutritional quality, and their impact on the quantity and quality of milk, especially under the climatic conditions of Masuria. On the other hand, farmers in Masuria often are unfamiliar with agroforestry concepts, including feed strategies inspired by the use of biomass from trees, and may be reluctant to adopt it without clear evidence of benefits. Considering farmers' perspectives on practical challenges, such as labor input or initial costs, will help tailor strategies to the realities of local farms.

By introducing diverse and climate-resilient feed sources, it is possible to strengthen the stability of milk production in Masuria while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of farming and increasing its sustainability.

Water security in agriculture

Agriculture in Masuria is heavily dependent on precipitation, and the limited irrigation infrastructure makes farmers particularly vulnerable to the effects of drought and irregular rainfall. In the face of these challenges, it is crucial to implement adaptive practices that will enhance crop resilience to water shortages and allow for stable yields under changing climatic conditions.

We still know little about the effectiveness of various methods to improve plant resistance to water shortages in the specific conditions of Masuria. There is a lack of detailed data regarding their impact on yields, soil moisture retention, and overall crop quality. This lack of knowledge hinders the implementation of data-driven adaptive practices and the formulation of effective recommendations for agricultural policy.

The introduction of innovative adaptive practices may be perceived by farmers as risky, especially if the benefits are not immediately apparent. To build trust, it is essential to engage farmers in field trials, provide transparent demonstrations of results, and ensure ongoing support and education. Collaborative efforts will not only improve the resilience of agriculture in Masuria to changing climatic conditions but also strengthen the region's water security, laying the groundwork for sustainable agricultural development in the future.

How do we respond to these challenges?

At the Living Lab EcoReadyMasuria, we take concrete actions to support Mazurian agriculture in adapting to climate change. Discover our solutions and ways of working with farmers, scientists, and local communities.