Hungary

Organic Cropping

In Hungary, Csoroszlya Farm, in collaboration with the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, will implement a range of regenerative organic practices, such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and real-time soil health monitoring, to combat drought and maintain low-input production.

The experiments will take place at the Csoroszlya Farm arable test site in Szár, covering multiple hectares with winter wheat, emmer, einkorn, barley, winter peas, and sunflower. The trial will aim to test climate-adapted, low-input organic systems that enhance soil health and water retention.

Test site

ÖMKi arable test site at Csoroszlya Farm

Location

Szár, Hungary
(47.4817°N, 18.4373°E)

Arable Crops

Winter wheat, emmer, einkorn, barley, winter peas, sunflower

Test Area

Winter wheat (5 ha),
peas (3 ha),
sunflower (3 ha)

Site Characteristics

Climate: Pannonian
Average Precipitation: 514 mm/year
Average Temperature: 12.3 °C
Soil Type: Clayey loam (rendzina, shallow productive layer)
Soil pH: 7.25
Organic Matter Content: 1.6%
Crop History: Soybean, wheat, sunflower, spelt, potato
Soil Management: Different tillage systems under organic farming; crop rotation compulsory
Inputs & Pest Management: No mineral fertilisers or synthetic pesticides/herbicides; organic fertilisation every 4 years; organic plant protection by crop type

Objectives

Planned Activities

Compare reduced tillage systems in organic production and monitor soil health with Sentek sensors.
Assess the effects of different cover cropping treatments on soil quality and fertility.
Test microbial amendments (biostimulants, composts) for their impact on soil biology.
Implement and evaluate intercropping techniques to enhance soil health and resilience.
Organise demonstrations, workshops, focus groups, and National Task Force exchanges to share knowledge and build capacity.

Innovations Being Tested

Climate-resilient tillage systems under organic conditions.
Regenerative organic practices using intercropping, cover crops, and permanent soil cover.
Microbial amendments and composts to enhance soil biology.
On-farm soil health monitoring frameworks for farmers.

Challenge

This site addresses key challenges of Hungarian organic cropping systems:

Climate Adaptation: Coping with drought and increasing climate variability.
Soil Health: Improving fertility and water retention in shallow rendzina soils.
Low-Input Sustainability: Developing resilient practices without reliance on synthetic inputs.

Value Chain & Stakeholders

Value Chain: Csoroszlya Farm produces organic flour, sold directly to consumers and bakers.
Actors Involved: Wheat breeders, seed companies, farmers, processors (Első Pesti Malom mill), artisan bakers, consumers.
Collaborators: On-farm partners across Hungary.
Engagement: Demonstration events, workshops, focus groups, and conferences.

Expected Results

Scientific evidence on the effects of reduced tillage on soil health under organic conditions.
Practical recommendations for regenerative tillage systems adapted to Hungarian climates.
Publications and guides for organic farmers on soil health practices and monitoring methods.
Demonstration of innovative organic techniques using biostimulants and intercropping.

News

First Hungarian National Task Force meeting highlights the need for climate-resilient farming June 22, 2026 The first Hungarian National Task Force (NTF) meeting of the SOILRES project took place on 10 June 2026 during the annual arable field day organised by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (ÖMKi) at Csoroszlya Farm in Szár, Hungary. The… Read more →

Gallery

UC 1:
Denmark

Conventional Cropping

Testing cover crops, perennial crops & biological amendments to improve sandy soils, nutrient cycling & resilience in conventional farming.

UC2:
Finland

Conventional and Organic Cropping

Piloting cold-adapted green manures and compost teas to enhance boreal soil health, crop resilience, and reduce nitrogen fertiliser use.

UC3:
France

Organic Cropping

Introducing wheat–prairie strip-cropping on degraded clay soils to boost biodiversity, soil structure & low-input, diversified farming.

UC4:
Hungary

Organic Cropping

Applying minimum tillage, green manures & soil monitoring to develop drought-resilient, low-input organic systems that improve soil health & water retention.

UC5:
Italy

Organic Cropping

Testing composts, biochar-coated seeds & strip tillage to enhance soil fertility, crop resilience & sustainability under organic management.

UC6:
Portugal

Conventional Cropping

Using different methods for cover cropping & biostimulants to improve nitrogen efficiency, reduce fertiliser use & maintain yields in intensive maize systems.