International Workshop on fertilizer recommendations

Fertilization is not only influencing crop yield and financial return but also many other societal aspects as water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity. However current fertilizer recommendations are generally focused on maximizing (financial) yield for the farmer only. Besides, many recommendations were developed a few decades back. Recent knowledge and needs, for instance on site specific fertilization, is included to a limited extent in the advice. Finally, fertilizer recommendations have been developed nationally or even regionally with different methodologies and recommendations leading to different recommendations in similar situations.

International applied sciences workshop

The workshop which will be held 16-18 April 2024 in Lelystad, The Netherlands. This applied sciences workshop is aimed at developing concrete solutions to improve fertilizer recommendations, not only for arable farming but also for other crops. The workshop is focused on the following themes:

1. Current state of fertilizer recommendations in Europe and need for new recommendations
2. Options to improve fertilizer recommendations: a. Integrating organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus recommendations b. Integrating fertilizer choice in the recommendations c. Guided fertilization systems d. Fertilizer recommendations for Ca, S, Mg and micronutrients
3. Integrating fertilizer recommendations to a fertilizer plan on field and farm level

Next to oral and poster sessions there will be discussion sessions on the themes and ample of time to network. Besides, an excursion to the Farm of the Future in Lelystad is organized. A preliminary program is on the last page of this invitation. The workshop is mainly aimed at (applied) researchers in the field of fertilizer recommendation development in Northwest Europe in all crops. However, the workshop is open for researchers from other parts of the world and for staff from companies and organizations involved in fertilizer recommendations.

Pre-registration and abstract submission

You are invited to join the workshop and to present your research or activities on the topic in an oral or poster presentation. You can pre-register for the workshop and submit an abstract (max 300 words) here. Submit your abstract before 10 January 2024.

Pre-registration is without obligation to participate but ensures a reduction in the participation fee and helps us by organizing the workshop properly. Participation is on invitation only; however, you can make suggestions for participation by colleagues or others to the organization. There is a limit of 60 participants.

Practical aspects

Time and date: 16 April 12:00 – 18 April 12:00
Where: Van der Valk Hotel Lelystad and WUR Field Crops Lelystad
Costs: 290 euros with pre-registration before 10 January 2024 and 350 euros without pre-registration (excluding your travel and accommodation costs)

Provisional program

Tuesday 16 April, Van der Valk Hotel Lelystad

12:00 Registration and Lunch

13:30 Opening workshop

14:15 Session 1. Setting the Scene: current state of fertilizer recommendations in Europe and need for new recommendations (Presentations and discussion)

17:30 Drinks and buffet

Wednesday 17 April, WUR Field Crops Lelystad

9:00 Session 2. Integrating organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus recommendations and Fertilizer choice recommendations (Presentations, posters and discussion)

12:00 Lunch

13:00 Field excursion to The Farm of the Future

14:30 Session 3. Guided fertilization systems and Fertilizer recommendations for Ca, S, Mg and micronutrients (Presentations, posters and discussion)

17:30 Drinks and dinner

Thursday 18 April, Van der Valk Hotel Lelystad

9:00 Session 4. Integrating fertilizer recommendations to a fertilizer plan on field and farm level (Presentations and discussion, formulation and prioritizing recommendations)

11:40 Wrap up, follow ups and closing of workshop

12:00 Lunch