Pilot Studies

Robinia pseudoacacia, commonly known as Black Locust, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree species widely utilized in European agroforestry ecosystems. Known for its ability to fix nitrogen, this tree contributes to soil fertility improvement, erosion control, and land reclamation, particularly in degraded areas. However, its invasive nature and allelopathic properties can reduce biodiversity in ecosystems where it establishes itself.

Legumes are an important component of animal feed. Our industry partner Cooprado is importing protein crops, in particular soybean, from overseas to produce their animal feed products for different species of livestock. In this pilot study, we aim to produce local protein crops suitable for the production of animal feed for different species of livestock. Production will focus on intercropping and organic production to maximise sustainability of the product.  

Coordinated by Agri Kulti, this pilot study takes place at Pallagvölgyi Biokert, a biointensive horticulture farm in Kóspallag, Hungary. The farm operates a CSA system, delivering seasonal vegetables to customers. The study focuses on the use of legumes, particularly Faba beans, for winter cover and weed suppression in organic horticulture, aligning with the project’s objectives to assess legume benefits in cropping systems and ecosystem services (ES).

The Legumes Living Lab Hungary, led by Agri Kulti, includes 17 farmers, research partners, restaurants, seed retailers, consumer associations, and public entities. This pilot study aims to assess the short value chain of legumes in Hungary, from seed to fork, focusing on the drivers and obstacles to legume uptake. Despite low legume consumption in Hungary compared to Europe, emerging trends make this an ideal time to evaluate the value chains and ecosystem services (ESs) provided by legumes, particularly cultural and economic ESs.

Legumes, such as peas, lentils, faba beans, and soybeans, are crucial for sustainable agriculture, especially in mitigating climate change. As nitrogen-fixing crops, they reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In Germany, legumes have gained significant environmental and economic importance, with cultivation increasing from 187,100 hectares in 2010 to 285,000 hectares in 2024 (Statistisches Bundesamt, 2024).

Sustainable agriculture is key to reducing environmental impacts while maintaining long-term productivity. Eco-design integrates environmental considerations into agricultural systems to enhance sustainability. Legume cultivation, known for nitrogen fixation and improving soil fertility, offers a unique opportunity to apply eco-design principles (Gaba et al., 2018).

Achieving sustainable agriculture requires field experiments to understand complex agroecological processes and inform policies that integrate into farmer decision-making. Participatory research, involving both farmers and scientists, is critical for co-designing solutions to challenges in farming systems (Busse et al., 2023).

Grain legume production in Europe holds significant potential to increase protein security and improve sustainable crop production. Despite this, less than 2% of European arable land is devoted to legumes, and the demand for domestic protein-rich feed and gluten-free products remains unmet. Traditional grain legumes such as peas, field beans, and lupins, as well as non-traditional ones like soybeans, grass peas, and chickpeas, are actively encouraged in many European countries. However, the yield potential of these species is currently low, and their resilience to drought is largely unknown.

Soybean cultivation is expanding in Central Europe, with regions such as Northern Germany becoming new frontiers due to rising temperatures and growing interest in protein security and cropping system diversification. Despite promising initial results, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding the long-term impacts of key management practices such as soil tillage, irrigation, and rotation schemes on soybean performance and ecosystem services (ES) like biological nitrogen fixation (BNF).

Legumes are increasingly acknowledged as key crops for sustainable agriculture due to their multiple ecosystem service (ES) benefits, including biological nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, and biodiversity enhancement. These functions position legumes as strategic crops to address global challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food security.