The aim of this measure is to improve soil quality by addressing the three main threats, namely, low levels of organic matter, soil compaction, and soil erosion.

There are various factors that exacerbate soil erosion pressures including agricultural land fragmentation and abandonment, unsustainable agricultural practices and rapid urbanisation. Soil erosion in the Maltese Islands has been identified as a predominant land degradation process and a major threat to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Soil erosion is triggered by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors that include steep slope gradients, intense precipitation, low vegetation cover and inappropriate land use. Prolonged erosion leads to an irreversible loss of ecological and agricultural soil function and associated ecosystems services. The aspect of soil erosion that causes most concern is the loss of topsoil, the most fertile part of the soil profile.

Farmers committed to the AECC5 commitments are required to follow several obligations, including a plot area of no less than 0.112 Ha, record-keeping, analysis of soil organic matter, submitting a soil management plan, having a composting site, a non-cultivated period of 3 months, and minimum levels of 1% and 3% of organic matter respectively for cultivated and irrigated fields. AgriConnect strives to provide beneficiaries with advice to improve soil fertility.

This can only be achieved by enhancing soil structure, water retention capacity, biological activity, and air/water infiltration rates. Our dedicated team of agronomists equips farmers with a Plan for Soil management, and analysis of soil attributed to the levels of organic matter to the beneficiaries on an annual basis.

The scheme itself is for a period of 5 years, Agri Connect currently provides services related to this measure to over 1000 clients.

In its role in providing this service, AgriConnect will:

• Provide an explanation of the AECC5 requirements and obligations being implemented by the Applicant;
• Collect soil samples from the IACS registered parcels requested by the Applicant
• Gather the required information, including land use, irrigation, soil threats, and land characteristics from the plot indicated by the Applicant;
• Provide a Soil Management Plan, Fertiliser Plan every 3 years and Soil Test Results.

Fertilizer plans are the foundation for addressing nutrient requirements in crop production. Fertilizer planning is a data-driven process that follows soil analysis. Once the nutrient content of the soil is determined, a comprehensive fertilizer plan is developed. This plan is developed according to the specific nutrient requirements of the crop varieties being grown. By aligning fertilizer strategies with crop requirements, farmers can optimize yields while minimizing excess nutrient applications, contributing to sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.