grondhuishouding

Grondhuishouding refers to the management of soil resources in agriculture and land use. It concerns the soil’s physical and chemical properties, fertility, structure, and moisture regime, and the set of practices intended to maintain and improve long‑term productivity and environmental quality. Good grondhuishouding integrates cultivation methods, nutrient management, drainage, and erosion control to sustain yields and soil health.

Historically, Dutch agriculture has emphasised soil quality due to groundwater management, peatlands, and transportable soils. Changes in land use, drainage, and fertilization have continually shaped grondhuishouding, moving from traditional field systems toward more precise and sustainable practices that safeguard soil organic matter and reduce nutrient loss.

Key components include soil fertility management (nutrient inputs such as manure, compost, and mineral fertilizers), soil structure and organic matter, soil moisture and drainage, and protection against erosion. It also encompasses soil testing, liming and pH control, and land-use planning to prevent compaction and overexploitation. Effective grondhuishouding seeks a balance between productive crops and the preservation of soil resources for future seasons.

Practices commonly used to support grondhuishouding include crop rotation, cover crops and green manures, conservation tillage or reduced tillage, proper residue management, and controlled drainage where appropriate. In peatlands and low-lying areas, drainage and water management are critical to prevent both waterlogging and subsidence.

Goals focus on sustaining yield potential, maintaining soil organic matter, minimizing nutrient leaching, and adapting to climate change. Policy frameworks and guidelines at national and European levels influence targets and monitoring of soil health as part of grondhuishouding.