The first living labs
Mixed cropping systems bring with them a promise: more sustainable arable farming. Finding out whether that promise is actually true is an important aspect of CropMix.
Read MoreArable farmers, researchers and chain partners are joining forces to achieve a breakthrough in the transition to sustainable arable farming in the five-year research programme CropMix. The focus is on increasing crop diversity, in particular through strip cropping. By doing so, we want to bring ecology and arable farming together and drive the societal transition to a more sustainable, ecology-based agricultural system.
A common question from arable farmers considering strip cropping or other forms of intercropping is: which crops go well together? To find out, we enlisted the help of both experienced and inexperienced vegetable gardeners for the third season in a row to test various combinations in our MoestuinMix experiment. Interest is high: we’ve received over 2,350 sign-ups this year! Want to join in? Go to the sign up page or read the results of 2024 and 2025.
Read the latest news and updates on CropMix and our findings.
Mixed cropping systems bring with them a promise: more sustainable arable farming. Finding out whether that promise is actually true is an important aspect of CropMix.
Read MoreCropMix is all about crop diversity and returning natural processes to the field. This affects logistics on the farm...
Read MoreOn the 5th of March, almost exactly one year after our kick off, our researchers came together for the annual research meeting. The programme was all about joint goals...
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This work package focuses on above-ground and below-ground interactions. We look at the interactions between plants, crops, insects and other species living in the field and the differences between strip cropping and monocultures.

This work package looks at the economic feasibility of investments for farmers to switch to more crop-diverse systems, such as strip cropping, and what factors influence their willingness to adopt ecology based types of farming.
A living lab is a testing ground. This can be a physical place, a network or a collaboration. Led by researchers from HAS Green Academy, we design living labs within CropMix in which various consortium partners work together to solve specific practical problems. Read more about the topics we are working on.
