Soil suitability for grassland

The grassland fitness card is made by Alterra Wageningen. The suitability of land-use parcels is determined by a combination of soil properties and groundwater levels. Important soil properties include machinability, rideability, chemical soil fertility, rootability and moisture supply. In the case of high groundwater levels in spring, the soil is too wet to carry out spring work, such as fertilising, sowing and sowing. Too wet conditions slow down the crop’s spring growth and fall shortfalls in grassland. In autumn, high groundwater levels may make crop harvesting more difficult. In periods of low precipitation, the moisture stock in the soil must be sufficient to provide the plant with sufficient moisture. In the event of a deficit, growth slows down. The suitability map is based in particular on reduced yields due to moisture shortages and water nuisances.