The specialization and intensification of plant, animal, and forestry production systems have contributed to climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Integrated, circular systems offer numerous opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production systems. They are recommended to improve resource-use efficiency in a sustainable way. Therefore, promoting circularity helps minimize agriculture's ecological footprint. At the start of the project, a clear understanding of the potential synergies and trade-offs is necessary. We will develop a matrix of (existing) indicators for effectively quantifying the degree of circularity across various case studies of integrated systems in four European countries (Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) and three South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay). In the case studies, contrasting scenarios of carbon, nutrient, water, and biomass flows will be simulated using process-based models such as Manure-DNDC. This analysis will provide farm-level predictions to help redesign systems towards more complete circularity within integrated agriculture, livestock, and forestry systems. We will compare these circularity scenarios based on their potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change will be assessed using a probabilistic risk analysis approach. At the farm level, we will examine the side effects of these systems on other societal goals using multi-dimensional sustainability assessment tools. SENSE will demonstrate an innovative solution for improved land management systems, building knowledge through sensor integration and HPC-supported data analysis to meet farmers' information needs and achieve net-zero GHG emissions. We will test a novel digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system developed by the James Hutton Institute and its application in quantifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We will compare and discuss our case studies with participating farmers at various levels of detail to draw general insights for improving the circular economy at the farm level. Our planned project will contribute to the European "Farm to Fork" strategy and the overarching measures of the European Circular Economy Action Plan. Circularity is considered essential for climate neutrality but may have potentially negative impacts on other major societal challenges. Therefore, we will provide a guide for informed decision-making on circularity practices at the farm level, taking into account trade-offs with other sustainability goals. These findings will be communicated to policymakers in the form of short reports, helping to create a supportive environment that effectively assists farmers in improving circularity in their agricultural systems. The use of information from individual farms and the involvement of farmers at various stages and levels throughout the project are key to its success.
Further information about the project can be found on the English-language research project website, SENSE.
