A Regional Manure, Biogas and Compost Cycle in Northern Germany – Scaling a Soil Health Business Model as a Sustainability-Oriented Innovation

Abstract

Restoring soil health is a crucial challenge in agri-food systems due to the soils essential role in providing ecosystem services. This study, part of the Horizon Europe project SoilValues, explores the implementation and amplification of a soil health business model (SHBM) in Northern Germany. Such a value-based business model envisions a transition towards a more sustainable agricultural system. Using theoretical perspectives on sustainability-oriented innovation networks and amplification processes, the research identifies the barriers, enablers and incentives for SHBMs and co-creates pathways for its amplification through establishing an innovation network. Initial findings highlight shared ambitions among stakeholders, including climate-adapted production, soil carbon sequestration, humus formation and soil biodiversity conservation. Key incentives and enablers for reaching these ambitions include influencing policies, ensuring economic viability of soil preserving practices, education and establishing cooperatives and regionalized cycles. The research shall inform policies to support similar innovations across food systems and provide a blueprint for amplifying sustainability initiatives. Future work will address the further development of the innovation network and the co-creation of pathways to amplify the SHBM's impact.