Soil Revitalization with Microbiological Preparations in Organic Apple Production is an innovative Operational Group project implemented in Croatia and funded under the CAP Strategic Plans 2023–2027. The project is carried out from 2025 to 2028 and focuses on improving soil health, productivity, and sustainability in organic apple orchards through the application of microbiological preparations.
The initiative addresses one of the key challenges in organic fruit production: maintaining long-term soil fertility while ensuring stable yields and high fruit quality under increasing environmental and market pressures.
Project Objectives
The main objective of the project is to enhance yield and quality in organic apple production by revitalizing soil using selected microbiological preparations. By stimulating soil biological activity and improving nutrient availability, the project aims to strengthen plant vitality and ecosystem services.
Specific objectives include:
- Improving soil fertility and microbiological activity
- Enhancing plant nutrition and resilience
- Increasing fruit yield and quality
- Strengthening the competitiveness and economic sustainability of organic apple producers
- Supporting the adoption of innovative and environmentally sustainable practices
Methodology and Activities
The project is implemented through a structured, multi-phase approach that combines scientific research with practical field application:
- Project preparation and coordination, including administrative management and partner collaboration
- Literature review and methodological design, focusing on soil microbiology and organic orchard management
- Selection and application of microbiological preparations suitable for organic apple production
- Establishment of field trials in organic apple orchards
- Comprehensive soil and plant analyses, including physical, chemical, and microbiological soil properties, plant organ assessment, and yield quality evaluation
- Data analysis and synthesis of results into practical recommendations
- Development of guidelines for farmers on the effective use of microbiological preparations
- Dissemination of results through workshops, expert meetings, and knowledge-transfer activities
Practice Abstract – Expected Results and Impact
According to the project’s Practice Abstract, the application of microbiological preparations is expected to deliver significant agronomic and environmental benefits:
- Increased apple yield and fruit quality
- Improved soil biological balance and nutrient cycling
- Enhanced plant resistance and orchard stability
- Strengthened ecosystem services, including soil structure and biodiversity
- Higher productivity and income potential for organic producers
- Greater attractiveness of organic farming for young farmers
- Improved resilience of organic apple production systems under climate and market uncertainties
Project Information
- Project status: Ongoing
- Implementation period: 2025–2028
- Country: Croatia
- Funding source: CAP Strategic Plans 2023–2027 – Operational Groups
- Total budget: EUR 161,414.15
- EAFRD contribution: EUR 129,131.32
- National co-financing: EUR 32,282.83
- Key themes: Soil health, plant nutrition, organic farming, sustainable land management, food quality and security
Relevance and Broader Context
Healthy soil is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and a key priority of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy and Green Deal objectives. By focusing on microbiological soil revitalization, this project contributes to long-term environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the development of innovative practices applicable beyond organic apple production.
The results and recommendations generated by this project are relevant not only for organic apple growers, but also for researchers, advisors, and policymakers involved in sustainable agricultural systems and the transition towards more resilient food production models.
