Under-sowing corn with grass effectively counteracts water runoff in South Limburg

The hilly landscape in South Limburg is vulnerable to waterlogging: rainwater quickly flows off the slopes during heavy showers. The water not only causes nuisance in the villages and valleys but also affects agriculture. Fertile soil and fertilizers end up in streams and rivers, adversely affecting both agriculture and water quality. Trials show that under-sowing with reed fescue helps to counteract this. While the corn is growing, reed fescue or another cover crop is sown between the rows. The grass grows along with the crop and takes over the space after the harvest.
Other methods, such as smaller row distances and diamond sowing in corn, also show potential. However, the effect of these methods is highly dependent on the weather. The results confirm the importance of good soil management and appropriate measures to make agriculture and landscape more resilient.

Organic matter improves soil quality

Additional research shows that increasing organic matter, for example through compost, strengthens soil structure. This leads to greater water infiltration, more fertile soil, and less chance of runoff. New measurements started in 2024 at a trial field in South Limburg where variations in organic matter have been worked on for ten years. The first results will follow later this year.

Trials for and by farmers

The research was conducted together with farmers in the region. By trying out measures directly on their own plots, farmers gain not only insight into their effectiveness but also practical experience. Knowledge is shared with other growers through field meetings.

Open day at Proefboerderij Wijnandsrade

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Proefboerderij Wijnandsrade is organizing an open day around the Heuvelland Proposition. Visitors will receive guided tours of the trials in arable farming and livestock farming and learn more about the results. The open day starts at 12:00 PM. Everyone interested in agriculture, landscape, and water management is welcome.

Heuvelland Proposition

The project is financially supported by the Heuvelland Proposition. With the Heuvelland Proposition, we work on reducing waterlogging, improving water quality, and enhancing conditions for nature reserves. We do this together with the main manager of the area: agriculture. The sustainability that has already started in agriculture is something we want to accelerate and broaden in the Heuvelland. We do this by promoting future-proof and nature-friendly forms of land use. This leads to sustainable, environmentally conscious businesses: fitting into the character and other green-blue functions of the Heuvelland and being sustainable in terms of business operations.

Parties

Water Board Limburg, LLTB, WML, municipalities Beek, Stein, Eijsden-Margraten, Gulpen-Wittem, Voerendaal, and Meerssen, and Province of Limburg have recorded agreements on cooperation and implementation of the Proposition in a contract. The Province of Limburg, together with the Water Board Limburg and the LLTB, leads the implementation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN), Water Board Limburg, and Province of Limburg financially contribute to the Proposition.