Farmers are exposed to considerable risks due to weather changes, pathogens, pests and market fluctuations affecting input prices. Common methods for mitigating risks are crop diversification, using pesticides and fertilizers, as well as financial instruments.

An abundance of soil organisms and the ecosystem services they generate may improve the stability and resilience of farms to weather and price variations. Soil organisms improve water holding capacity that can help crops withstand dry spells, something that may become more important with climate change. The analysis aims to investigate how soil organisms and associated ecosystem services can mitigate agricultural risks.

The project will be finalised in spring 2018.