Israel - NPP-SOL

Israel case study: Nahalal stream, Model Farm for Sustainable Agriculture at Newe Ya’ar, Jezreel valley

The Model Farm for Sustainable Agriculture at Newe Ya’ar, Israel, is a leading research and demonstration center dedicated to promoting and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Situated within the Newe Ya’ar Research Center, the farm integrates modern technologies with traditional farming methods to enhance agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Research and Innovation

The farm conducts cutting-edge research on sustainable crop production, soil health, water management, and pest control.
It focuses on developing innovative techniques that optimize resource use and minimize agricultural pollution. Research areas include precision agriculture, smart irrigation systems, and renewable energy integration, which are essential for sustainable farming.

Demonstration and Education

As a demonstration center, the farm showcases sustainable farming practices to farmers, researchers, and students.
It offers educational programs, workshops, and training sessions to disseminate knowledge and best practices, helping to bridge the gap between research and practical application.

Technological Integration

The farm leverages advanced technologies to improve farming efficiency and sustainability.
These include precision agriculture tools that enable precise application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Smart irrigation systems are employed to optimize water use, and renewable energy sources are utilized to reduce the farm’s carbon footprint.

Environmental Stewardship

A core focus of the farm is on environmental conservation.
Efforts are made to conserve natural resources, maintain biodiversity, and enhance soil fertility.
The farm implements integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming practices, promoting a holistic approach to agriculture that prioritizes ecological balance.

Collaborative Efforts

The farm collaborates with academic institutions, government agencies, and agricultural organizations to advance sustainable agricultural practices.
It engages in international collaborations to share knowledge and innovations, contributing to global efforts in sustainable agriculture.
The Model Farm for Sustainable Agriculture at Newe Ya’ar serves as a vital hub for research, education, and demonstration of sustainable agricultural practices. It plays a crucial role in promoting environmental stewardship, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the adoption of sustainable methods in agriculture, thereby contributing to the long-term viability and health of agricultural ecosystems.

Issues to be addressed

Area of the Nahalal stream restoration project, near Newe Ya’ar Model Farm. In the area, there is a tendency to over fertilise. Untreated manure and liquid effluents from a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is a major PS pollution source in that area that challenges sustainability in the interface between Nahalal stream and the agricultural activity. In this project, farm-scale AD will be set up to improve river/farm interface by adopting decentralised agricultural waste management practices. AD that will beintegrated with a post-treatment to the liquid digestate (by either biofiltration or hydrothermal carbonization), will eventually minimise the NPS pollution by CAFO. In addition to energy recovery (as biogas by AD), a process integration will provide an added value by recovering nitrogen and phosphorus for fertilisation and soil amendment. Furthermore, BR will be installed at the buffer strip between the agricultural fields and the stream, in the area where gullies connect to the main channel and transfer large loads of excess nutrients.

Expected impacts

An efficient process integration will provide a recovery of both energy farm use and nutrients for smart fertilisation and soil amendment. Compared to BR and partly to CW, AD involves more costly technologies. However, they allow for recovering energy and nutrients, which is a key to a circular economy that minimises intensive agriculture’s carbon footprint and empowers ecosystem services.

About the partner

Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (Roy Posmanik)
The Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in structural engineering, construction management, transportation engineering, water resources, and environmental engineering. It features cutting-edge research in sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, and environmental protection. With highly qualified faculty, modern facilities, and strong industry connections, the faculty prepares students for successful careers in diverse sectors. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and global impact, aiming to educate engineers who are technically proficient and socially and environmentally conscious.

ARO-Volcani Institute

Located at the Volcani Center campus in Bet-Dagan, near Tel-Aviv, ARO’s six institutes are responsible for Plant Sciences, Animal Science, Plant Protection, Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, and Postharvest and Food Sciences. ARO also operates four research stations, in various parts of the country, and serves as a testing center for agricultural produce and equipment. Israel’s Gene Bank for Agricultural Crops is also located on the ARO Volcani Center campus. While encompassing the full range of agricultural research activities, ARO focuses in particular on arid zone agriculture, enabling Israel – a country short of all the resources required for agriculture – to achieve among the highest levels of agricultural output in the world.

MOAG (Roey Egozi)
The Israel Soil Erosion Research Station is the R&D department of the Israel Natural Resource Management division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. It focuses on studying soil erosion’s impact on agriculture and the environment. Located in Israel, it conducts field experiments to understand erosion processes and evaluate land management techniques like contour farming and cover cropping. The station develops strategies to minimize soil loss and provides education to farmers on sustainable practices. It collaborates with universities and government agencies to share knowledge and inform policy-making related to soil conservation. The station’s research contributes to enhancing soil health, improving agricultural resilience, and protecting water quality from sedimentation and pollution.

Beneficiaries

The Israeli case study benefits local communities through improved water quality, recreational spaces, and reduced flood risks. Farmers gain from better water management, sustainable practices, and enhanced soil health. Biodiversity increases with improved habitats for wildlife. The project attracts tourists and boosts local businesses, providing new recreational opportunities. Environmental researchers and conservationists use the stream as a model for restoration efforts. Future generations benefit from clean water, healthy ecosystems, and enhanced environmental education. Overall, the restoration improves environmental quality, supports local economies, and enhances residents’ quality of life.

Stakeholders involved

Kishon River Drainage Authority; Regional; GOV
Ms. Tal Ratner, Head, Education, Community and Environment Unit
Jewish National Fund; National, NGO
Mr. Asaf Karavani, Manager, Department of Climate Change & Sustainability
Jezreel Valley Framers Center; Regional; Consortium
Mr. Moshe Ben Shahar, CEO, Jezreel Valley Framers Center
Ministry of Environmental Protection; National, GOV
Ms. Yael Oren, Manager, Department of Agro-ecology
Israel Nature and Parks Authority
Ms. Dana Milshtein, Aquatic Ecologist
Israel Water Authority; National; GOV
Mr. Asael Greenfeld, Head, “Water for Nature” Team
ICL- group; Int.; Busniss
Mr. Mickey Winocour, Commodity Fertlizers and Product Innovation R&D, ICL Growing Solutions – Director of phosphate activities
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Regional Office; GOV
Ms. Ella Shwartz, Head, Soil & Water Conservation Unit
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; National; GOV – Extension Services
Mr. Aviram Jhonson, Agro-ecology Unit
Zippory Stream Restoration Project; Regional; Consortium
Mr. Shay Gilaad, Head, Agriculture Planning Team; AGMA
Yarkon River Drainage Authority; Regional; GOV
Ms. Michal Sorek, Head, Ecology Department