What does a sustainable future of the Dutch polder look like?

At the Polderlab Vrouwe Venne, farmers, citizens and researchers work together to shape the future of Dutch agriculture. Our goal: to restore biodiversity and the peat meadow landscape. And that farmers can earn their living sustainably.

These are our research aims

Stopping the degradation of peat

We raise water levels and study what this means for soil subsidence, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

Producing food sustainably

We experiment with new crops and develop new revenue models for agriculture and peat.

Strengthen agriculture and nature

We ensure proper integration within the landscape and monitor biodiversity above- and belowground and in water.

Polderlab news

21 June 2024

'Moon landers' measure greenhouse gases

A huge shiny aluminium object stands in the middle of the polderlab. Are researchers trying to contact extraterrestrial life? Certainly not; the 'Moon landers' measure greenhouse gas emissions.

30 May 2024

Planting polder rice barefoot in the mud

Researcher Maarten Schrama stands barefoot in the mud in a swampy meadow. A failed harvest has not affected his enthusiasm: 'This year we're planting 32 different rice varieties'.

11 October 2023

Educational experiment with polder rice

In May, an experimental trial began in which researchers planted rice at the Polderlab. The researchers aimed to test rice as a middle ground for for sustainable peatland management in the future. Did it raise the water level while producing food?

News »

Polderlab Vrouw Venne is a joint cooperation of citizens’ initiative Land van Ons and Leiden University, with support from the Holland Rijnland municipalities. The polder is located in Oud Ade, near Leiden.

The polderlab

The polderlab covers 32 hectares and consists of several agricultural plots. In each plot, we test different crops and cropping systems. In the process, we raise the groundwater level. This prevents the soil from subsiding and nature from drying out. The aim is to investigate how to practice sustainable agriculture in peatlands.

Ridge system

In this part of the polderlab, ridges and ditches alternate. The water level rises, leaving the ridges just above water level. Low-growing trees, shrubs and edible herbs will grow on them. Edible marsh and aquatic plants will grow between the ridges.

Grassland and water system

In the middle of the polder, there is room for grass with flowers and herbs. Cattle will graze the grassland here, and part of it will be hayland. The water level is up to 35 centimetres higher than at present.

Aquatic plant cultivation

In part of the polder, we plant aquatic and riparian plants for food and water purification. Good water quality is important for nature and certainly for our wet soil crops. We manage the banks of the ditches in an ecological way.

Wet soil crops

Part of the polder will be home to ‘wet soil crops’. Think cranberry, sphagnum moss and wild rice. Clean water is very important for these plants. That is why we retain rainwater and let it flow from one plot to another. This improves water quality. For this purpose, we construct quays at some plots, with a windmill to manage the water level.

Peat farm

On the clay soils along Vennemeerweg, the water level remains lower. Here there will be ‘community-supported agriculture’. This means that citizens can grow their own fruit and vegetables. In an ecologically responsible way, of course.