Agro-Environmental and Services Department

The Agro-Environmental and Services Department provides a wide range of services, including sampling, preparation of farm fertilization and liming plans, and offering recommendations and consulting services to farmers and business entities. The department also prepares agrochemical research data for land evaluation.

The team is responsible for implementing the state function “Soil Agrochemical Properties Research”, assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, across soils in all regions of the country. It prepares responses and recommendations and transfers data to the Land Resources Monitoring Information System.

In addition, the department participates in national, international, and applied projects, working to optimize farming processes, reduce environmental impact, and digitize and analyze data by integrating them into national information systems. Educational events are also organized, along with student internships and research projects that help strengthen professional competencies.

Specifics of the work performed, and services offered by the Agro-Environmental and Services Department team:

Comprehensive services for farmers and companies – we perform various samples (soil, water, wastewater, sludge, organic fertilizers, etc.), conduct laboratory tests on them, and prepare individual fertilization and liming plans, conduct environmental monitoring of economic entities, and provide recommendations.
Traceability and repeatability of research – we use GPS technologies to record sampling locations so that data can be easily reproduced and analyzed over time.
Optimal and targeted selection of sampling locations – we use digital data on soil agrochemical and physical properties to select the most suitable sampling locations based on the characteristics of a specific field.
Digital mapping and preparation of fertilization plans – we prepare individual fertilization plans and reports in order to optimize farm processes and maintain long-term soil fertility.
Soil Indicator Assessment and Practical Recommendations – Based on the results of chemical analyses, we provide consultations on how to farm more efficiently while maintaining soil sustainability.
Data Archiving and Digitization – We systematically archive and digitize research data, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility.

Most Successful Projects

Since 1993, the laboratory has been conducting “Soil Agrochemical Properties Research”, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, covering soils from all regions of the country. Beginning on 1 July 2025, this state function – according to the latest version of the Law on Agriculture, Food Industry and Rural Development of the Republic of Lithuania – will be entrusted to the Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University.
A “Unified Methodology for Preparing Plant Fertilization Plans” was developed to optimize plant nutrition, prevent soil overfertilization, and reduce nutrient leaching into water bodies. This methodology has been adapted to Lithuania’s climatic, natural, and farming conditions (soil types, cultivated crops, etc.) and submitted to the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture as a recommended approach for fertilization planning (Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, EU-funded).
During the project “Promoting Sustainable and Innovative Farming Based on Soil Organic Carbon Knowledge” (application and dissemination of innovative farm advisory tools), recommendations titled “Soil Organic Carbon (Humus) Research in Agricultural Land” were compiled and prepared for farmers, specialists, and other land users (H2020 FAIRshare, LŽŪKT).
The LIFE Environment and Resource Efficiency Project “Circular Economy Model for Large Cities: Sewage Sludge and Biomass Ash to Biomass – Biomass to Renewable Energy” aimed to create and implement a demonstration model of a full-cycle circular economy for large cities. The project focused on the full utilization of waste generated in cities, rich in valuable nutrients – municipal sewage sludge and biomass ash – by using it for biomass cultivation and subsequent conversion into renewable energy. This circular economy demonstration model was successfully implemented in Vilnius (NutriBiomass4LiFE).

Main Research Directions for Cooperation:

Influence of mineral and organic fertilizers, as well as soil improvement materials, on crop yield, quality, and soil properties.
Changes in the agrochemical and physical properties of soil under natural and anthropogenic factors, including their intensity and causes.
Development of methods for diagnosing plant nutrition with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements, along with studies on environmental pollution.
Application of manure, compost, wastewater, and digestate for fertilizing crops, in compliance with environmental protection requirements.
Exploration and application of methods for visualizing agrochemical and physical soil properties on digital maps.

Head of Department

Dr. Aistė Masevičienė

Email: aiste.maseviciene@vdu.lt