Soil degradation or fertility restoration? This challenging issue was the focus of the V International Conference "National Challenge: Soil Degradation or Fertility Restoration?", which became a platform for uniting the efforts of leading experts, scientists, representatives of agricultural education, and business to address the pressing questions of modern agricultural production. One of the key speakers was the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation of NUBiP of Ukraine, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Oksana Tonkha.

During the panel discussion, Oksana Tonkha addressed the question of promising areas for collaboration between agricultural educational institutions and private companies. She highlighted the greatest potential in the following areas: plant nutrition, restoration and maintenance of soil fertility, implementation of modern research methods in the agricultural sector.

The Vice-Rector paid special attention to sharing the experience gained through the international project Ecotwins. She elaborated on the research conducted at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. In particular, the studies focused on the effects of biostimulants on crops such as barley, peas, and beans. The results not only confirmed the effectiveness of innovative approaches to increasing yields but also opened new opportunities for restoring soil fertility under challenging conditions.

"Collaboration between universities and businesses should form the foundation for creating innovative solutions to help the Ukrainian agricultural sector overcome modern challenges. The Ecotwins project is a vivid example of this approach, as it combines fundamental scientific research with practical application of results," said Oksana Tonkha.

The Conference provided a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas to ensure the sustainable development of Ukraine's agricultural sector. The experience gained within the Ecotwins project confirms that only close cooperation between science and business can lead to effective solutions for preserving and restoring soil fertility.