Managing conflicting objectives in agricultural production and water resource protection
In Swiss agriculture, conflicts arise between production and the protection of water resources. These were studied by means of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA): objectives are defined, evaluation functions proposed and measures analysed.
Not All Cows Are Alike: Cattle Breed Affects Pasture Vegetation and Diversity
The pastures of low-productive Highland Cattle are particularly species-rich because of their relatively low weight, undemandingness and slowness. This is borne out by Agroscope and AgroVet Strickhof studies.
Livestock Recycle By-Products from the Food Industry
Livestock farming is sometimes criticised for creating competition between feed and food production. However, the animals fulfil an important function by recycling plant by-products and thus closing nutrient cycles.
Managing conflicting objectives in agricultural production and water resource protection
In Swiss agriculture, conflicts arise between production and the protection of water resources. These were studied by means of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA): objectives are defined, evaluation functions proposed and measures analysed.
An article by Eawag, Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG
Not All Cows Are Alike: Cattle Breed Affects Pasture Vegetation and Diversity
The pastures of low-productive Highland Cattle are particularly species-rich because of their relatively low weight, undemandingness and slowness. This is borne out by Agroscope and AgroVet Strickhof studies.
An article by Agroscope, AgroVet-Strickhof
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Livestock Recycle By-Products from the Food Industry
Livestock farming is sometimes criticised for creating competition between feed and food production. However, the animals fulfil an important function by recycling plant by-products and thus closing nutrient cycles.
An article by HAFL
Equine Health: Dust and Ammonia Emissions from Eight Different Bedding Materials
In equine husbandry, dust and ammonia emmissions have an important impact on respiratory health. Eight different bedding materials were tested for these emissions using a standardized method.
Quantity and Quality of Semi-Natural Elements within the Swiss Lowland Farmland
In the Swiss lowland, the quantity of biodiversity promoting areas (BPA, i.e. options of the Swiss agri-environment scheme) clearly exeeds the stipulated 7%.The quality of the BPA has been improved as well. However, three forth of the BPA are still barely recognizable as semi-natural areas in the field.
An article by Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach, FiBL
How do EBA-Qualified Farmworkers Manage to Enter the Labour Market?
The training programme for farmworkers imparts broad skills to academically weak learners. What chances do they have on the labour market today and in the future and how do they succeed in making the transition to further training?
An article by HAFL
Tall Fescue: Two Very Good New Cultivars Round Out the List of Recommended Varieties
Tall fescue is valued as a high-yielding, robust forage grass. For ley farming, fine-leaved, nutritious varieties which are well-liked by livestock are in demand. Agroscope’s most recent variety test has yielded two new top varieties.
An article by Agroscope
Swiss Soybean Cultivars Are Able to Deal with Soybean Mosaic Virus
Despite its focus on other, higher-priority criteria, the soybean breeding programme in Switzerland has yielded varieties that are tolerant of soybean mosaic virus (SMV) – the most serious of the viral diseases.
An article by Agroscope
Drinking-Water Initiative: Better Water Quality in Switzerland, Higher Environmental Impacts Abroad
In Switzerland, implementing the Drinking-Water Initiative would have positive consequences for the environment, but more food would have to be imported. A life-cycle assessment study by Agroscope analyses the overall impact.
An article by Agroscope
Potato Varieties for Chips and Crisps Stored without CIPC: A Major Challenge
Chlorpropham (CIPC), the main sprout suppressant used when storing commercial potatoes, is now prohibited in Switzerland. Agroscope tested alternative substances in order to guarantee the production of indigenous chips and crisps.
Is 100%-Organic Feeding for Piglets Possible?
100%-organic feeding of piglets has been discussed for a long time. A feeding trial on commercial farms shows that completely organic diets are suitable for piglets, and that their introduction is facilitated by a longer suckling period.
An article by FiBL
High-Risk Plant Protection Products – Is Effective Crop Protection Possible Without Them?
Agroscope examined whether it is possible to forgo the use of PPPs with a high risk potential for the environment. The results show that this would make effective crop protection more difficult, especially for field and vegetable crops, but also in organic farming.
An article by Agroscope
Sown Wildflower Strips and Hedgerows – Good for Pest Control, Pollination and Yields?
Sown wildflower strips improve pest control, and diverse, perennial strips also improve pollination services. Hedgerows in Switzerland yielded good results, while internationally effects were inconsistent. The effects on yield were variable.
An article by Agroscope
Traditional Foods as Alternatives to Synthetic Compounds
A strong immune system is important for health. Foods that are rich in propionic acid, such as Emmental cheese, have a supportive effect, and are a possible alternative to compounds with synthetically produced propionic acid.
An article by Agroscope
Measuring Life in the Soil
Microbial activity in the soil is an indicator of soil health. An analysis of data series from the cantonal soil-monitoring networks over a ten-year period confirms textbook knowledge and shows what we need to look out for.
An article by Agroscope
Early Recognition and Systematic Recording of Organic Pollutants in Soils and Sediments
Researchers from Agroscope, Eawag and ETH have developed a method for the comprehensive detection of organic pollutant residues in soils and sediments. Initial results show that, in addition to known substances, there are also a number of substances detected for the first time.