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.
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.
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.
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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.
White Clover at its Finest: the New Recommendations Calimero and RGT Gabby
White Clover is an important element of intensively used meadows and pastures. Of the 19 varieties tested by Agroscope, two new top varieties came out clear winners for nearly all traits.
An article by Agroscope
Plant Protection Products in Field Crops: Use and Aquatic Risks from 2009–2018
Ever decreasing amounts of plant-protection products are being used in field crops; however, the quantity alone does not determine the risk for the environment, as discussed in a new Agroscope study on the use and risk of plant-protection products in Swiss field crops.
An article by Agroscope
Supplement Improves Growth in Low-Birthweight Piglets
The genetic selection of hyperprolific sows has led to a rise in the number of piglets that are underweight at birth, often runtier and with stunted growth. A study tested the effect of a supplement on their development.
An article by Agroscope
What Does an Individual Cow Consume on the Pasture?
Feed selection on the pasture costs cows time and energy. With the aim of optimised pasture feeding and efficient resource use, the feed selection of Swiss and New Zealand Holstein cows was compared.
Raw Milk and Raw-Milk Products Affect our Health
Raw milk and raw-milk products can affect our health in both positive and negative ways. A study conducted by Agroscope summarises current findings from the research literature and classifies the positive effects and risks.
An article by Agroscope
Complex Processes at Work in Tile Drain Losses of Plant Protection Products
Around one-quarter of the utilised agricultural area in Switzerland is drained. Plant-protection products (PPPs) may enter watercourses via this route. Agroscope analysed the influencing factors and evaluated measures against PPP loss.
Smooth-Stalked Meadowgrass Tested: Two New Top Varieties for Forage Production
Good varieties of smooth-stalked meadowgrass are few in number. The positive results of the variety-testing programme give reason to hope that two new cultivars will soon be added to the range of top varieties.
An article by Agroscope
How Digitised are Swiss Plant Production Farms?
Digital technologies are fixed features of modern agriculture – but to what extent are they already being used in Switzerland? A survey conducted by Agroscope provides answers to this question. Digital technologies reduce the physical workload of farming and contribute to sustainable field management. They also enable optimised management decisions based on plant- or soil-related…
An article by Agroscope