Digital Maps for Spatially Differentiated Assessment of Grassland Productivity
Foliar Fertilisation in Viticulture: Limited Efficacy of Organic Forms on Yeast-Assimilable Nitrogen in Musts
Can people hear how a pig feels?
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Digital Maps for Spatially Differentiated Assessment of Grassland Productivity
Grass grows on around 70% of Switzerland’s utilised agricultural area. Yields on these grasslands vary significantly. For the first time, an Agroscope study has calculated these yields in a spatially differentiated manner, making digital maps available for planning and farm extension services.
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Foliar Fertilisation in Viticulture: Limited Efficacy of Organic Forms on Yeast-Assimilable Nitrogen in Musts
In viticulture, application of organic foliar fertiliser at the time of veraison does little to correct a deficiency of yeast-assimilable nitrogen in the must. Applying foliar mineral nitrogen remains a more effective approach.
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Can people hear how a pig feels?
People and artificial intelligence (AI) detect reproducible patterns in pig vocalizations, especially during acute distress. Yet an isolated sound rarely reveals the exact situation or whether a pig feels positive or negative.
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Key Factors for Successful Organic Lentil Production in Switzerland
Although the potential for organic lentil cultivation exists in Switzerland it is languishing at a low level. Results from Agroscope show how harvest volumes can be stabilised and whether there are organoleptic differences between varieties.
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Swiss Field Data Show Comparable Wheat Yields With and Without Herbicide Use
How can plant-protection product use in winter wheat be reduced without compromising yields? An Agroscope study shows that a combination of herbicide-free weed-control measures can achieve yields comparable to those obtained with herbicide use.
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Three New Varieties of Meadow Fescue Ready for Recommendation
Meadow fescue is an important fodder grass on temporary leys in Switzerland. Agroscope tested 24 varieties of meadow fescue on six sites. Three new cultivars proved impressive in the growing trials and are designated for variety recommendation.
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Preparing Cattle at Home: Less Stress during Slaughter
Is it possible to prepare cattle at home in a way that reduces their stress at the slaughterhouse? In a comparison, prepared animals showed lower cortisol levels during slaughter than control animals.
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Seed Treatment Can Be Evaluated on a Case-by-Case Basis
Seeds are generally routinely treated with plant-protection products to safeguard yields. A study conducted on wheat seeds and based on new field data shows that when disease pressure is low, this routine treatment offers no benefit in many cases.
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Agroscope, University of Zurich – Department of Plant and Microbial Biology
How Do Fungicide Seed Coatings on Maize Affect Mycorrhizal Fungi and Yields?
Fungicide seed coatings protect seeds and safeguard yields, but can adversely affect beneficial soil fungi. Recent findings from various experimental systems – from controlled laboratory trials to real-life conditions in the field – show how dramatically these effects can vary.
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Agroscope, University of Geneva
Climate Change to Redraw European Viticulture
Where in Europe will tomorrow’s wine be produced? A study based on climate analogues shows that global warming will redefine the wine-growing regions, with diseases playing a vital role.
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Diversification of Organic Pig Feed with Vegetable and Fruit Scraps
As food waste rises globally, the agricultural sector is faced with balancing livestock feed production and sustainable food systems. FiBL explored the benefits of adding vegetable and fruit scraps to a pig diet to improve animal welfare and resource optimization.
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Flavescence Dorée: Introduction and Propagation in Western Switzerland
For the first time, a genetic analysis provides a detailed image of how flavescence dorée spreads in Swiss vineyards north of the Alps, showing that infected planting material and local dissemination both contribute to the growth of the epidemic.
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Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
Farm Burnout: Early Detection, Effective Support
Two thirds of Swiss farmers have already reached their personal limits — yet specialised help is rarely sought. A nationwide network shows why and how this can change.
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Long-Term Study of Agri-Environmental Monitoring Highlights Ecological Progress
Indicators from a 14-year monitoring programme show improvements in climate, water, soil and food supply.
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More Light, Higher Yield: Strawberries React More Sensitively to Shading than Raspberries
In Switzerland a large proportion of strawberries and raspberries are grown under protective structures that could be combined with agrivoltaic systems. A study conducted by Agroscope and Insolight investigated how shading impacts yield and fruit quality and calculated threshold values.
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Fabric Wrap Optimises Cheese Ripening
Smear-ripened cheeses often develop quality problems such as odours and stickiness in the pre-packing stage. A new ripening method which involves wrapping the cheese in biodegradable fabric offers a solution. Trials conducted in commercial cheese dairies have confirmed this.
