Seed Treatment Can Be Evaluated on a Case-by-Case Basis
How Do Fungicide Seed Coatings on Maize Affect Mycorrhizal Fungi and Yields?
Climate Change to Redraw European Viticulture
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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.
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Further Potential for Reducing Crude Protein Content in Pig Fattening
A further reduction in the crude protein content of pig feed is challenging, but possible. This study shows that nitrogen utilisation efficiency can be improved and emissions reduced without compromising performance or meat quality.
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ZHAW, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Germany
Arable and Specialty Crops in Mountain Areas: from Forgotten Heritage to Resilience Strategy
Mountain and livestock farming are widely seen as closely linked. Yet climate risks, market pressures and societal change are limiting the strategic options available to many farms. Crop diversification can extend it in site-adapted ways.
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Site-Adapted Agriculture: Where Arable Crops Can Be Produced Sustainably
Is Swiss agriculture adapted to local site conditions? Agroscope and the Federal Office for Agriculture evaluated three scenarios. In the most sustainable, the arable land surface is similar to the current surface, but some of this land is at different locations.
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Reducing Copper Use in Viticulture: Combining Measures Delivers the Greatest Impact
Copper is widely used in Swiss viticulture—but is increasingly under pressure due to environmental risks. A new study by ETH Zurich shows how its use can be reduced. Which measures make the difference?
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Agri-photovoltaics in the Canton of Zurich: Utilising Economic Potential, Managing Risks
Agri-photovoltaics can combine agriculture and electricity production in the canton of Zurich in a meaningful way. The feasibility study shows economic potential – but with site-dependent uncertainties and high planning and approval requirements.
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When Are Battery Electric Tractors Economically Feasible?
A systematic literature review shows that battery electric tractors can be economically viable under specific conditions – especially with high annual usage, light-duty tasks, the integration of renewable energies, and a suitable policy framework.
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Nitrogen Nutrition Begins in the Vineyard
The hot, dry years between 2021 and 2025 substantially reduced the yeast-assimilable nitrogen in the musts of Vaud wines – particularly in Chasselas – with direct impacts on fermentation and wine quality.
