Blueberries Prefer Acid Soils – but too much Acidity is Detrimental
Reducing Food Waste: Concentrates with ‘Former Food Products’ for Dairy Cattle
Potato Yields Are Influenced by the Climate and Genetic Variability
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Blueberries Prefer Acid Soils – but too much Acidity is Detrimental
Although there is enormous microbial diversity in blueberry substrate, there is no strong correlation between diversity and yield, according to a new Agroscope study examining the interaction of soil biology and cropping system.
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Agroscope, University of Milan
Reducing Food Waste: Concentrates with ‘Former Food Products’ for Dairy Cattle
Feeding food no longer suitable for human consumption (‘former food products’ or FFPs) to dairy cattle is a promising approach for reducing food waste. When included in dairy diets, FFPs do not affect the cow’s metabolism, but do not reduce methane production either.
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Agroscope, Université of Liège, University of Rennes
Potato Yields Are Influenced by the Climate and Genetic Variability
Stable yields are essential to ensure agricultural profitability. Two key measures are needed to limit future losses: adapting cultivation methods to the site and selecting heat- and drought-resistant varieties.
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How Resilient is Swiss Summer Farming?
Agroscope and the BFH-HAFL investigated the resilience of summer farms. Although the farms were resilient as far as cheese production was concerned, they were less so in terms of landscape management and labour retention. Innovations and improved labour conditions could help remedy the situation.
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Which Tomato Plant is Compatible with Which Natural Antagonist of the Tomato Leafminer?
Agroscope researchers tested three natural antagonists of the tomato leafminer on six tomato genotypes. Of the three genotypes displaying a degree of resistance, two were found to be compatible with the natural enemies of the pest.
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Method for Calculating Agricultural Capitalised Earnings Value Level Refined
The capitalised earnings value level is an important basis for assessing the value of farms, e.g. at the time of their handover. Agroscope refined the historically developed calculation method using company valuation methods.
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Agroscope, INRAE, HEPIA, University of Strasbourg, University of Montpellier, University of Neuchâtel
Cornalin du Valais Orphaned Once Again
A study led by Agroscope has deepened our understanding of the genetic mechanisms responsible for grape skin colour. New findings have led to a revision of the genealogy of the Rouge du Pays cultivar (Cornalin du Valais) and contributed to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of the grapevine.
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From Advertising to Biodiversity: Analysis of How Animal Products are Promoted
State support for the sale of animal products tends to increase the demand for resource-intensive foods. This can increase the environmental impact, including negative effects on biodiversity.
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How Healthy are Milk Alternatives? Analysis and Scope for Improvement
An Agroscope study has analysed the nutritional quality of 66 milk alternatives from Swiss supermarkets. The researchers also considered how the nutritional profile of milk alternatives could be improved.
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Agroscope, University of Lausanne, Direction générale de l’agriculture, de la viticulture et des affaires vétérinaires (DGAV), INRAE
Nitrogen Assimilation and Distribution in Grapevine as a Function of Crop Load
A study on Chasselas grapevines shows that yield regulation by cluster thinning after foliar fertilisation does not increase grape nitrogen concentration but does encourage N accumulation in the perennial parts of the vine.
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The Salt Dilemma with Emmentaler Cheese
Emmentaler PDO has a low-to-very-low salt content compared to other varieties of cheese. Agroscope researchers show how this came about, what sort of effects this has on sensory quality, and what can be done about this.
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Drones Benefit Summer Farming
Drones can save time when looking for livestock or checking the condition of fences on summer pastures. Researchers at Agroscope have studied the factors that influence the use of drones in summer farming.
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Effects of Pre-Flowering Removal of Main Leaves or Lateral Shoots
An Agroscope study shows that pre-flowering removal of the main leaves instead of the lateral shoots appears to be a viable practice with a moderate effect on both yield potential and must composition.
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BFH-HAFL, ETH Zurich, Utrecht University
Milk MIR Spectra and Machine Learning to Verify Herbage Proportion in Dairy Herd Diets
How to verify grassland-based feeding? An approach based on machine learning and milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra acquired from routine milk quality testing may be the answer.
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Encouraging Participation in Community-Supported Agriculture Schemes With New Communication Strategy
Custom-tailored communication about the personal benefits in terms of nutrition and sustainable living provided by community-supported agriculture (CSA) can motivate a variety of non-members to join the scheme.
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Strengthening the Future of Communal Food Production in Switzerland
Community gardens, allotments and community-supported agriculture are key for sustainable, resilient food systems. Their future depends on political recognition and inter-institutional network support.
