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.
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.
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.
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
Project partner
Newsletter
Register now for our free Newsletter and receive regular information on the latest articles.
Quick access
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
Digital Technologies in Swiss Livestock Production
Digital technologies represent an opportunity for the modern management of farms. For this, already available technologies must also be utilised in practice. An Agroscope survey illustrates the status quo of technology use.
An article by Agroscope
Manure: Nutrient Excretion by Calves from Suckler Cows
Farms operate with a balanced nutrient cycle. Agroscope adjusted the reference values for suckling calves to the latest advances in animal production. The values for feed intake and nutrient excretion are now lower.
An article by Agroscope
Large Predators Make Cost-Effective Alpine Summer Grazing of Sheep Difficult
Protecting sheep from large predators means more work and higher costs for alpine farmers. The economic consequences of the necessary adjustments were investigated in 2017 and 2018 on 13 alpine farms in the cantons of Uri and Valais.
An article by HAFL
Limiting Protein Supply in Cattle Feeding
Grassland-based milk and meat production promotes the site-specific feeding of ruminants. With the AP22+, the reduction of protein supply via concentrates is under discussion. Agroscope studied the effects of limited protein supply.
An article by Agroscope