Greifensee project: interdisciplinary research for agriculture

The interdisciplinary Greifensee research project deals with the utilisation of land and landscapes in the densely settled Swiss midlands (see http://www.ito.umnw.eth.ch/SoilPhys/greifensee/). Using the Greifensee region as an example, fundamental scientific principles for the organisation and management of sustainable agriculture and forestry are developed, together with the policy measures required for their implementation. Various aspects of this question are investigated in natural science and economic projects, the results of which are incorporated in an economic model. This interdisciplinary research and synthesis encompassing various disciplines places extremely high demands on both the planning and processing of the project. On the other hand, it also offers the opportunity to cover new sectors, gain new knowledge and widen disciplinary frames of reference. At the same time, the research approach is essential to the solution of central problems and questions related to sustainable development. In addition, a comprehensive approach helps to justify science in the eyes of society.