Archive

Pauler C.M., Schneider M.K

The pastures of low-productive Highland Cattle are particularly species-rich because of their relatively low weight, undemandingness and slowness. This is borne out by Agroscope and AgroVet Strickhof studies.

An article by Agroscope, AgroVet-Strickhof

Animal production 24.11.20

Wasem D., Probst S.

Livestock farming is sometimes criticised for creating competition between feed and food production. However, the animals fulfil an important function by recycling plant by-products and thus closing nutrient cycles.

An article by HAFL

Animal production 20.11.20

Herholz C., Kocher J., Küng P.

In equine husbandry, dust and ammonia emmissions have an important impact on respiratory health. Eight different bedding materials were tested for these emissions using a standardized method.

An article by HAFL, MUUTU AG

Environment 19.11.20

Graf R., Hagist D., Zellweger-Fischer J., Chevillat V., von Sury R. and Birrer S.

In the Swiss lowland, the quantity of biodiversity promoting areas (BPA, i.e. options of the Swiss agri-environment scheme) clearly exeeds the stipulated 7%.The quality of the BPA has been improved as well. However, three forth of the BPA are still barely recognizable as semi-natural areas in the field.

An article by Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach, FiBL

Other 10.11.20

Pfister M., Feller S., Stöckli L.

The training programme for farmworkers imparts broad skills to academically weak learners. What chances do they have on the labour market today and in the future and how do they succeed in making the transition to further training?

An article by HAFL

Plant production 06.11.20

R. Frick, D. Suter, E. Dereuder and H. Hirschi

Tall fescue is valued as a high-yielding, robust forage grass. For ley farming, fine-leaved, nutritious varieties which are well-liked by livestock are in demand. Agroscope’s most recent variety test has yielded two new top varieties.

An article by Agroscope

Plant production 28.10.20

Bétrix C.-A., Schumpp O., Schori A., Brodard J., Dubuis N., De Groote J.-C., Bussereau F.

Despite its focus on other, higher-priority criteria, the soybean breeding programme in Switzerland has yielded varieties that are tolerant of soybean mosaic virus (SMV) – the most serious of the viral diseases.

An article by Agroscope

Environment 22.10.20

Bystricky M., Nemecek T., Gaillard G.

In Switzerland, implementing the Drinking-Water Initiative would have positive consequences for the environment, but more food would have to be imported. A life-cycle assessment study by Agroscope analyses the overall impact.

An article by Agroscope

Plant production 08.10.20

Visse-Mansiaux M., Tallant M., Curty F., Schwärzel R., Brostaux Y. and Dupuis B.

Chlorpropham (CIPC), the main sprout suppressant used when storing commercial potatoes, is now prohibited in Switzerland. Agroscope tested alternative substances in order to guarantee the production of indigenous chips and crisps.

An article by Agroscope, fenaco, Université de Liège

Animal production 08.10.20

Quander-Stoll N., Leubin M., Holinger M., Früh B. and Leiber F.

100%-organic feeding of piglets has been discussed for a long time. A feeding trial on commercial farms shows that completely organic diets are suitable for piglets, and that their introduction is facilitated by a longer suckling period.

An article by FiBL

Environment 29.09.20

Korkaric M., Hanke I., Grossar D., Neuweiler R., Christ B., Wirth J., Hochstrasser M., Dubuis P.-H., Kuster T., Breitenmoser S., Egger B., Perren S., Schürch S., Aldrich A., Jeker L., Poiger T., Daniel O.

Agroscope examined whether it is possible to forgo the use of PPPs with a high risk potential for the environment. The results show that this would make effective crop protection more difficult, especially for field and vegetable crops, but also in organic farming.

An article by Agroscope

Environment 25.09.20

Albrecht M. et al.

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

Food 18.09.20

Bachmann H.-P., Fröhlich M.-T., Bisig W.

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

Environment 31.08.20

Maurer C., Müller D., Lanfranchi M., Weisskopf P., Oberholzer H., Walder F.

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

Environment 25.08.20

Chiaia-Hernández A.C., Scheringer M., Müller A., Stieger G., Wächter D., Keller A., Pintado-Herrera M.G., Lara-Martin P.A., Bucheli T.D. und Hollender J.

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.

An article by Agroscope, Eawag, ETH Zurich

Plant production 11.08.20

Suter D., Frick R., Hirschi H.

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

Environment 10.08.20

de Baan L., Blom J. F., Daniel O.

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

Animal production 07.07.20

M. Girard, G. Michel, L. Duval, C. Ducrest and G. Bee

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

Animal production 02.07.20

Schori F., Heublein C., Südekum K.-H., Gill F. and Dohme-Meier F.

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.

An article by Agroscope, Universität Bonn, University of Leeds

Food 19.06.20

Bachmann H.-P., Fröhlich M.-T., Bisig W.

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

Environment 15.06.20

Kobierska F., Koch U., Kasteel R., Stamm C., Prasuhn V.

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.

An article by Agroscope, Eawag

Plant production 09.06.20

Suter D., Frick R., Hirschi H.

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

Plant production 04.06.20

Groher T., Heitkämper K. and Umstätter C.

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

Animal production 04.06.20

T. Groher, K. Heitkämper, C. Umstätter

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

Animal production 28.05.20

Schlegel P., Hans-Moëvi M. and Morel I.

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

Animal production 25.05.20

Moser S., Willems H., Werder C. and Blättler T.

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

Animal production 19.05.20

Schori F.

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

Plant production 18.05.20

Christian Linder, Johannes Rösti, Fabrice Lorenzini, Pascale Deneulin, René Badertscher and Patrik Kehrli

Kaolin was tested in viticulture to control the dreaded pest Drosophila suzukii. The trials showed that this natural product has a comparable efficacy to conventional insecticides without any adverse effect on wine quality.

An article by Agroscope

Environment 11.05.20

Zemek O., Neuweiler R., Richner W., Liebisch F. and Spiess E.

The risk of nitrate leaching is higher in field vegetable production than in arable crops or grassland. Different species of vegetables have different leaching potentials, which can be reduced through appropriate management.

An article by Agroscope

Other 07.05.20

El Benni N., Ryser U., Rösch M., Mattmann M., Abt F., Paupe L. and Gusset M.

The Swiss agricultural sector currently makes little use of the opportunities offered by digitalisation. A charter launched in 2018 aims to further develop the digitalisation of the Swiss agricultural and food sector and to exploit the potential in the interests of all stakeholders.

An article by Agroscope, Agridea, others

Not All Cows Are Alike: Cattle Breed Affects Pasture Vegetation and Diversity

Livestock Recycle By-Products from the Food Industry

Equine Health: Dust and Ammonia Emissions from Eight Different Bedding Materials

Quantity and Quality of Semi-Natural Elements within the Swiss Lowland Farmland

How do EBA-Qualified Farmworkers Manage to Enter the Labour Market?

Tall Fescue: Two Very Good New Cultivars Round Out the List of Recommended Varieties

Swiss Soybean Cultivars Are Able to Deal with Soybean Mosaic Virus

Drinking-Water Initiative: Better Water Quality in Switzerland, Higher Environmental Impacts Abroad

Potato Varieties for Chips and Crisps Stored without CIPC: A Major Challenge

Is 100%-Organic Feeding for Piglets Possible?

High-Risk Plant Protection Products – Is Effective Crop Protection Possible Without Them?

Sown Wildflower Strips and Hedgerows – Good for Pest Control, Pollination and Yields?

Traditional Foods as Alternatives to Synthetic Compounds

Measuring Life in the Soil

Early Recognition and Systematic Recording of Organic Pollutants in Soils and Sediments

White Clover at its Finest: the New Recommendations Calimero and RGT Gabby

Plant Protection Products in Field Crops: Use and Aquatic Risks from 2009–2018

Supplement Improves Growth in Low-Birthweight Piglets

What Does an Individual Cow Consume on the Pasture?

Raw Milk and Raw-Milk Products Affect our Health

Complex Processes at Work in Tile Drain Losses of Plant Protection Products

Smooth-Stalked Meadowgrass Tested: Two New Top Varieties for Forage Production

How Digitised are Swiss Plant Production Farms?

Digital Technologies in Swiss Livestock Production

Manure: Nutrient Excretion by Calves from Suckler Cows

Large Predators Make Cost-Effective Alpine Summer Grazing of Sheep Difficult

Limiting Protein Supply in Cattle Feeding

Kaolin – Effective against Drosophila Suzukii in Vineyards without Any Impact on Wines

Nitrate Leaching in Vegetable Production

Charter on Digitalisation: Together towards Sustainable Solutions