Temporary Carbon Sinks also Benefit the Climate
Storing carbon in the soil in the form of soil organic matter benefits the climate. A new approach allows us to quantify this effect.
Archive
2,314 posts
More Efficient Nitrogen Use thanks to Site-Specific Fertilisation
A test of five methods using the example of winter-wheat cultivation shows that site-specific nitrogen fertilisation enables more efficient fertilising without adversely affecting yield.
Rising Expenditure for Water Use in Agriculture
The past 30 years have seen a clear trend towards rising water costs. The supply of agricultural land with water from natural sources is thus coming under increasing pressure.
Bt Maize Has Minimal Impact on Non-Target Organisms
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium proteins protect Bt maize from being fed on by specific insects. A new, systematic analysis of international field data confirms that non-target organisms in Bt maize are largely spared.
How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed our Behaviour?
The pandemic has influenced not only our everyday life but also our behaviour. Agroscope looked at which population groups and behaviours experienced or underwent particularly significant changes, and what this means for our health.
Determining Soil Carbon Storage Potential
Protecting the climate whilst reaping a good harvest is possible if greater amounts of carbon are sequestered in the soil. Agroscope calculated the amount of additional carbon that the soil is capable of storing.
Long-term Monitoring Shows Effective Measures for Reducing Soil Erosion
A long-term field study conducted by Agroscope, the Soil Protection Agency of the Canton of Bern and the University of Bern shows that soil erosion on arable land can be significantly reduced with the right measures – in particular, conservation tillage practices.
Humagne Rouge: Moderate Water Stress Improves Wine Quality
Tests carried out by Agroscope in the Valais region reveal that the Humagne Rouge grape variety yields better wines and is less susceptible to bunch shrivel when grapevines are not irrigated.
Swiss Dairy Farming in Transition
Swiss dairy farms are more strongly affected by structural change than other farm types. An analysis of the farms exiting the sector or switching focus highlights influencing factors.
Promising Exotic Antagonist of Spotted-Wing Drosophila
A natural antagonist of Drosophila suzukii, a parasitic wasp from its native range, is harmless to the native non-target species Drosophila melanogaster. This has been proven in trials in secured field cages in Switzerland.
How Can the Social Sustainability of Family Farms Be Measured?
Previous criteria used to measure social sustainability have their limits in the case of family farms. We propose focusing on workload. Initial results show that this is an easy-to-use and meaningful indicator.
Diversity in Swiss Crop Protection Practices
To reduce plant-protection product use, we need to know what behavioural patterns farmers follow when using plant-protection products in their crops. This was the subject of a study conducted by Agroscope in Switzerland.
Direct Payments System: How to Reduce the Administrative Burden
Why do Swiss farmers complain about the administrative burden associated with the direct payments system? Studies conducted by Agroscope show that the issue is not the time required: other factors are more important.
Use of Horses: Performance and Welfare in Working Horses – a Pilot Study
In both sport and alternative agriculture, horses are once again being used as draught animals. Efficient power transmission plays an important role in the wellbeing of draught horses.
Divico Wines in Blends with Pinot Noir: High Quality, Intense Colour
Divico, Agroscope’s new disease-resistant grape variety, is noted for the quality of its wines. Blending trials with the Pinot Noir variety have shown that Divico is also highly suitable for correcting colour intensity in the latter.
The Outdoor Veal Calf Concept Reduces the Use of Antibiotics – Is It Cost-Effective as Well?
A study by Vetsuisse shows that the outdoor veal calf concept reduces antibiotic consumption in calf fattening by 80%. AGRIDEA has examined the economic viability of outdoor veal calf production and concludes that it cannot compete with conventional veal calf fattening.
Two New Varieties of Incarnate Clover Recommended
Crimson clover is essentially used as a catch crop in association with ryegrass. The comparative trial conducted in 2019-21 has led to the addition of two new acquisitions to the List of Recommended Varieties of Forage Plants.
Feeding Dairy Cows a Protein-Reduced Diet and Reducing Ammonia Emissions
In contrast to pigs, dairy cattle are as yet rarely fed protein-reduced diets. Studies show that there is also potential for protein savings in cattle, and thus for reducing ammonia emissions.
How Digitalised Will Swiss Vegetable Farms Be in Future?
Digital technologies for vegetable production are available, but are seldom used at present. What factors inhibit or promote their use? A survey of experts conducted by Agroscope provides answers.
Using Sensors to Better Adapt Nitrogen Fertilisation to Plants and Soils
To ensure a good harvest while protecting the environment, a nitrogen surplus must be avoided. Agroscope is investigating how the application of nitrogen fertiliser can be better adapted to soil replenishment and the needs of the plants.
Why Many Farmers Feel e-Government Services Are an Additional Burden
Farmers are increasingly required to communicate electronically with the authorities. This is obligatory regarding the management of direct payments and the livestock census. Agroscope interviewed farmers on their perception of the administrative workload.
Digital Technologies in Agricultural Training
Digitalisation is playing an increasingly important role in agriculture. What knowledge is imparted in the Farm Manager course? An online survey shows where there is a need for expansion.
Soil Health Improvement Using Commercial Mycorrhizal Products: over 80% are Unsuitable
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are like a “life-insurance policy for plants”. They improve soil structure and make nutrients and water available. This increases the stress tolerance of crops and leads to better yields.
Pollinator Flower Strips: Survey Shows Broad Satisfaction in Practice
Farmer acceptance plays a crucial role in establishing optimal flower strips. A survey conducted by Agroscope, FiBL and HAFL shows that pollinator flower strips work in practice, and lead to high satisfaction.
Income in Agriculture: a Holistic Analysis is Needed
Farms, their risks and various underlying conditions are becoming increasingly complex. Because of this, agricultural income should be considered holistically.
Assessment of Two Boluses for Measuring pH in the Forestomachs of Cows
Forestomach acidosis can impair nutrient utilisation and uptake in dairy cows. Agroscope tested the functioning of two makes of measurement boluses that record pH in the forestomach of cows.
Scenarios for Agricultural Policy in the Age of Digitalisation
How is digitalisation changing agriculture and agricultural policy? A European team with the participation of Agroscope, the FOAG and the ETH developed four scenarios from which strategies were derived for the future achievement of agricultural policy goals.
How Do Today’s Dairy Cows Respond to an All-Herbage Ration?
Agroscope investigated the effects on dairy cows of an all-herbage ration compared with a concentrate-supplemented ration. The study shows that an all-herbage ration is possible for suitable dairy cow types.
New Plant Protection Product Risk Indicators for Switzerland
Agroscope has developed risk indicators for plant protection products. These indicators highlight risk trends over time for important environmental compartments. Based on sales volumes of active substances, they take account of specific risk reduction measures.
Challenges for Sustainable Soil Management – A Stocktake
The preservation of soil fertility and multiple soil functions faces various challenges both in Switzerland and throughout Europe. A survey carried out in Switzerland among people from practice, government agencies and research highlights problems and possible solutions.
