Permanent grasslands consist of multiple species and cultivars, whose compositions change over time. Identifying such changes visually is laborious at species level and impossible at cultivar level. Two DNA-based methods were tested for this purpose.
Greenhouse gas accounting tools are important for quantifying reduction potentials and performance. Agroscope researchers conducted a review to analyse their potential applications. Considerable experience is needed to correctly interpret the results.
Genome analysis shows that Japanese beetle populations in Switzerland have different origins. This indicates several entry and dispersal routes – knowledge that can help develop targeted prevention and containment measures.
Designation of regional nature parks in Switzerland significantly boosts the adoption of direct payment schemes aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation (agri-environment schemes, AES), particularly in regions with relatively more intensive farming and low prior uptake of such schemes. Although both regional nature parks and agri-environment schemes (AES) aim to conserve biodiversity, the interaction between these…
Stable yields in plant production are crucial for farm profitability and food security. Model simulations show that the yield stability of many summer crops could decline substantially due to climate change, while winter crops are significantly less affected.
Duckweed can efficiently produce protein-rich biomass on nutrient-rich waters, such as wastewater or liquid farmyard manure, while simultaneously binding nitrogen and phosphorus. This presents potential for modern circular economy systems.
Imports from abroad were incorporated into Switzerland’s farm-gate-budget-based agricultural nutrient budget calculation to expand it into a food-system budget. This allows assessment of self-sufficiency, nutrient use and circularity to be assessed in addition to nutrient surpluses.
With the passage of time, crop yield losses can occur on no-till farmland. Researchers from Agroscope and the Universities of Graz and Nevada demonstrated how subsoil compaction can lead to yield losses.
Results-based biodiversity promotion is an approach that is being discussed in the context of agricultural policy as an alternative to the current system that is based on implementable measures. The survey shows that there is considerable interest among farmers.
Private initiatives such as carbon credit trading can support public policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Agroscope and ETH Zürich examined factors which influence the effectiveness of such initiatives.
The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is widely documented in soils, water bodies, drinking water and foods. An analysis by Agroscope ranks the contribution made by plant-protection products and other sources to groundwater contamination with PFAS.
Nitrogen from agriculture, traffic, and industry enters soils and water bodies via the air. A new study shows for the first time that increased nitrogen deposition has a negative impact on bird populations – even in semi-natural habitats.
Greenhouse gas emissions from drained carbon-rich soils are being underestimated in GHG accounting. To resolve this, their distribution and emissions need to be better assessed. Accordingly, improvements for the GHG reporting system are suggested.
To date, figures on agricultural water use for irrigation in Switzerland have been quite patchy. In response, Agroscope has developed a method for estimating consumption volumes on behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment.
In a literature review, FiBL showed that protecting biodiversity requires both sustainably managed agricultural landscapes and suitable, undisturbed habitats.
Livestock husbandry poses challenges in determining odour impacts due to the heterogeneity and spatial extent of its odour sources. Agroscope and Empa have refined a method using trained assessors and validated it with tracer gases.
How can urban agriculture in Zurich move toward the net-zero target? A FiBL study shows that major restructuring would be necessary to reach the goal – although smaller measures can still help bring it closer.
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.
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.
To reduce the use of herbicides to control track-side vegetation, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) commissioned Agroscope and HEPIA to develop a low-growing plant mix for the track area.
An Agroscope study shows that the Suisse-Bilanz nutrient-balance calculation tool could serve as an environmental indicator for sustainable nutrient use – but only for phosphorus, not for nitrogen.
A focus map created by Agroscope, ETH Zürich and the University of Lausanne shows where biodiversity measures could have a positive impact on birds, and where not. These findings will contribute towards planning land use more effectively.
Agroscope researchers conducted a literature review to summarise which measures are most effective in reducing food waste. Their findings contribute to better identification and implementation of effective interventions.
The green alder encroachment of summer pastures reduces biodiversity, forage quality, and landscape attractiveness. Goat grazing can help limit this process and restore pasture vegetation.
Steering levies can change consumer behaviour. An Agroscope study focusing on a sustainability levy on food showed that social sustainability and animal welfare levies are most likely to meet with acceptance.
A site specific nitrogen fertilisation requirement can be calculated with the help of the ‘corrected norms’ method. The method was applied and evaluated in the AgroCO2ncept project in the Zurich Wine Country, where it demonstrated substantial nitrogen-saving potential.
The intensification of agriculture has greatly changed Europe's agroecosystems, with major implications for biodiversity. An overview study by Agroscope and the Swiss Ornithological Institute identifies the most important areas for future research with a view to minimising the uncertainties of currently available knowledge.
