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.
To prevent biodiversity decline, Swiss farms are implementing 19.3% of their utilised agricultural area as ecological focus areas (EFA). It appears that organic farms implement considerably more and qualitatively better EFAs than do PEP farms.
An Agroscope study shows that Swiss farmers have different soil management priorities. Considering these may increase the effectiveness of information and policy measures to promote sustainable soil management.
Swiss farms must decide on the extent to which they produce agricultural goods and provide biodiversity services. Agroscope has analysed and typified the diversity of farm-level land-use patterns.
Large quantities of potatoes are rejected due to visual defects. For this reason, Agroscope researchers investigated how consumers can be motivated to purchase visually suboptimal potatoes.
Alpine pastures provide forage for cattle, storage for CO2, food for pollinators, a habitat for countless plants, and fascinate us with their beauty. The extent to which these services are provided depends on location, climate – and cows.
A mineral soil cover combined with a rise in the water table can mitigate the loss of organic carbon in cultivated peatlands. At the same time, it would allow agricultural productivity to be maintained.
In recent years, plant-based foods have come on the market as alternatives to products of animal origin. Their aim: to positively influence sustainability and health. However, do they really do this? A study conducted by Agroscope and the University of Bern examined the issue.
Do soils under meadows and pastures in Switzerland take up more carbon than they release, thus contributing to climate protection? According to a new study from Agroscope, they currently do not. Measures to promote carbon storage do, however, exist.
Future agricultural policy will aim at innovative and sustainable production systems. Using the example of agroforestry, an assessment method based on an expert survey and the literature has now been tested. The results show that agroforestry can support the transformation into a more sustainable agricultural sector.
