From 1994 to 2003 three methods to measure the nutrients balance were compared on the dairy farm La Frêtaz (VD). Since 1994 no mineral fertilisers were applied on permanent grassland. At the whole farm level the difference between nutrients inputs and outputs was null or positive for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium.…
On 17 May 2006 the Federal Council submitted a package of agricultural policy proposal to parliament (Agricultural Policy 2011). The proposed changes to 6 federal laws constitute a further step in the reform of Swiss agricultural policy that was instigated 15 years ago. The Federal Council thereby pursues three aims. Firstly, the potential for lowering…
It is known from happiness research that some social and economic factors systematically influence individual happiness. By data from the Swiss Health Survey it is analysed whether rural life and farming belong to these factors. Indeed, persons in small communities are, on average, happier than people in urban centres. But agriculture only contributes (negatively) to…
The present study analyses the influence of certain components or modules of the standard labour unit (SLU) on the work income per annual labour unit. SLU module 1, based on general structural characteristics such as area and livestock numbers, has a major positive impact. The complements to SLU module 1, and module 2, however, do…
The chemical processes of two Swiss soil tests for phosphorus availability were examined to allow a comparison: Extraction in the ratio of 1 g of soil to 2.5 ml of CO2-saturated water (CO2-P) and in the ratio 1:10 with pure water (H2O10-P), both followed by colorimetric P determination. Apart from orthophosphate up to 80 %…
From 2003 to 2005 Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon (ART) and Changins-Wädenswil (ACW) had been testing 61 varieties of perennial ryegrass at eight experimental sites. Data on yield, juvenile development, persistence, disease resistance, winter hardiness, competitive ability and adaptation to higher altitudes were obtained. With the data an index value was calculated, allowing for a general evaluation of…
The amino acid (AA) contents of 42 forages were analysed. During three consecutive years, forage samples from the first and third cut were collected at two stages of maturity (30 days apart) on the same experimental plots. After cutting, the forage samples were either frozen (-20°C), artificially dried (forced air at 30°C, <45% relative humidity),…
Between 2003 and 2005 Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon (ART) and Changins-Wädenswil (ACW) had been conducting trials with 25 varieties of white clover and four varieties of bent grasses at five and eight experimental sites, respectively. For comparison of the varieties, data on yield, juvenile development, persistence, disease resistance, winter hardiness, competitive ability and adaptation to higher altitudes…
This article presents the spring wheat breeding program at the Swiss federal research station of Changins and its results in Switzerland and in the world. Since the first Swiss crosses in 1947, the selection of spring wheat aims to obtain varieties of excellent baking quality (classes I or TOP) and very good disease resistance. Today,…
Until now only rough estimations concerning the amounts of antibiotics used in milk production were available. Our objective was to obtain more reliable information on the average quantity and type of antibiotic used on dairy farms by evaluating the stipulated treatment records for milk production farms. The evaluation of the recordings from a representative sample…
Land-laws in German speaking countries contain restrictions how a farm is valued in cases of succession or inheritance. We construct a system dynamics model to estimate the impacts which legal concepts have for agricultural structures and the land market. It shows that current laws slow down structural change and prevent a broader distribution of land.
A full-cost calculation is made for six arable crops based on the years 2001 to 2003. Direct costs represent between 20 and 30 % of the total costs. Machinery accounts for the main part of the costs (about 30 %), followed by labour costs with 20 %. The comparison of full costs and revenues shows that…
Land-laws in German speaking countries contain restrictions how a farm is valued in cases of succession or inheritance. We construct a system dynamics model to estimate the impacts which legal concepts have for agricultural structures and the land market. It shows that current laws slow down structural change and prevent a broader distribution of land.
Over a period of several years, the mineral nitrogen contents of a loamy cambisol at the Inforama Rütti in Zollikofen, Switzerland, were compared within an arable crop rotation without fallow periods using the two cropping systems of «no-tillage» (NT) and «ploughing» (P). In both systems, the plants received the same amount of mineral nitrogen, but…
Nonostante che l’anno 2005 sia stato generalmente troppo secco, tra il 18 e il 22 agosto precipitazioni molto abbondanti hanno colpito diverse regioni della Svizzera nordalpina, causando danni estesi. A basse quote le temperature sono risultate superiori alla media (1961-1990), mentre a quote più alte sono state leggermente inferiori.L’inizio del periodo vegetativo è stato caratterizzato…
A feeding trial with dairy cows was conducted to assess the effect of different calcium concentrations in diets without or with the supplementation of anionic salts on mineral metabolism and acid-base balance in periparturient cows. Twenty-four Holstein cows were assigned to four groups. From day 263 of gestation until parturition, each group was fed a…
Our cultivars Arvella (diploid), Salamandra and Alligator (both tetraploid) enhance the assortment of Swiss cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) available for forage production. Arvella is nearly as early heading as Arion and it’s resistance to crown rust is markedly improved compared to that standard cultivar. Therefore, Arvella can replace Arion in the grass-white…
In the long-term field trial “Oberacker” at the Inforama Ruetti in Zollikofen (Switzerland), no-tillage and conventional plough tillage have been compared on a light to medium textured gleyic cambisol since 1994. The soil physical analyses carried out within the cantonal soil monitoring program (KABO) between 1999 and 2004 provide information on structure, stability and water…
In 20 municipalities of the Northern and Central Eastern Alps of Switzerland grasslands of the three management types extensive ecological compensation area (ECA), low intensive ECA and conventional meadows were investigated. Based on botanical relevés, the ecological quality of each meadow was assessed according to the Environmental Quality Ordinance (EQO). We found that the ecological…
The development of an average farm of the ‘dairying/arable crops’ type (20 cows) in the plain area is simulated by means of a dynamic simulation model. As a result of milk price reductions, the farm will suffer continuous equity-capital losses if it maintains its current production. The present study investigates the alternative of specialisation in…