Swiss Agricultural Research – Archive of the Online Journal

Ammann J., Mack G., Irek J., Finger R., El Benni N.

Agroscope researchers conducted an online survey to investigate the attitudes of Swiss consumers to agricultural policy goals in all three language regions. The results should help better shape agricultural policy.

Agroscope, ETH Zurich

Agricultural economics 26.02.24

Widmer J., Christ B., Grenz J., Norgrove L.

Agrivoltaics combines energy generation and agricultural production on the same land. Although this system is eliciting increasing interest, its success depends on numerous factors and the most compatible crops have yet to be identified.

Agroscope, BFH-HAFL

Animal production 21.02.24

Manzocchi E., Huguenin-Elie O., Probo M., Wyss U.

While botanical composition, growth cycle and phenological stage are integral factors, they are not the sole determinants of the quality of grass silages from intensively managed permanent meadows.

Agroscope

Food 20.02.24

von Ah U., Freimoser F.

Metschnikowia pulcherrima is a naturally occurring yeast with applications in agriculture, the food industry and biotechnology. Agroscope is investigating this yeast in particular with regard to biocontrol applications in plant protection.

Agroscope

Plant production 14.02.24

Zufferey V., Delabays N., Verdenal T., Reynard J.- S., Dienes A., Belcher S., Lorenzini F., Bieri S., Blackford M., Bourdin G., Spangenberg J.-E., Carlen C., Spring J.-L.

Soil management lies at the heart of major global warming and sustainable viticulture issues. In this context, inter-row plant cover in vineyards comes with its share of benefits and drawbacks.

Agroscope

Environment 13.02.24

Gazzarin Ch., Jan P.

Grass-based beef production is markedly less productive than intensive year-round indoor-housing system-based production. Agroscope experts therefore studied how grass-based farms can produce both economically and in an ecologically sound manner.

Agroscope

Environment 09.02.24

Dubuis P.-H., Droz M., Melgar A., Zürcher U.A., Zarn J. A., Gindro K., König S.L.B.

Orchard crop spraying using unmanned aerial spraying systems commonly referred to as drones can lead to drift, posing a risk to residents and bystanders. The study shows that the risks arising from this are taken into account by the current registration process.

Agroscope, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO)

Animal production 05.02.24

Mazzoleni S., Tretola M., Luciano A., Lin P., Pinotti L., Bee G.

Food that is unsuitable for human consumption does not affect the growth performance or carcass composition of pigs to which it is fed. This makes it a promising solution for reducing food waste.

Agroscope, University of Milan

Agricultural economics 01.02.24

Saleh R., Ehlers M.

How do farmers experience social sustainability on their farms? As an Agroscope study shows, this depends on farmers’ identities and farm types.

Agroscope

Environment 30.01.24

Luka H., Blick T., Lenzin H., Luka Stan A., Reinbacher L., Pfifner L.

Trials conducted by FiBL have shown that conversion to organic farming also promotes endangered Red List species such as the carabid beetle species Amara tricuspidata. This species and other species consume seeds of forbs and grasses and thus supports natural weed control.

FiBL, University of Basel

Animal production 29.01.24

Herholz C., Siegwart J., Nussbaum M., Studer M. H., Burgos S.

Horses are ridden or driven on a variety of surfaces, which differently absorb the impact forces exerted on hooves, limbs and the horse's entire body. Objective measurement of the functional properties of equestrian arena surfaces is therefore of great importance.

BFH-HAFL

Environment 12.01.24

Nemecek Th., Roesch A., Bystricky M., Jeanneret Ph., Lansche J., Stüssi M., Gaillard G.

The SALCA life cycle assessment method was comprehensively updated in light of new needs, systematically documented and reviewed by external specialists. This will allow a wide range of research issues in the agriculture and food sector to be addressed.

Agroscope

Plant production 11.01.24

Reynard J.- S., Spring J.-L., Verdenal T., Zufferey V., Bourdin G., Bieri S., Carlen C., Crettenand F., Favre G.

A programme has been launched for safeguarding the genetic diversity of Arvine, a grape variety formerly cultivated in Valais. Directed selection would make it possible to exploit this variety's biodiversity and to meet the ecological and economic challenges of the future.

Agroscope, Kanton Wallis, Amt für Rebbau und Wein

Agricultural economics 04.01.24

Tonini A., Decreux Y.

Cheese stands out as one of the main Swiss agricultural trade offensive interests. Outside the EU, the USA are an important export destination. The CAPRI model allows to assess the impact of a free trade agreement for cheese between the USA and CH.

FOAG

Environment 19.12.23

Keel S.G., Bretscher D., Leifeld J., von Ow A., Wüst-Galley C.

Net zero emission targets can only be achieved by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Agroscope has modelled soil carbon storage, food production and agricultural greenhouse gas emission trends for Switzerland.

Agroscope

Animal production 07.12.23

Stettler A., Probst S.

Livestock can convert grassland and by-products into valuable food. But how many animals would Switzerland need if arable land were primarily used for food production instead of animal feed?

BFH-HAFL

Environment 04.12.23

Bender S.F., Schulz S., Martínez-Cuesta R., Laughlin R.J., Kublik S., Pfeiffer-Zakharova K., Vestergaard G., Hartman K., Parladé E., Römbke J., Watson C.J., Schloter M., van der Heijden M.G.A.

Nutrient losses in agricultural production are a global problem. A lysimeter test now shows that soil organisms can make a major contribution to increasing nutrient use efficiency in arable farming and reducing nutrient losses.

Agroscope

Environment 01.12.23

Gilgen A., Felder R., Baumgartner S., Herzog F., Jeanneret P., Séchaud R., Paunovic S., Merbold L.

Agroscope researchers tested the FAO method for assessing the agroecological status of farms in Switzerland for the first time, demonstrating the advantages of a holistic evaluation as well as the limits of the tool.

Agroscope

Animal production 29.11.23

Rödiger M., Home R., Walkenhorst M.

Which stakeholders in the dairy sector have an influence on the productive life of dairy cows? Research results from FiBL and Agroscope suggest that broad-based cooperation is needed to create structures for a longer productive life.

Agroscope, FiBL

Agricultural economics 24.11.23

Tarruella M., Huber R., Mack G., El Benni N., Finger R.

Policies for reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions are both more effective and more efficient when set at regional rather than individual-farm level. This approach can help us achieve climate targets in a more cost-efficient manner.

Agroscope, ETH Zurich

Animal production 23.11.23

Schrade S., Zeyer K., Mohn J., Zähner M.

Agriculture is aiming to reduce greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions. Agroscope showed that for dairy cattle housing, feed composition plays a role in these emissions as well as wind and temperature.

Agroscope, EMPA

Plant production 16.11.23

Stucky T., Hochstrasser M., Meyer S., Segessemann T., Ruthes A. C., Ahrens C. H., Dahlin P., Pelludat C.

The root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita causes damage in field and greenhouse crops. Agroscope researchers have developed a new screening test to identify bacteria that antagonise this agricultural pest.

Agroscope

Environment 02.11.23

Zorn A., Bütler A., Mathys P.

In wheat crops, pesticides can be used more sparingly without sacrificing cost-efficiency. With oilseed rape the situation is more difficult, since the reduced yields are not offset by higher revenues. These are the findings of the analysis of the first two harvest years of the PestiRed project.

Agroscope

Animal production 12.10.23

Lazzari G., Münger A., Eggerschwiler L., Borda-Molina D., Seifert J., Camarinha-Silva A., Schrade S., Zähner M., Zeyer K., Kreuzer M., Dohme-Meier F.

Tannin-containing feedstuffs like Acacia mearnsii and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) have a measurable impact in reducing methane emissions from dairy cows. However, since these feedstuffs in some cases lead to productivity losses, careful consideration must be given to their use.

Agroscope, ETH Zurich, University of Hohenheim, EMPA

Environment 09.10.23

Metzger K., Liebisch F., Herrera J. M., Guillaume T., Walder F., Bragazza L.

Soil samples can be measured directly in the field by means of spectroscopy. Agroscope researchers have tested mobile devices and shown how to make the best use of them.

Agroscope

Environment 05.10.23

Johannes A., Kellermann L.A., Weisskopf P.

Three widely used and newly revised approaches that optimally complement each other are available to practitioners, trainers and educators. Videos and apps have been designed to facilitate their use.

Agroscope, BFH-HAFL

Plant production 04.10.23

Bernert G., Spiess E., Liebisch^,F.

With CULTAN fertilisation, nitrogen is injected into the soil as an ammonium solution. Multi-year trials conducted by Agroscope show that this method reduces nitrogen leaching by an average 38% without negatively affecting yields.

Agroscope, Federal Office for the Environment FOEN

Agricultural economics 03.10.23

Ritzel C., von Ow A.

Global food availability is expected to remain stable in the medium term. Food security challenges in Switzerland include the decline in agricultural land area per capita, higher incidence of extreme weather events and increased pressure from pests.

Agroscope

Food 28.09.23

Burton-Pimentel K. J., Walther B.

Soya-, cereal-, seed- or nut-based plant drinks are consumed increasingly frequently as milk substitutes. Agroscope researchers have studied the macro- and micronutrients in these drinks and have identified major differences between the plant drinks themselves as well as in comparison with milk.

Agroscope

Agricultural economics 27.09.23

Wang Y., Schaub S., Wuepper D., Finger R

Different cultural backgrounds lead to different uptake of biodiversity agri-environmental schemes at the inner-Swiss French-German language border. Economic policy incentives could mitigate culture-driven behavioral differences.

Agroscope, ETH Zurich

Archive

Consumers See Animal Welfare as a Key Agricultural Policy Goal

What Are the Most Promising Crops for an Agrivoltaic System?

Quality of Silages from Intensively Managed Permanent Meadows

The Many Uses of the ‘Most Beautiful’ Yeast, Metschikowia pulcherrima

Impact of Soil Management Methods in Vineyards

Producing Beef Economically on Grassland while Promoting Biodiversity

Plant Protection Treatment by Drones: Risks for Residents?

Using Former Food Products as Pig Feed Reduces Food Waste

Farmers’ Identity and Farm Type Determine Their Perception of Social Sustainability

Conversion to Organics – Promotion of Species Diversity Can Often Only Be Detected After Some Considerable Time

Functional Properties of Equestrian Arena Surfaces: Temporal and Spatial Variations

SALCA Method Updated for more Accurate, Flexible and Comparable Environmental Assessments

Safeguarding the Genetic Diversity of Arvine

Swiss Cheese Export Potential and Future Opportunities

Various Factors Limit Soil Carbon Storage Potential

How Much Livestock Does Switzerland Need for Optimal Land Use?

Impoverished Soil Life Reduces Nutrient Efficiency and Increases Environmental Pollution

How Can We Assess the Agroecological Status of Swiss Farms?

Extending the Productive Life of Dairy Cows: Who Has a Say?

Regional rather than Individual-Farm Targets for Climate-Change Mitigation

Dairy Farming: Feed, Wind and Temperature Influence Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Controlling Root Knot Nematodes: a New Screening Test Identifies Bacterial Antagonists

Is a Significant Reduction in Pesticides in Wheat and Oilseed Rape Crops Cost-Efficient?

What Effect Do Tannin-Containing Feeds Have on Methane Emissions from Dairy Cows?

Measuring Soil Fertility Directly in the Field

Will we in Switzerland be reaching for the spade once again to assess soil structure?

CULTAN Fertilisation Substantially Reduces Nitrate Leaching in Arable Farming

Swiss Food Security 2023: Current Events and Trends

Plant-Based Drinks – an Alternative to Milk?

Culture and Policy Incentives Interact to Influence Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation