Archive

2,478 posts

Environment

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

Plant Protection Treatment by Drones: Risks for Residents?

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.
Environment

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

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

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.
Plant production

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

Safeguarding the Genetic Diversity of Arvine

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.
Environment

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.

Impoverished Soil Life Reduces Nutrient Efficiency and Increases Environmental Pollution

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.
Animal production

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.

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

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.
Food

Spring J.-L., Reynard J.-S., Verdenal T., Zufferey V., Cléroux M., Dienes-Nagy Á., Bourdin G., Bieri S., Blouin A., Carlen C., Favre G.

Variability and Clonal Selection of Muscats in the Valais

Safeguarding the clonal diversity of Muscats in the Valais has enabled the characterisation of 42 Muscat à petits grains and 36 Moscato Giallo clones. The characteristics of the two are quite distinct, particularly their aromatic potential. The best clones will be included in the Swiss certification scheme.