In the Agricultural Landscape and Biodiversity sector, Agroscope compiles bases for maintaining and promoting species diversity in agriculture, as well as for the development and upkeep of diverse and beautiful cultivated landscapes.
Life cycle assessment quantifies and evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a product or service. In analysing the entire life cycle, from the extraction of the raw materials up to the disposal or recycling of the waste, all of the environmental impacts associated with a product system are recorded.
We investigate potential positive and negative effects of novel organisms in agriculture on biodiversity and ecological processes. Our experimental research using selected model systems is conducted in the laboratory, greenhouse and field.
Agroscope determines the influence of the use of agricultural land and animal husbandry on the exchange of both climate-impacting gases – i.e. carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) – and reactive trace gases. The effects of climate change and possible adaptation strategies are investigated.
Agroscope provides tools and decision-making processes for safeguarding natural resources such as soil, water and biodiversity. The Swiss Soil Monitoring Network (NABO), for example, enables the early detection of soil pollution. The ALL-EMA ‘Agricultural Species and Habitats’ National Monitoring Programme allows us to develop indicators for measuring changes in the species and habitat diversity of the agricultural landscape.
Research projects in various themes: Nutrient efficiency, Agricultural water protection, Soil Fertility and Soil Protection, Soil Ecology, Rhizosphere ecology, Swiss Collection of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Swiss Soil Monitoring Network (NABO).
Tomorrow’s production systems are meant to meet the various requirements of the market and society and to exhibit a high degree of resilience in the face of changed conditions, for instance owing to climate change.
