The stipulated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions also calls for special efforts in agriculture. In arable farming there are numerous options for action, e.g. optimal crop-rotation design, optimised fertiliser use and reduced tillage. These options are evaluated via field trials and LCA’s.
At the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Soest, Germany, the environmental impacts of three cropping systems differing in terms of crop-rotation design, tillage intensity and fertilisation are being studied with LCA. The cropping systems are being tested in field trials at the Soest and Braunschweig sites. Environmental impacts are quantified and opportunities for improvement are investigated with the SALCA method.
The aim is to develop a cropping system which is optimised in terms of climate impact, taking account of other environmental impacts.
