Our research into more sustainable farming systems of the future is based on long-term field trials at 10 sites. In fertilisation experiments and cropping system trials, we study the long-term sustainability and resilience of organic and mineral fertilisation as well as organic and conventional cropping systems.
We study the basic principles and standards of sensor-based measurement of crop characteristics and develop application concepts for site-specific fertilisation (precision farming) or environmental assessments.
Improved nutrient efficiency in agroecosystems is a key challenge in agricultural research. Our research focuses on plant nutrition in different cropping systems, organic and recycled fertilisers, yield responses to nutrient availability and site characteristics, mineralisation processes in the soil and site-specific fertilisation.
An in-depth understanding of root distribution in the soil, below-ground nitrogen and carbon inputs, and their residual effects is the basis for targeted nutrient management, efficient resource use and sustainability assessment in agroecosystems.
We prepare technical contributions for the Principles of Agricultural Crop Fertilisation in Switzerland (PRIF), the calculation of nutrient balances (e.g. “Suisse-Bilanz”), the evaluation of the soil nutrient testing as part of the Proof of Ecological Performance (PEP) and the calculation of Agri-Environmental Indicators (AEIs).
We support environmental laboratories, agricultural advisors and associations in interpreting soil test results and deriving fertilisation recommendations. We cooperate with universities by giving lectures and organising excursions.
Surface runoff can transport dissolved phosphorus into surface waters. Grassland areas that have been heavily enriched with phosphorus and fertilised with liquid manure are particularly problematic.
Lysimeters are cylindrical containers filled with natural soil. The water percolating into the soil can be collected at the bottom of these containers. Agroscope’s lysimeters are used to study the water- and mass balance of agricultural soils.
Soil erosion is not only a soil-physical problem and damages soil fertility, but can also lead to water pollution if phosphorus is transported into water bodies with the eroded soil material.
SALCA (Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment) ist eine Ökobilanzmethode und -datenbank, welche von Agroscope entwickelt wurde. Sie dient der Analyse und Optimierung der Umweltwirkungen der landwirtschaftlichen Produktion.
Soil structure, i.e. the spatial arrangement of soil constituents, influences important soil functions such as the transport and storage of water, gases, nutrients and pollutants.
Carbon-based soil amendments like biochar are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, biochar serves as a soil improver and can bind pollutants; on the other, it is not free of pollutants itself. Our work aims to take into account both aspects.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to forage efficiently for soil nutrients and forward them to associated plants. Supporting those fungi in agricultural ecosystems, could reduce environmental pollution and improve the sustainability of agricultural production.
Several microorganisms can improve soil health and plant productivity. We investigate if the functioning and sustainability of agricultural soils can be increased or restored by introducing beneficial microorganisms (e.g. mycorrhiza) in the field.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have the ability to inhibit the growth of some agricultural weeds. So far, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of this unilateral suppressive action.
Soil microbes are essential for soil fertility. In contrast to their significance for plant nutrient little is known about their significance for the functioning of agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Plants depend - especially if nutrients are limited - on interactions with microbial symbionts in the rhizosphere. Here we investigate how plants take influence on their associated microbiome in response to the availability of phosphorus in soil.
The activity of microbes increases in the proximity to roots and thereby impact plant growth. We investigate the structure and function of this microbiota combining state-of-the-art DNA sequencing and cultivation-based manipulations in microcosms.
We develop and optimize sustainable farming systems, especially for organic agriculture. We search for practical solutions for no-till systems, intercropping and weed control for producing in an eco-friendly and resource-efficient manner.
Mycorrhizal fungi have a wide range of positive effects in agricultural ecosystems. We analyse your soil and root samples and determine which and how many mycorrhizal fungi are present. We also sell mycorrhizal fungal inoculum for a variety of applications.
The European Joint Programme aims to promote climate-friendly soil management in agriculture, i.e. soil-management systems that contribute to the preservation of ecosystem services.
The main goal of the National Soil Monitoring Network NABO is the nationwide assessment and evaluation of chemical, physical and biological impacts on soil. Additional tasks include the prediction and early detection of soil changes to ensure long-term soil fertility. For this purpose, the NABO conducts a long-term monitoring of soils under current management conditions.
