Protecting Natural Resources
Natural resources such as soil, water, air and biodiversity are the pillars of a healthy environment, but suffer under the intensive agriculture sometimes practised in Switzerland. Measures taken to date are not sufficient, for example, to stop the loss of habitats for flora and fauna. Agroscope analyses and measures above- and below-ground biodiversity, soil fertility and health, and the effects of agricultural production on surface waters and air. We develop methods for farming practice that harness genetic diversity and that protect natural resources as the foundations of an agricultural sector with crop yield security.
Strategic Research Fields (SRF) relating to this core theme
Researching, Understanding and Harnessing Microbiomes for the Agriculture and Food Sector
Assessing Sustainability, Substance Flows and Environmental Impacts in Agriculture and Highlighting Potential for Improvement
Maintaining Soil Functions and Making Sustainable, Location-appropriate Use of the Soil
Promoting and Harnessing the Species and Habitat Diversity of the Agricultural Landscape
Making Agriculture Climate-change-proof and Reducing its Contribution to Climate Change