We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
IMPAC3 - Novel genotypes for mixed cropping allow for IMProved sustainable land use ACross arable land, grassland and woodland
Collaborative Project
Project code:
031A351
Contract period:
01.02.2015
- 31.01.2018
Coordinating institution:
Centre of Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use
Plant breeding innovations and their utilization in cropping systems is seen as a major pathway to a sustainable intensification of plant production. Increasing crop diversity in mixed cropping systems has the potential to enhance production while maintaining or reducing resource consumption. This proposal aims to combine these two approaches, breeding and diversity. Novel genotypes, provided by recent breeding activities, will be examined for their potential to increase biomass production in mixed cropping systems across three domains of farming practice: arable land, grassland, and woodland.
For this initiative, a consortium has brought together scientists from University of Göttingen covering a broad range of disciplines from Plant Breeding to Agronomy, Grassland Science, Forest Sciences, Plant Physiology, Plant Pathology, Ecology and Socio-Economy together with scientists from private breeding companies (NPZ, DSV, SP, GSA). The overall hypothesis is that novel genotypes that possess traits advantageous for multi-species systems are more productive and use resources more efficiently than genotypes not possessing such traits. A central experiment hosting the three domains using the same experimental design will be established at two sites of differing soil fertility and environmental conditions. Leguminous/non-leguminous species will be combined in each domain with one focal species per domain receiving particular attention with regard to plant traits that control mixture performance and the genetic background of the traits.
Well established as well as cutting edge research methodology will be employed in all WPs including advanced molecular genetics techniques, isotopic signature techniques, thermal infrared sensing, species specific root mass quantification via FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, DGGE characterization of bacterial communities, advanced crop-soil process modelling using the APSIM framework, and Monte-Carlo simulation techniques for economic risk assessments. Results of the project will substantially advance our understanding of plant features and their genetic background that facilitate mixture benefits. The results will thus form the basis for more targeted, trait orientated plant breeding, they will enhance our knowledge of integrating novel genotypes into multi-species annual and perennial systems and will provide socio-economic tools and knowledge for an efficient technology transfer into the farming practice.
Collaborative Projects
Establishing experiments that express mixture effects
Research projects
Understanding traits and processes
Research projects
Analysing ecological impact
Research projects
Realising socio-economic benefits
Coordinating workflow, quality control and dissemination
