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Imprint
Investigation of problems in plant production of long-term organic farms; cooperation model farmers – advisors – scientists
Project
Project code: 03OE024
Contract period: 01.04.2004
- 30.06.2007
Budget: 195,776 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Within the Federal Program for Organic Farming a research project for investigating problems in plant production with unknown causes was carried out from 2004 to 2007. On the basis of information from farmers and advisors the main focus was put on: (1) humus and cereal yield, (2) spotwise growth depression of cereals and (3) damage to peas. Soil analyses and plant investigations as well as the analysis of the locations and the management systems were carried out on 20 organic farms. During the entire project there was a cooperation with advisers, farm managers and experts. Regarding the subject humus and cereal yield 39 fields were examined. In so doing, essential factors of the cereal yield were identified. A direct influence of the humus content and the humus quality was hardly noticeable. However, the location conditions and the management showed a clear influence on the humus content and the humus quality. Therefore, the consideration of location and management system is essential for an evaluation or the optimisation of organic farms concerning the humus management. The investigation of spotwise growth depression of cereals on 25 fields revealed several different damage causes. Essential factors were nutrient deficiency and the occurrence of nematodes. Often appeared different combinations of low levels of magnesium, manganese and potassium in the soil as well as enhanced densities of Pratylenchus species, Tylenchorhynchus dubius and Heterodera avenae. The nematode problem in organic farming could possibly spread, because of, e.g., climatic changes and new management systems. Damage to peas was examined in 12 different areas. Mostly the pea root or the stem base were damaged. A clear identification of single damage causes was not often possible. Nevertheless, the results pointed to cause complexes of Ascochyta- and Fusarium species as well as partly of unfavourable soil conditions. Further scientific research is required, e.g., for effective seed treatment procedures and with regard to the crop rotation-soil properties-foot diseases-complex.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
