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New covercrops for innovative agriculture
Project
Project code: 2818EPS015
Contract period: 15.07.2019
- 31.03.2022
Budget: 334,650 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: crop production, agricultural biodiversity, soil (soil conservation, soil fertility, soil cultivation, soil health), vegetable production, integrated plant protection, clover, maize, sustainability, catch crop
The aim of the project is to contribute to the development of cover crop-based minimum tillage systems in Germany and to intensify the cultivation of leguminous crops. For this purpose, new cover crop species will be provided for different requirements, new cultivation methods will be developed or tested, and their effects on ecosystem services will be investigated. Suitable cover crops can contribute significantly to N supply, efficiently suppress weeds and thus reduce the need for herbicides. A major problem, however, is to find the right time and suitable methods for cover crop killing, while minimising tillage and avoiding regrowth of the cover crops. ZIL pursues an integrated approach in which technical, genetic and phytopathological aspects are considered. The project will: (a) Evaluate and characterize genetic resources, based on previous work of the applicants (b) Evaluate in detail a subset of 8 species for their suitability as cover crops in mulch-based minimum tillage systems (c) Investigate the possibilities of a more frequent cultivation of legumes as cover crops from a phytopathological point of view: Since cover crops are only used over part of their potential vegetation cycle, the infection pressure on subsequent crops is likely to be lower. Further phytopathological investigations concern the susceptibility of new legume species to pathogens from the Ascochyta and Fusarium complex with a wide host range. A direct adoption of the techniques by innovative practitioners will be supported by advice, combined with suggestions to include new species, if available on the international market, in the portfolio of seed companies. In addition, new genetic material will be made available to breeding companies.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Soil science
- Genetic Resources
