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Preparation of a field study to measure the copper content of soils in organic farming and the impact on earthworms
Project
Project code: 2809OE015
Contract period: 01.09.2009
- 31.08.2010
Budget: 94,950 Euro
Purpose of research: Project preparation activity
Organic farming in vine, hop and pipfruit is currently depending on copper-bearing plant protection products. Literature data concerning the effects of copper-bearing plant protection products as well as entries from other copper-bearing sources in agriculture on soil organisms shows that long-term copper application harms several species. So far, there does not exist a valid value for fixing a threshold above which negative effects on soil life are expected, as for a risk assessment further factors e.g. local conditions, way of cultivation (green area, mulching) and the application intensity of plant protection products have to be considered. The intended soil sampling in ecological cultivated vineyards for a representative acquisition of load distribution is part of the monitoring program that connects together with the exposure assessment the acquisition of sensitive indicator species of the particular earthworm conenoses. The project is divided into three phases: planning and coordination, pre-selection of probationary area/evaluation of exposure, reporting and submission of suggestions for the selection of the probationary area. This project is required for a long-term study concerning data acquisition of soil copper contents in ecological viniculture and their effects on soil life in terms of the “strategy paper concerning copper application in agriculture having particular regard to organic farming”. The transfer of knowledge into practice is ensured by close coordination and collaboration of ecological associations and expert discussions with involved institutions. The load situation gathered from survey data will be provided to agencies dealing with admission procedures.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants – Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
