From biodiversity on the field, to biodiversity on the plate and healthy production systems, this event highlights research on the practical application of agroecological practises in Switzerland. Four different projects will be presented:

How wide does a beneficial insect strip need to be to fulfill its purpose?
Stefan Lutter will present his project on beneficial insect strips, a measure which is part of the Swiss direct payment regulation. Beneficial insect strips currently have to be over 3 meters wide. This width, however, is not ideal for vegetable cultivation. Allowing a reduced strip width of 1.5 meters, but with an increased frequency of installation, could create a win-win situation for both farmers and nature.

Which protein and oil crops have potential in Switzerland?
A shift towards a more diverse plant-based food system is urgently needed for health and environmental reasons. Roman Grüter will show us how various protein and oil crops can contribute to such a system and how ZHAW investigates their potential in Switzerland.

What is needed to make mulching scalable?
The potato sector in Switzerland faces major challenges with increasing heavy rainfall, erosion and dry periods due to climate change. Straw mulch is known to diminish these challenges and benefit overall soil health. Moira Rudaz will explain how BFH-HAFL now studies how mulching in potatoes can look like in practice concerning factors like application technology and workload.

How can we work together towards regenerative agriculture?
Healthy ecosystems and soils form the basis for agriculture, clean water, and a healthy diet, but are coming under increasing pressure from intensive farming. Sonja Trachsel will explain us how in Wädenswil research is teaming up with farms and stakeholders from industry and society in the implementation of a vision for a regenerative, local agriculture.

Programme

• Welcome: Lena Marti HAFL
• Part 1: 20’ Stefan Lutter HAFL: «3 m vs. 1.5 m Beneficial Insect Strips»
• Part 2: 20’ Roman Grüter ZHAW: “SPOC – Focus on Sustainable Protein and Oil Crops”
• Part 3: 20’ Moira Rudaz HAFL: «Use of Straw Mulch in Crop Rotations with Potatoes»
• Part 4: 20’ Sonja Trachsel ZHAW «Regional Transition – Working Together in Wädenswil to Develop and Implement a Vision for Regenerative Agriculture»
• Part 5: 10’ Questions

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  The event is free of charge, no registration is required

Questions: Lena Marti
Tel: +41 31 848 69 86 Mail: lena.marti@bfh.ch