Vegetable Farming in Untersaaten
Research
The Department of Ecological Agriculture and Crop Production (FÖL) conducts research on how to increase crop productivity while simultaneously improving ecosystem services by harnessing biological processes. Key research areas include the optimization of cropping systems (potatoes and legumes), measures to increase soil fertility, including composting, root ecology, and root-soil interactions; diversification of crop production, e.g., through intercropping and agroforestry; and the integration of biodiversity-enhancing measures into arable farming systems. In addition, the group addresses interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary topics such as studies on the environmental impacts of organic agriculture—particularly with regard to water conservation and nature conservation—social agriculture, and the assessment of the societal impact of research.
The department’s curriculum covers the areas of arable farming and crop production in organic agriculture, soil fertility and nutrient cycles, land-use systems, and the transition of farms to organic agriculture. The department serves as the scientific director of the “Hessische Staatsdomäne Frankenhausen” teaching and research farm and participates in the Hesse Practical Research Network. A lecturer position in organic vegetable production is affiliated with the department, as is the coordination office for biodynamic agriculture, which conducts its own teaching and research activities.
Miriam Athmann heads the Department of Ecological Agriculture and Crop Production in the Division of Ecological Agricultural Sciences in Witzenhausen and is also the scientific director of the Hessian State Estate Frankenhausen Teaching, Research, and Transfer Center.
I am part of the PFN because I understand the importance of practice-oriented research for the transition to a sustainable way of life and economy, and I value the exchange with the farmers and advisors both professionally and personally.
Morten Möller is a research associate in the department and the coordinator of the EU collaborative project Ground2Live. His research focuses on the sustainable design of cropping systems and the study of nutrient flows in agricultural ecosystems.
I am part of the PFN because good research is best achieved in collaboration with the agricultural sector. This allows us to develop solutions to the challenges facing agriculture that are both scientifically sound and practical.
Christiane Weiler is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Department of Ecological Plant Protection within the Division of Ecological Agricultural Sciences in Witzenhausen, and as a research assistant on the Ground2Live project, she will contribute her expertise in the areas of biodiversity, pests, and diseases.
I am part of the PFN because we need to conduct research together with farmers in order to navigate the socio-ecological transformation. Nothing brings me more joy than research that stems from practical application and is put into practice.
Solawi field culture
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