FELD 1/2025

PROF. FRANK EWERT talks about ZALF in the desert, LAND-INNOVATION-LAUSITZ, and Lusatia as a model region. A scientist and a farmer join forces to sing the praises of the queen of forage crops. Selected plants are intended to provide food for humans and animals as well as enable efficient use of energy and fiber. Using algorithms, drones, satellites, and other technology, researchers want to put together the Lusatia landscape puzzle. If the researchers at ZALF have their way, truffles will soon be known and loved as the black gold of Lusatia.

Multiple use of

Multiple use of climate-resilient crops MODERN AGRICULTURAL CONCEPTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO COAL MINING He sees this as a great opportunity for East German agriculture with its huge farms. They tried to adapt to climate change and modify traditional farming methods and crops. »In East Germany, I noticed a much greater willingness to try new things and not stubbornly continue the old ways,« says Dauser. The goal of the »Land-Innovation-Lausitz«(LIL) alliance, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, to make Lusatia a model region for adapting land use to climate change, makes sense to him. » The question is: What comes after the coal mines? We bring an answer.« The question is: What comes after the coal mines? We bring an answer. HERMANN DAUSER 18

Multiple use of climate-resilient crops With this concept, modern agriculture is returning to its roots, says agricultural engineer Gutser, »it is no coincidence that our test fields near Müncheberg are only 20 kilometers away from Möglin.« In Möglin pioneer agronomist Albrecht Daniel Thaer tested the four-field system at the beginning of the 19th century, in which crop rotation maintains soil fertility. Legumes play an important role in this, as they can bind up to 500 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare every year. A sophisticated cultivation strategy of alfalfa and rye in rotation with other crops enables sufficient humus accumulation so that the straw can be removed from the field. When Gutser talks about legumes such as purple-flowering alfalfa, he becomes enthusiastic: Alfalfa is one of the most important crops. Its high protein content replaces rapeseed and soy feed in cowsheds, and as a nitrogen collector, it makes additional fertilizer obsolete. For engineer Dauser, alfalfa is »not the ideal plant to produce fibers for high-quality paper and cardboard. But it works for simple packaging such as egg cartons.« In the overall agricultural context, alfalfa is therefore a good solution. In other words, alfalfa and other fiber plants could demonstrate, what potential lies in the idea of »multiple use of plants.« MEFAP is set to continue, with follow-up projects already being planned—it will take a little more time to find the perfect all-rounder. Text: Heike Holdinghausen Dr. Klaus Gutser conducts research at ZALF in the working group »Resource-Efficient Cropping Systems«. Hermann Dauser supports the LIL project with process engineering aspects and evaluations from the perspective of the practical user. 19