project - Research and innovation
NEFERTITI - Networking European Farms to Enhance Cross Fertilisation and Innovation Uptake through Demonstration 2 of 2
NEFERTITI - Networking European Farms to Enhance Cross Fertilisation and Innovation Uptake through Demonstration 2 of 2
Kontext
NEFERTITI acknowledges the potential merits of the innovations coming from the grass roots at the farmer level and seeks to enhance the visibility and general acquaintance among the farmers’ public of these innovations. Also the innovation potential of farmers and their partners in business sometimes leads to innovations that are not widely spread (e.g. because they are not readily ‘saleable’). NEFERTITI will address three levels: farmers’ solutions, business carried solutions and research and development solutions; also enabling farmers to better demonstrate their own innovations to a wide audience is a key objective of NEFERTITI.
NEFERTITI’s overall aim is to realise added value from connecting existing initiatives of EU demonstration and pilot farms on thematic level, improving knowledge flows. Moreover NEFERTITI sees a potential role for networks to improve the bottom up influence on research programs agenda setting, improved dialogue and fertile ground to initiate new operational projects and innovations.
Objectives
The overall objective of NEFERTITI is to establish an EU-wide highly connected network of well-specified demonstration and pilot farms designed to enhance knowledge exchanges, cross fertilisation among actors and efficient innovation uptake in the farming sector through peer-to-peer demonstration of techniques to be organised by themes.
Objectives
L’objectif global de NEFERTITI est d’établir un réseau européen de fermes de démonstration et de fermes pilotes interconnectées et organisées par thèmes, afin d’améliorer les échanges de connaissances, l’apprentissage mutuel entre les acteurs et l’adoption efficace de l’innovation dans le secteur agricole.
Activities
Under the project NEFERTITI 10 interactive thematic networks will be established bringing together 45 regional clusters (hubs) of demo-farmers and actors involved (advisors, NGOs, industry, education, researchers and policy makers) in 17 countries. The project NEFERTITI focuses on creating added value from the exchange of knowledge, actors, farmers and technical content between networks in order to boost innovation uptake and to improve peer to peer learning and network connectivity between farming actors across Europe. In the end, it all contributes to a more competitive, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
Activities
Dans le cadre du projet NEFERTITI, 10 réseaux thématiques interactifs sont mis en place, rassemblant 45 pôles régionaux (hubs) d’agriculteurs et d’acteurs impliqués dans des activités de démonstration (conseillers, acteurs des filières, enseignement, chercheurs, ONG et responsables politiques) dans 17 pays. Le projet NEFERTITI mise sur l’échange de connaissances entre réseaux d’acteurs en particulier les agriculteurs afin d’améliorer l’apprentissage entre pairs, la mise en connexion des réseaux d’acteurs agricoles en Europe pour ainsi stimuler l’adoption de l’innovation. La finalité est de contribuer à bâtir une agriculture plus compétitive, plus durable et plus respectueuse du climat.
Additional information
NEFERTITI has chosen to represent the main agricultural sectors in Europe to be present in the 10 networks that were chosen. By taking on board these different sectors we profit in the learning process from the distinct different settings of stakeholders, farmers and issues and resulting innovation ecosystems from these three sectors. Within these sectors the themes have been chosen based on the key concerns of the farming communities of the national/regional ‘hubs’ in the project, reflecting the importance of the sector for the region.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Horizon Project Type
- Multi-actor project
Ort
- Main geographical location
- Paris
EUR 6 999 992.00
Total budget
Total contributions including EU funding.
Project keyword
- Aquaculture
- Arable crops
- Organic farming
- Agro-ecology
- Crop rotation/crop diversification/dual-purpose or mixed cropping
- Animal husbandry
- Animal welfare
- Biodiversity and nature
- Equipment and machinery
- Pest/disease control in plants
- Pest/disease control in animals
- Fodder and feed
- Outdoor horticulture and woody crops (incl. viticulture, olives, fruit, ornamentals)
- Greenhouse crops
- Soil
- Water
57 Practice Abstracts
A virtual demo event (VDE) is similar to an on-farm demo event, in that both events aim to support peer-to-peer learning related to an innovation on a working farm or within a local context. In contrast to an on-farm or ‘face-to-face’ demonstration, a VDE is held online. The NEFERTITI project has hosted a wide range of VDEs, with a diverse number of participants and degree of peer-to-peer learning. Given this experience, below are recommendations for good practice in the efficient organisation and facilitation of VDE:
• VDE should take place during a predefined time and (virtual) space, to allow for interaction between audience members.
• The objectives for the VDE must be clearly defined.
• A clear agenda should be designed, and to keep the VDE relatively short (i.e. 60 to 90 minutes).
• VDE should focus on peer-to-peer learning and give priority to farmer participants sharing their knowledge and experiences directly. A video shared on social media or via a video channel cannot be considered a virtual demonstration.
• Including visuals can provoke discussion between participants and audience members, for example using videos, a storyboard, or a farmer’s testimony with pictures.
• As with a physical demo, the VDE should be actively facilitated to ensure that all participants are encouraged to speak, and to share their ideas and experiences. Technical rehearsals before the ‘live’ event can help to build rapport between speakers and reduce the risk of technical uncertainties.
• Write and share minutes of the VDE with the participants (i.e. those presenting and those who attended as audience members). Where possible, VDE can be recorded, and the video shared online after the event and with those unable to attend at the specified time.
On-farm demonstration events are used as a peer-to-peer learning approach to reach agricultural objectives such as technology adoption, farm practice change, capacity enhancement and shifting to sustainable farming systems. Within H2020 NEFERTITI, an EU-wide network of demonstration and pilot farms are established to enhance peer-to-peer learning and accelerate efficient innovation uptake. The COVID-19 crisis necessitated conversion from on-farm to on-line events. Virtual demos create opportunities, but also come with challenges. Main opportunities of virtual demos are: 1) they can attract more diverse audiences, mainly in terms of better representation of remote populations and young farmers; 2) virtual demos have a lower threshold to attend; and are therefore suitable to 3) attract larger audiences. Main challenges that come with virtual demos are: 1) technical issues such as problems with connectivity; 2) virtual settings hinder peer-to-peer exchange; and 3) virtual setting cannot replace ‘togetherness’ of on-farm demo events.
Many virtual demonstration events took on a hybrid form, mixing both virtual and live elements. An example of what such a hybrid demo can look like: demonstration is presented via pre-recorded videos – live stream of panel interaction in a studio – facilitated virtual exchange between panel members and online audience via digital platform.
Want to learn more? Visit the Farm Demo website for a demo design guide for virtual demonstrations.
Demonstratie activiteiten op het boerenerf gaan uit van het principe ‘boeren leren van boeren’ om landbouwdoelen te bereiken zoals technologie implementatie, verandering van landbouwpraktijk, capaciteitsvergroting en ontwikkeling richting een duurzamer landbouwsysteem. In H2020 project NEFERTITI is een EU-breed netwerk van demonstratie en pilot boerderijen opgezet, om kennisuitwisseling en kruisbestuiving tussen actoren te verbeteren en om efficiënte opname van innovatie in de agrarische sector te versnellen. De COVID-19 crisis genoodzaakte een overgang naar virtuele demo’s. Virtuele demo’s creëren kansen, maar kennen ook belemmeringen. Belangrijke kansen van virtuele demo’s zijn: 1) mogelijkheden voor een meer divers publiek, vooral betere representatie van populaties uit afgelegen gebieden en jonge boeren; 2) virtuele demo’s zijn toegankelijker; en trekken daardoor 3) een grotere groep deelnemers aan. Belangrijke belemmeringen van virtuele demo’s zijn: 1) technische problemen zoals problemen met verbinding; 2) de virtuele setting verhindert peer-to-peer uitwisselingen; en 3) een virtuele setting kan het gevoel van samenzijn niet vervangen zoals dat er is op het boerenerf.
Veel virtuele demonstratie activiteiten namen een hybride vorm aan, waarbij zowel virtuele als fysieke elementen door elkaar heen liepen. Een voorbeeld van hoe zo een hybride demo eruit kan zien: een demonstratie wordt gedeeld via vooraf opgenomen video’s – een live stream met panel interactie in een studio – gefaciliteerde virtuele interactie tussen panellisten en online publiek via digitaal platform.
Nieuwsgierig naar meer? Neem een kijkje op Farm Demo website voor een design guide voor virtuele demonstraties.
Videos play an increasingly important role in agricultural education, training and extension. With today's smartphones, filming has become easy and inexpensive. Videos are an excellent tool to increase the reach of demonstration events and to showcase the practical experiences of farmers and advisors. Here we guide you through the most important steps to produce successful videos.
Minimal equipment: You can use your smartphone, or a camcorder as a camera. You will also need an external microphone (either with cable or wireless). A windbreaker guarantees good sound even outdoors. For steady pictures, we also recommend using a tripod or gimbal.
The next step is to plan the content and duration of your video. For beginners, we recommend starting with a simple topic that is well suited for visual presentation. For example, a demonstration of an agricultural machinery is well suited. Plan a short introduction so that viewers immediately understand what the video is about. Then decide which features of the machine should be shown. A short conclusion at the end rounds off your video. The next step is the filming itself. First, you film the machine in action, from as many different positions as possible. Tutorial 1 explains how to do that. Then let a practitioner explain the machine. Tips on what to consider in interviews are provided in tutorial 1.
Tutorial 1 on how to shoot diverse footage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0Sldmo--ew
Tutorial 2 on how to conduct interviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-NP5evqE5o
Tutorial 3 on how to combine commentary and footage with an editing program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be4tiTgrTtw
Videos spielen in der landwirtschaftlichen Bildung, Ausbildung und Beratung eine immer wichtigere Rolle. Mit den heutigen Smartphones ist das Filmen einfach und kostengünstig geworden. Videos sind ein hervorragendes Medium, um die Reichweite von Demonstrationsveranstaltungen zu erhöhen und die praktischen Erfahrungen von Landwirt/innen und Berater/innen darzustellen. Hier führen wir Sie durch die wichtigsten Schritte für eine erfolgreiche Videoproduktion.
Minimales Equipment: Als Kamera können Sie ihr Smartphone, Videocam oder Fotoapparat verwenden. Weiter benötigen sie ein externes Mikrofon (entweder mit Kabel oder kabellos über Funk). Ein Windschutz garantiert auch draussen auf dem Feld einen guten Ton. Für wackelfreie Bilder empfehlen wir zudem, ein Stativ oder einen Gimbal zu verwenden.
Als nächsten Schritt planen Sie den Inhalt und die Dauer ihres Videos. Für Anfänger empfehlen wir mit einem einfachen Thema zu beginnen, das sich für die visuelle Umsetzung gut eignet. Gut geeignet ist beispielsweise die Vorführung einer landwirtschaftlichen Maschine.
Der nächste Schritt ist das Filmen selbst. Einerseits filmen Sie die Maschine in action, aus möglichst unterschiedlichen Perspektiven. Tutorial 1 zeigt wie das geht. Dann lassen Sie einen Praktiker die Maschine erklären. Tipps für worauf Sie bei Interviews achten sollten finden Sie in Tutorial 2.
Tutorial 1 Filmen von Schnittbildern https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0Sldmo--ew
Tutorial 2 Filmen von Interviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-NP5evqE5o
Tutorial 3 Zusammenführen von Kommentar und Schnittbildern in einem Schnittprogramm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be4tiTgrTtw
With COVID travel restrictions, NEFERTITI had to take a more creative and pragmatic approach to ensure farmers would be engaged and interested in the project annual knowledge exchange in an online format. To overcome this, farmers were challenged to make a storyboard on a technical topic to later share with their peers. To make this even more interesting, a contest for the top storyboards was put in place.
To kick off this activity, there was a first online meeting to explain the concept and the challenge to all NEFERTITI hub coaches. Storytelling can be a wide range of practices, but overall it is an umbrella term for a method for designing user experiences. In the context of NEFERTITI, this means to put a farmer in the centre of the story. While so far the rule has been to focus on the problem or the technology, the focus is now on the users. Storytelling was chosen as the main topic of the Knowledge Exchange because we wanted Hub Coaches to understand that no matter the relevance of the technical information they may have, it is important to have communication and design to tell a story. The purpose is to have viewers bond with the story to keep them engaged, to communicate more effectively and be understood. This will make dissemination material more effective. A storyboard is a quick, low-resolution prototype to help to visualize a story from start to finish. Some important resources used in storyboards are personas, a hook, hold & payoff and storytelling scenarios.
The 2020 Knowledge Exchange was considered a success, as we received 44 storyboards. Since this was a time and resource-demanding task, having this rate of participation was outstanding.
More information @ Farm Demo: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOYrtkIDkcdRQ6dXOJKKmy9ly9bS_z-dn
Farmers often evaluate farm demo’s quickly and superficially, allow discussions to meander or focus on the network aspect of the demo. The ORID framework enables detailed reflection and learning. It helps groups of farmers to determine individual actions based on their experiences during a demo.
The acronym “ORID” is derived from the first letters of four stages of questioning: Objective; Reflective; Interpretative; Decision. After visiting a demo a facilitator asks farmers open-ended and specific questions about the demo in a sequence of ORID. It could be helpful that farmers note their answers on a questionnaire or that the facilitator makes use of a flipchart to keep track on the answers.
Objective questions are related to observable data of the demo. What have you seen, heard, touched?
Reflective questions are about how did the demo affect you. What was a highlight, a positive or negative feeling about the demo. Interpretative questions stimulate the farmers to consider the meaning of the demonstrated topic for their own farms. What can you conclude from this farm demo? Finally questions are asked to come up to a decision for action. Did the demo changed your thinking? What will you do differently as a result of this farm demo?
With the ORID method the facilitator supports farmers to structure their evaluation process so they can develop a shared understanding of the demonstrated innovation and broaden their perspectives for application of lessons learned on their own farm.
Boeren evalueren ervaringen bij demo's vaak oppervlakkig. Discussies gaan alle kanten op of richten zich op het onderling netwerken. Het ORID-raamwerk maakt een gedegen reflectie mogelijk. Het helpt groepen boeren bij het bepalen van eigen acties op basis van ervaringen tijdens de demo.
Het acroniem "ORID" is afgeleid van Objective; Reflective; Interpretative; Decision. Het staat voor vier sets aan vragen die een begeleider aan boeren kan stellen na het bezoek aan een demo. De begeleider kan daarbij gebruik maken van een flip-over om de antwoorden bij te houden of geeft de deelnemers een vragenlijst om hun antwoorden te noteren.
Objective vragen gaan over de waarneembare zaken van de demo. Wat heb je gezien, gehoord, aangeraakt? Reflective vragen gaan over hoe de demo het gevoel van de landbouwer beïnvloedt. Wat was een hoogtepunt of juist een negatief gevoel over de demo. Vragen uit de categorie Interpretative stimuleren de boeren om na te denken over de betekenis van het gedemonstreerde onderwerp voor hun eigen bedrijf. Wat kun je concluderen uit deze demo? Tot slot worden er vragen gesteld om tot een besluit tot actie te komen (Decision). Heeft de demo je denken veranderd? Wat ga je na deze demo anders doen?
Met de ORID-methode ondersteunt de facilitator boeren in het structureren van hun evaluatieproces. Ze kunnen zo een gedeeld begrip ontwikkelen van de gedemonstreerde innovatie en verbreden hun perspectief voor de toepassing van deze geleerde lessen op hun eigen bedrijf.
For networks of agricultural demonstration activities to be successful, they should be inviting to the network members to share their experiences, to be inspiring by providing new ideas, and to ensure a continuous knowledge flow between practitioners, demo organisers and the network. This requires careful planning of network meetings, including advanced knowledge of the member’s expectations and needs. Predefining a particular topic can support deeper discussions and progressive learning. To ensure participation, commitment and ownership by all members, network leaders can share responsibilities, for example the preparation of short factsheets or slides on the topic, including technical issues or experiences of recent demo events.
During a meeting, it is vital to foster an atmosphere of trust, openness, and fun. The first few minutes of a meeting should be welcoming and develop an open and participative mood. Fun exercises or ice-breakers may also support this goal, as well as agreeing shared objectives for the meeting, and ‘rules’ for discussion. The meeting discussion should encourage network members to be open about the problems and challenges they face, and to share possible solutions. At the end of each meeting, there should be a shared agreement from all the network members about the next steps, and minutes produced with action points.
The network leader is encouraged to consider what is a ‘good rhythm’ of formal meetings and between-meetings exchange. It is important to organise regular meetings, to sustain the energy of the network, to ensure progress and a sense of continuity and improvement. Between formal meetings, it is helpful to maintain informal contact and engagement between members, e.g. by email, WhatsApp groups, etc.
The NEFERTITI project proposes 6 key factors for successful network (NW) development. The factors have been used the project and to help NW and hub leaders in establishing, reflecting on and maintaining their NW or hub: (i) NW purpose, identity, and values: Each NW should promote its shared vision and values to which NW members can subscribe. (ii) NW governance and hierarchies: NWs are formed through the facilitation of linkages between cooperative partners. NW governance should involve the implementation of decisions that enable and empower NW members. (iii) Knowledge exchange and learning activities for value creation: The project has designed and implemented appropriate mediation techniques and communication tools to support NW knowledge exchange, which are key in the NWs. (iv) NW infrastructure and resources: Establishing and maintaining a NW requires resources or ’capitals’: natural, cultural, human, political, financial, and critically social. NEFERTITI provides budget to hubs and NWs to facilitate and participate in many knowledge exchange opportunities. (v) NW monitoring and evaluation: monitoring and evaluation helps to effectively develop the NWs and to increase the demonstration activities impact. The Dynamic Action Plans and Hub Campaign Plans have supported the systematic reflection on the NWs and hubs, by questioning their goals, challenges and actions. (vi) NW maintenance: Creating ownership of the NW by the its members, through involving them in decision-making has sought to encourage ongoing engagement with the NW after the project end. Frequent communication towards policy makers and other stakeholders about the contributions and overall value of the NW, increases NW support during and after NEFERTITI ends.
FarmDemo is the close collaboration of three European Horizon 2020 projects: AgriDemo-F2F, PLAID and NEFERTITI. All projects aim to enhance peer-to-peer learning and focus on farm demonstration as a tool to boost innovation uptake. Collectively the project teams have designed a ‘FarmDemo Training Kit’ (https://trainingkit.farmdemo.eu/) to support good practice and in the organisation of and successful on-farm demo events for peer-to-peer learning and innovation uptake. The toolkit is structured to support the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of on-farm demonstrations. In preparing for a demonstration, the toolkit provides a detailed guide to how to determine clear demo objectives, the key messages (i.e. ‘what is the innovation to demonstrate?’), and which actors to involve. The kit provides practical advice on demo event organisation, including the team, developing a balanced programme, identifying the best time for the demo, the necessary facilities, equipment, and therefore budget required. Advice on demo event promotion, inviting targeted groups, and the value of registering and interacting with participants in advance of the event is discussed. The Kit details the range of learning and facilitation methods that can be used on farm demos, and which learning methods to select for different demo events. Often over-looked, post-event evaluation can enhance the impact of on-farm demos and can support the organisation of more successful future events. The Kit provides a rich suite of evaluation tips and techniques, in order to understand the short- and longer-term impacts of a demo event (i.e. whether participants will make changes to their farming practices based on the knowledge they have gained at the demo event).
The main objective of H2020 project NEFERTITI is to establish an EU-wide network of demonstration and pilot farms to enhance knowledge exchanges and efficient innovation uptake in the farming sector through peer-to-peer demonstration events. Reflexivity is used as a way to improve peer-to-peer learning and exchange. Monitoring and evaluation tools were developed to facilitate reflexive learning. Here we present one tool that can be used to collectively evaluate a demonstration event. The tool consists of three parts: 1) topic and demonstration cards; 2) a topic and a demonstration canvas; 3) a wrap-up canvas.
During the demonstration, each participant is handed both a topic and a demonstration card. The cards pose questions for the participant to reflect upon during the demo. Topic cards address what is demonstrated while demonstration cards address how it is demonstrated. An example of a question on a topic observation card is: What are barriers for wider use of what is demonstrated? An example of a question on a demonstration canvas card is: Is knowledge exchange between demonstrator and participants effective?
After the demo, the topic and demonstration canvases are used to evaluate the demo based on the topic and demonstration cards. Each participants shares their observations. At the end of the plenary session, formulate pearls (most important lesson), puzzles (things that are still unclear) and proposals (ideas for improvement) for both the topic canvas and the demonstration canvas.
To wrap up the demo event, use the wrap-up canvas to address: 1) main lessons learned; 2) lessons participants will take home; 3) suggestions for improving the demo event.
Visit the NEFERTITI website to find more tools to monitor and evaluate demo events.
In H2020 project NEFERTITI is een EU-breed netwerk van demonstratie en pilot boerderijen opgezet, om kennisuitwisseling en kruisbestuiving tussen actoren te verbeteren en om efficiënte opname van innovatie in de agrarische sector te versnellen. Reflexiviteit is een manier om kennisuitwisseling te verbeteren. Monitoring en evaluatie tools werden ontwikkeld om reflexief leren te faciliteren. We presenteren hier een tool die gebruikt kan worden om gezamenlijk een demo activiteit te evalueren. De tool bestaat uit drie delen: 1) thema- en demonstratiekaarten; 2) een thema- en demonstratiecanvas; 3) wrap-up canvas.
Tijdens de demo krijgt elke deelnemer zowel een thema- als een demonstratiekaart. Op deze kaarten staan vragen waar deelnemers tijdens de demo op reflecteren. Themakaarten gaan over wat wordt gedemonstreerd, demonstratie kaarten gaan over hoe dat wordt gedemonstreerd. Een voorbeeldvraag op de themakaart is: Wat zijn barrières voor bredere toepassing van het gedemonstreerde? Een voorbeeldvraag op de demonstratiekaart is: Is kennisuitwisseling tussen demonstrateur en deelnemers effectief?
Na de demo worden de thema- en demonstratiecanvassen gebruikt om te evalueren, gebruik makend van de thema- en demonstratiekaarten. Elke deelnemers deelt zijn/haar observaties. Formuleer voor beide canvassen aan het einde van de plenaire sessie parels (belangrijkste lessen), puzzels (onduidelijkheden) en voorstellen (ideeën voor verbetering).
Gebruik ter afsluiting de wrap-up canvas en bespreek 1) belangrijkste geleerde lessen; 2) lessen die deelnemers mee naar huis nemen; en 3) suggesties om de demo te verbeteren.
Op de NEFERTITI website vind je meer tools voor het monitoren en evalueren van demo activiteiten.
The future of the agri-food sector will be more digital and include more forms of technology. What does this mean for women and gender balance within the agri-food sector?
NEFERTITI is part of the FARM DEMO trio of projects and promotes peer to peer learning amongst farmers. The Water and Nutrient Hubs of NEFERTITI in Almería have collaborated often with other EU projects, such as SmartAgriHubs and IoF2020.
The University of Almería hubs decided this was a perfect example of where peer to peer and farm demonstration practices could be effective in getting across a sometimes abstract message on women and digitialisation through a NEFERTITI farm demo webinar. A mixed webinar (videos and real time) was held in collaboration with COEXPHAL association of producer organisations. Women farmers were chosen for their excellence as farmers and leaders who could participate in effective demonstrations and peer to peer learning about digitalization in agriculture.
The aim of the activity was to i) showcase excellent agri-tech women, thereby encouraging digitalisation up-take through peer to peer learning and role models; ii) understand how digitalization of agriculture can be more inclusive by eliciting feedback from interested farmers, advisors and other stakeholders, and learning about existing barriers and opportunities, as well as good practices that can be implemented. More than 160 people attended the workshop. A online survey was carried out. Lack of support was the largest reason (41%) for women not taking up digitalisation in farming. Peer to peer and farm demonstration events were found to be important inclusive measures to address this challenge, following closely behind inclusion of women in agricultural associations.
One of the important elements of running demonstration events is also the issue of their monitoring and evaluation. The tools used in NEFERTITI are designed to address M&E within the 45 hubs, between the 10 thematic networks and learning beyond the networks.
The aim of NEFERTITI is to improve peer-to-peer learning, taking into account the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) in which local/national hubs are embedded. To achieve this, a reflexive stance is required where both researchers and practitioners critically reflect and evaluate their practices, views and ways of doing things. In order to facilitate this reflexive process, WP5 has developed 6 M&E tools that assist monitors and hubs in monitoring and evaluation activities: the Hub M&E Journal; a checklist for organising a demo; a tool for team reflection; an exit poll for demonstrations; an M&E tool for cross-visits.
These tools assist in: 1) increasing the capacity for self-assessment and help hubs and networks to improve their demo activities reach their objectives and 2) collect and report information on what has happened in each hub, what hubs, networks and the wider AKIS have learned
While the tools are developed and described context of the NEFERTITI project, they can be used by any actor who facilitates, monitors or organises farm demonstration events.
One of the project's deliverables presented our initial M&E approach, including the first version of the M&E tools. These tools have been tested and reflected upon by hub coaches and network leaders. Based in this feedback, WP5 has adjusted the tools and made them more functional for hub coaches. The results of this reflexive process are presented in this deliverable.
In 2021, the Annual Meeting of the NEFERTITI project was held online. WP2 was in charge of organizing a session that would allow hub coaches to discuss the sustainability of the hubs after the end of the project.
To help hub coaches think on the sustainabiity of the hub after the end of the project, we proposed them to imagine that they were in the year 2024, and their hub just won 100 thousand euros prize for being the best farm demo hub in Europe. With this motto, they had to create a LinkedIn post to share the news with stakeholders and the farm demo community. They had to consider why they won the prize, how did they innovate in their field of work, why did they have such an engaged network of farmers, how did they finance their activities and overall why their hub was so special.
The goal was to have hub coaches organized in small groups, but instead of competing amongst them, the groups would merge every 20 minutes to build on each groups idea. This method was based on the paper published in 2016 in the Harvard Business Review, by Roberto Verganti, in which a study was conducted with 24 companies. In this study, ideas were criticised, instead of idealised. Criticism is not necessarily negative, it is a process through which allows for new perspectives to surface, highlights contrasts, and demands that the idea is well thought out. The application of this methodology to help on the sustainability fo the hubs was an excelent way to increase interactivity and further explore and develop the different paths to maintain the NEFERTITI network when the project ends.
The Scottish NEFERTITI Hub hosted a virtual farm demonstration at Arable Scotland 2021 which utilised Hopin, an online platform that allowed multiple 'booths' to run simultaneously and gave participants the opportunity to hear from a variety of agricultural organisations. Within the Hub’s booth, two young farmers were invited to discuss their respective pathways into their current careers in agriculture. The purpose of this discussion was to share the different pathways, experiences, and a shared love for the industry, that had led these two young farmers to their current roles, and to inspire other new entrants and young people to pursue agricultural careers. This aligned with the NEFERTITI Network 10 focus on promoting ‘farm attractiveness’ and to encourage ‘new people and new pathways’.
Trainee farm manager Ben McClymont joined the Scottish Hub’s virtual booth live from the arable fields of Preston Hall Farm. Networking, collaboration and the support from existing businesses and farmers were highlighted as key support mechanisms for Ben’s career, and that there is a need to help other new entrants and young people gain access to land and critical work experience. Learning from the experiences of others was a recurring theme in the discussion, with initiatives such as farm demonstrations and workshops mentioned as exemplar educational, networking, and collaborative opportunities. From this discussion it was suggested that existing businesses and farmers should work together to provide young people with more opportunities to gain experience and thus support successful futures in Scottish agriculture. The discussion with Ben was audio recorded and published on the NEFERTITI YouTube channel as a sub-titled ‘podcast with pictures’.
The use of social media has grown exponentially in the past decade and is now in use by all age groups especially younger demographics. With the ever increasing need to attract young people into the agricultural sector social media can be a very useful tool reaching a wide audience, appearing on "storylines" and "feeds" for viewing at a time that suits the individual. The effectiveness of Social Media has been demonstrated through four NEFERTITI Network 10 Farm attractiveness Instagram takeover events hosted by the Irish hub in 2020 and in 2021. Each event say a new entrant farmer take control of the Teagasc Instagram account for one day, demonstrating "A day in the life of a dairy farmer". A wide audience was reached during all events. In 2020 over 2,000 views per post was achieved while in 2021 over 3,200 views per post were achieved. Highlights from the events remain available on the Teagasc Instagram account while the two 2021 events were recorded and are available on YouTube with the first event having gained 1,600 views. The main success factors in these events was 1. The use of the Teagasc Instagram account which has over 10,000 followers. 2. Featuring enthusiastic young farmers that the target audience can relate to. 3. Intensive promotion across social media platforms as well as in schools and colleges. With more and more farmers using social media there is capacity for large numbers of farmers to utilise their channels to promote the industry and opportunities within their own farms and across the wider industry. The growth in dairy herd sizes since milk quota abolition has given rise to the need for extra labour on dairy farms in order to maximise farm efficiency and productivity while providing that farmer with a healthy work-life balance.
On October 22, 2021, Szechenyi University (SZE) organized a demonstration event presenting the benefits of precision agriculture in the demonstration farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences. The main target group of the event was farmers, university students, young people from the area and public/private advisors. The event was organized in Mosonmagyarovar, close to the headquarters of the faculty, so that it was more easily accessible to students and for young people in Mosonmagyarovar and the surrounding area.
The main aim of the event was to make agriculture attractive to young people by showing them examples how agriculture can be a modern, up-to-date, competitive sector. During the demo event, the participants were able to get acquainted with a modern, on-site soil analysis technology, and they could also try it themselves with the help of an expert. Numerous practical examples illustrated the potential of (precision) farming, for example, a soil sample from an excavated soil-section was analyzed on site, showing participants how much time and cost they could save by making immediate, on-site data-analysis and decisions.
Demonstration techniques used during the event were: field walk, facilitated group discussion, learning by doing, demonstration display of equipment.
Participants can use what they learned at the demonstration event in different ways:
Farmers were able to learn about new technologies to develop their farms, young people were able to see that agriculture could also offer them attractive career opportunities, and advisors could further develop their professional skills.
A precíziós mezőgazdaság előnyeit bemutató rendezvényt szervezett a Széchenyi Egyetem (SZE) 2021. október 22-én a Mezőgazdaság- és Élelmiszertudományi Kar bemutató gazdaságában. A rendezvény fő célcsoportja a gazdálkodók, egyetemisták, környékbeli fiatalok és állami/magán szaktanácsadók voltak. A rendezvényt Mosonmagyaróváron, a kar székhelyéhez közel rendezték meg, hogy a helyszín a hallgatók és a helyi, környékbeli fiatalok számára is könnyen megközelíthető legyen.
A rendezvény fő célja az volt, hogy vonzóvá tegye a mezőgazdaságot a fiatalok számára azzal, hogy példákat mutat be nekik, hogyan lehet a mezőgazdaság modern, korszerű, versenyképes ágazat. A bemutató rendezvényen a résztvevők egy korszerű, helyszíni talajelemző technológiával ismerkedhettek meg, illetve szakértő segítségével saját maguk is kipróbálhatták az eszközt. Számos gyakorlati példa illusztrálta a (precíziós) gazdálkodásban rejlő lehetőségeket, például egy kiásott talajszelvényből vett talajmintát elemeztek a helyszínen, bemutatva a résztvevőknek, hogy mennyi időt és költséget takaríthatnak meg az azonnali, helyszíni adatelemzéssel és döntéshozatallal.
A rendezvény során alkalmazott demonstrációs technikák a következők voltak: terepi bemutató, facilitált csoportos beszélgetés, gyakorlati tanulás, eszköz bemutató.
A résztvevők a demonstrációs eseményen tanultakat különbözőképpen tudják hasznosítani:
a gazdálkodók új technológiát ismerhettek meg, amivel fejleszthetik a gazdaságukat, a fiatalok láthatták, hogy a mezőgazdaság is kínálhat vonzó karrier lehetőséget számukra, a szaktanácsadók pedig tovább fejleszthették szakmai ismereteiket.
A farm takeover is often difficult because, apart from the economic aspects, there are also social challenges on the side of the transferor as well as on the side of the transferee. Advisors report that those taking over are often not aware of the responsibility and the workload of a farm. On the other hand, the transferors often underestimate the changes that a farm takeover entails. Often, the transferors had not yet dealt with how the handover would affect their usual everyday life and also their social environment. As part of our series of events at demo events in the German Hub of Network 10, we had young farmers share their experiences of the farm takeover and then supported the active exchange (peer-to-peer learning) through active moderation. The events were structured in such a way that after the welcome and the presentation of the NEFERTITI project, the young farmers presented their farm and their path into agriculture. Afterwards, the exchange was stimulated by open questions and the discussion was moderated. We have found that interaction is more pronounced in small group sizes. At the end of the Farm Demo, participants were asked about the event either via oral survey or via a short-form mentimeter. This feedback gives us important information for the organisation of future events.
Eine Hofübergabe gestaltet sich oft schwierig, da neben den ökonomischen Aspekten auch soziale Herausforderungen sowohl auf Seite der Übergebenenden als auch auf Seite der Übernehmenden zu Tage kommen. Berater und Beraterinnen berichten, dass sich die Übernehmenden oft der Verantwortung und der Arbeitsbelastung eines landwirtschaftlichen Betriebes nicht bewusst sind. Auf der anderen Seite werden von den Übergebenden die Veränderungen, die eine Hofübergabe mit sich bringt, oft unterschätzt. Oft hatten sich die Übergebenden noch nicht damit befasst, wie sich die Übergabe auf den gewohnten Alltag und auch auf das soziale Umfeld auswirkt. Im Rahmen unserer Veranstaltungsreihe an Demo Events im Deutschen Hub von Netzwerk 10 haben wir Junglandwirtinnen und Junglandwirte von Ihren Erfahrungen rund um die Hofübergabe berichten lassen und anschliessend den aktiven Austausch (peer-to-peer learning) durch aktive Moderation unterstützt. Die Veranstaltungen waren so aufgebaut, dass nach der Begrüßung und der Projektvorstellung von NEFERTITI, die Junglandwirtinnen und Junglandwirte ihren Betrieb und ihren Weg in die Landwirtschaft vorstellen. Anschließend wurde der Austausch durch offene Fragen stimuliert und die Diskussion moderiert. Wir haben die Erfahrung gemacht, dass die Interaktion bei kleinen Gruppengrößen ausgeprägter ist. Zum Ende der Farm Demo wurden die Teilnehmenden wahlweise via mündlicher Umfrage oder via eines kurzgehaltenen Mentimeters zur Veranstaltung befragt. Diese Feedback gibt uns wichtige Hinweise für die Organisation der kommenden Veranstaltungen.
In France, Farm-Dating takes place regularly in the regions in order to encourage meetings between sellers or partners, and buyers. In fact, in many regions, there is great difficulty in finding people to replace farmers who stop their activity. We have two cases: either a farmer retires, and looks for someone to take over the farm, or a farmer leaves a group of associates, and they are looking for someone to replace him.
Farm-dating are events based on "speed dating", usually used to promote romantic encounters. The objective of this type of event is to have as many people as possible meeting in a short time: each meeting lasts a few minutes, then, once the time has elapsed, everyone changes tables and moves on to their next meeting. At the end of the event, participants can reconnect with the people who "matched" the most.
As part of Nefertiti, a Farm-dating was organized in the Hauts-de-France region. Before starting its organization, a study of the experiences carried out in other regions was carried out. A list of good practices emerged, concerning preparation (the key point of which is the recruitment of participants), logistical organization, and animation on the day of speed dating.
En France, les Farm-Dating ont lieu régulièrement en région afin d'encourager les rencontres entre cédants ou associés, et repreneurs. En effet dans de nombreuses régions, on constate de fortes difficultés à trouver les personnes pour remplacer les agriculteurs qui arrêtent leur activité. On a deux cas : soit un agriculteur part à la retraite, et cherche quelqu'un pour reprendre la ferme, soit un agriculteur part d'un collectif d'associés, et ils cherchent quelqu'un pour le remplacer.
Les farm-dating sont des évènements basés sur les « speed dating », utilisés ordinairement pour favoriser des rencontres amoureuses. L’objectif de ce type d’évènement est de faire se rencontrer un maximum de personnes en un temps réduit : chaque rencontre dure quelques minutes, puis une fois le temps écoulé chacun change de table et passe à son rendez-vous suivant. A la fin de l’évènement, les participants peuvent reprendre contact avec les personnes qui ont le plus « matché ».
Dans le cadre de Nefertiti, un Farm-dating a été organisé en région Hauts-de-France. Avant de démarrer son organisation, une étude des expériences réalisées dans d’autres régions a été menée. Il en est ressortit une liste de bonnes pratiques, concernant la préparation (dont le point clé est le recrutement des participants), l’organisation logistique, et l’animation le jour du speed dating.
Modern agricultural strategy includes rural and sustainable development, environmental protection, bio-diversification, lifelong learning and diversification of production. Thereby, we must not forget the social and economic impact of modern agriculture on people and nature. During November 2021, as part of Farm attractiveness week, the members of HUB 10 Croatia organized an online demo event about methods of attracting people to beekeeping. All participants listened to a presentation on the methods of work, tools and contents used on how to interest young people, beginners, war veterans with PTSD, treated alcohol and drug addicts and prisoners to engage in beekeeping or agriculture. Afterwards, the three participants talked about their experiences so far attending the Nefertiti demo event.
The main outcomes of the event: acquainting the participants with the possibilities, measures and ways in which they can get involved in beekeeping or agriculture, networking the participants, pointing out the current administrative problems and solving them, readiness of the participants to get involved in beekeeping or agriculture.
The main recommendations: transferring of information on starting beekeeping, advantages and disadvantages of beekeeping, learning about the role of beekeeping in modern agriculture, giving advice on placing bee products on the market in compliance with local regulations, spreading the idea that no category of people is forgotten but that everyone deserves another a chance in life.
Moderna poljoprivredna strategija uključuje ruralni i održivi razvoj, zaštitu okoliša, bio-diverzifikaciju, cijelo životno učenje i diverzifikaciju proizvodnje. Pri tome ne smijemo zaboraviti socijalni i ekonomski utjecaj suvremene poljoprivrede na čovjeka i prirodu. Tijekom studenog 2021. organizirali smo, u sklopu Farm attractiveness week-a, online demo-događaj o metodama privlačenja ljudi u pčelarstvo. Svi sudionici odslušali su prezentaciju o metodama rada i korištenim alatima i sadržajima na koji način zainteresirati mlade ljude, početnike, ratne veterane s PTSP, liječene ovisnike o alkoholu i drogi i zatvorenike na bavljenje pčelarstvom ili poljoprivredom. Nakon toga tri sudionika su govorila o svojim dosadašnjim iskustvima pohađanja Nefertiti demo-događaja.
Glavni rezultati: upoznavanje sudionika s mogućnostima, mjerama i načinima kako se mogu uključiti u pčelarstvo ili poljoprivredu, umrežavanje sudionika, ukazivanje na trenutne administrativne probleme i rješavanje istih, spremnost sudionika za uključivanje u pčelarstvo ili poljoprivredu.
Glavne preporuke: prijenos informacija o pokretanje pčelarstva, prednostima i nedostacima pčelarskog poslovanja, upoznavanje s ulogom pčelarstva u modernoj poljoprivredi, davanje savjeta o stavljanju pčelarskih proizvoda na tržište uz poštivanje lokalnih propisa, širenje ideje da nijedna kategorija ljudi nije zaboravljena već da svatko zaslužuje još jednu šansu u životu.
Most of the demonstrations organised in the framework of the NEFERTITI project during 2020 were carried out as virtual demonstrations. In October 2020, we organized a virtual demo in which we discussed and promoted the know-how and establishment of hedgerows and flower strips to stimulate biodiversity conservation and enhance biological control of greenhouse crop pests. There were three short presentations (each with a duration of aprox. 15 min). We also showed videos that we had already created, on the benefits of hedgerows and the beneficial insects that can show up spontaneously from the surroundings. After these activities, there was a group discussion. Most participants showed interest during the event, expressing their opinions and giving feedback to one another during the group discussion. On-farm demonstrations offer the opportunity to farmers to interact with peers and generate informal debates. Also, having the option to write questions or opinions in the chat contributed to gather thoughts of those shy farmers who did not like to call attention and who would not normally have taken part in an on-farm demonstrations. By the end of the demonstration, most participants expressed interest in planting hedgerows outside their greenhouses. Although nothing can replace the power that an on-farm demo activity has to engage people, discuss ideas and open up debate, it is interesting to consider virtual demos as a tool to be used in a particular context like this pandemic, which allowed us to congregate a rather high number of participants (n = 28), and engage them in an interesting debate on using autochtonous plant spicies to optimize biological control in their greenhouses.
La mayoría de las demostraciones realizadas durante la campaña 2020 para el proyecto NEFERTITI tuvieron que realizarse online, de forma virtual. En octubre del 2020 organizamos una demo virtual donde se dialogó sobre los beneficios de las bandas florales y los setos para conservar biodiversidad y mejorar el control biológico de plagas en invernaderos. Se realizaron tres presentaciones cortas (cada una de aprox. 15 min.). Además se mostraron vídeos, previamente creados, acerca de los beneficios de los setos y la fauna auxiliar que aparece de forma espontánea en ellos. Después de estas actividades se realizó una puesta en común con los participantes. La mayoría de los asistentes se mostró participativo, expresando su opinión y generando un debate interesante entre ellos. Las demostraciones virtuales por tanto ofrecen la oportunidad de interacturar y generar diálogo entre grupos de agricultores.Además, el hecho de tener la opción de escribir las preguntas o las opiniones en el chat contribuyó a recoger aportaciones de agricultores más reservados que de otra manera no habrían participado. Al final de la demostración, la mayoría de los asistentes expresó interés en plantar un seto en los alrededores de su invernadero. Aunque es complicado que una demostración virtual pueda reemplazar a una en campo a la hora de conocer la aplicación de las técnicas, involucrar a los participantes o fomentar el debate, es interesante considerarlas como herramienta a utilizar en condiciones particulares como ha sido la pandemia, y nos ha permitido congregar a un número relativamente alto de participantes (n=28), además de permetir el intercambio de conocimiento acerca de plantas autóctonas beneficiosas para mejorar el control biológico de plagas en invernaderos.
PUReVine.pt is the Portuguese hub of NEFERTITI´s network “Pesticide use reduction in the production of grapes, fruits and vegetables”. It involves different vine demo-farms for wine production, in Douro and Alentejo regions, as well as other innovation actors. The focus is on non-chemical solutions of pest management.
The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) has been increasing its importance as a pest of vineyards, in Portugal. Chemical control is still the most common management tactic used against it. However, it is often ineffective. Also, the use of insecticides may be unsustainable, due to resistance, low selectivity, human toxicity, or risk or hazard assessment. Furthermore, the use of synthetic insecticides is not allowed in organic vineyards. Therefore, there is a need to find sustainable control tactics.
Mating disruption has been tested as an alternative sustainable control tactic against the vine mealybug in different countries. It is a behavioural-modifying tactic, based on the application of synthetic sex pheromones, that prevents mating in a target insect pest. It is considered an environment-friendly plant protection approach, as sex pheromones are species-specific, non-toxic and active in very small amounts, as compared with other pest management chemicals. Within the operational group IntenSusVITI, in collaboration with ATEVA and BIOSANI, the mating disruption experiments carried out in vineyards of Alentejo region, using 500 Isonet PF dispensers/ha, confirmed that mating disruption can be an effective control tactic for the vine mealybug. Recent experiments suggest that the minimal effective dose of Isonet PF is 300 dispensers/ha.
PUReVine.pt é o hub português da rede NEFERTITI sobre “Redução do uso de pesticidas na produção de uva, frutas e hortícolas”, envolvendo diferentes demo-farms, na área da viticultura, nas regiões do Douro e Alentejo e outros atores de inovação. Dá-se particular importância aos métodos não químicos de proteção da vinha, como as táticas biotécnicas (e.g., confusão sexual).
A cochonilha-algodão da vinha, Planococcus ficus (Signoret), tem vindo a aumentar a sua importância, em Portugal. A luta química ainda é a tática de proteção mais comum. No entanto, muitas vezes é ineficaz. Além disso, o uso de inseticidas pode ser insustentável, devido aos problemas de resistência, baixa seletividade, toxicidade para o Homem e ambiente. Os inseticidas sintéticos não são permitidos em produção biológica. Torna-se, por isso, necessário encontrar táticas de proteção sustentáveis.
A confusão sexual tem sido considerada como tática de proteção alternativa para cochonilha-algodão da vinha, em diferentes países. Baseia-se na aplicação de feromonas sexuais sintéticas, tendo em vista limitar a reprodução da praga. É considerada uma tática de proteção das culturas amiga do ambiente, uma vez que as feromonas sexuais são específicas, não tóxicas e atuam em concentrações muito pequenas, em comparação com outros produtos fitofarmacêuticos. No âmbito do grupo operacional IntenSusVITI, em colaboração com a ATEVA e a BIOSANI, os ensaios de confusão sexual realizadas em vinhas da região do Alentejo, utilizando 500 difusores de Isonet PF/ha, confirmaram que a confusão sexual pode ser uma tática de proteção eficaz para a cochonilha-algodão da vinha. Estudos recentes sugerem que a dose mínima eficaz de Isonet PF é de 300 difusores/ha.
The apple and pear varieties currently cultivated in organic fruit growing in Germany are still predominantly varieties from former conventional cultivation and therefore bring with them a relatively high susceptibility to many fungal pests that can only be managed with a high level of plant protection. In a participatory approach, the ÖON is working together with apfel:gut e.V. in a project to breed varieties that are especially suitable for organic cultivation and which, through the introduction of broader genetic repertoires and traditional breeding on practical farms, bring with them a significantly higher robustness. This means that fruit growers themselves are actively involved in breeding. In this way, the required use of plant protection products can be further reduced in the medium and long term and biodiversity can be increased through the preservation of site- and climate-adapted varieties with robust genotypic and phenotypic characterisation. By using already available, robust, especially scab-resistant varieties such as Natyra, Topaz, Santana, Freya, etc., fruit growers can already reduce the effort required on their farms when planting new varieties and thus contribute to the further sustainability of organic fruit growing, since the market launch has already been successful and existing sales channels are already accessible.
Die derzeit im Ökologischen Obstbau angebauten Apfel- und Birnensorten in Deutschland sind noch immer überwiegend Sorten aus dem ehemals konventionellen Anbau und bringen daher eine relativ hohe Anfälligkeit gegenüber vielen pilzlichen Schaderregern mit, die nur unter hohem Pflanzenschutzaufwand bewältigt werden kann. Im partizipativen Ansatz arbeitet der ÖON zusammen mit dem apfel:gut e.V. in einem Projekt an der Züchtung von speziell für den Öko-Anbau geeigneten Sorten, die durch Einbringung breiterer, genetischer Repertoires und traditionelle Züchtung auf Praxisbetrieben eine deutlich höhere Robustheit mit sich bringen. D.h. hier arbeiten Obstbauern aktiv selbst in der Züchtung. So kann mittel- und langfristig der benötigte Einsatz von Pflanzenschutzmitteln weiter reduziert und die Biodiversität erhöht werden durch den Erhalt von Standort- und Klimaangepassten Sorten mit robuster genotypischer und phänotypischer Charakterisierung. Durch den Einsatz von bereits jetzt verfügbaren, robusten, v.a. Schorf-widerstandsfähigen Sorten wie etwa Natyra, Topaz, Santana, Freya u.ä. können Obstbauern schon heute bei Neupflanzungen ihren Aufwand im Betrieb reduzieren und so zur weiteren Nachhaltigkeit des Ökologischen Obstbaus beitragen, da hier außerdem bereits die Markteinführung gelungen ist und bereits bestehende Absatzwege zugänglich sind.
The French hub of NW9 is looking to reduce pesticides. One of the first levers to be activated is to check the spray quality of your machine in order to optimize the application of your spray solution. Before changing his sprayer, the winegrower can try to make his own more efficient. And once this lever is validated, it can go further, by using alternatives to pesticides and/or reducing their doses.
The verification of the quality of the spraying is a point that is often forgotten by winegrowers in Gironde. That is why, each year, the French hub organized a demonstration workshop on how to check the quality of your spraying.
There are simple, easy and inexpensive ways to assess your spray quality yourself. This test should be carried out at least once a year, before the start of the treatment campaign. A PVC edge board is placed in the axis of the vine training plan. The winegrower sprays with water coloured with a non-toxic product (in France, you will find it under the name "compo bleu"). It visualizes the distribution of the drops on the PVC board. It is then possible to identify spray defects: misalignment of the nozzles with losses on the ground or untreated areas of the vine; the size of the drops which, if they are large, cause runoff on the ground... The next step is then to act on the settings parameters of the sprayer (when possible): nozzle types, nozzle orientation, flow pressure, tractor forward speed...
Le hub français du NW9 cherche à réduire les pesticides. Un des premiers leviers à actionner est de vérifier la qualité de pulvérisation de sa machine afin d’optimiser l’application de sa bouillie. Avant de changer son pulvérisateur, le viticulteur peut chercher à rendre le sien plus performant. Et une fois ce levier validé, il pourra aller plus loin, en utilisant des produits alternatifs aux pesticides et/ou en réduisant leurs doses.
La vérification de la qualité de pulvérisation est un point souvent oublié par les viticulteurs girondins. C’est pourquoi, le hub français organise chaque année un atelier de démonstration sur comment vérifier soi-même sa qualité de pulvérisation.
Il existe des moyens simples, faciles à mettre en œuvre et peu onéreux pour évaluer soi-même sa qualité de pulvérisation. Ce test est à réaliser au moins une fois par an, avant le début de la campagne de traitements. Une planche des rives en PVC est placée dans l’axe du plan de palissage des vignes. Le viticulteur réalise une pulvérisation avec de l’eau colorée par un produit non toxique (en France, vous le trouverez sous le nom de « compo bleu »). Il visualise la répartition des gouttes sur la planche de PVC. Il est alors possible de mettre en évidence des défauts de pulvérisation : mauvaise orientation des buses avec des pertes au sol ou des zones de la vigne non traitées ; la taille des gouttes qui si elles sont grosses entrainent un ruissellement au sol… L’étape suivante est alors d’agir sur les paramètres de réglages du pulvérisateur (lorsque c’est possible) : types de buses, orientation des buses, pression des flux, vitesse d’avancement du tracteur...
The main groups of phytoparasitic nematodes in Bulgarian greenhouse vegetable production (cucumber, tomato, pepper) are root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne sp.), lesion migratory endoparasites (Pratylenchus sp.), and stem nematodes (Ditylenchus sp.). Under greenhouse conditions, damages of economic importance are usually caused by root-knot nematodes. In fact, in cucumber monoculture, 100 % of nematode populations are consist of Meloidogyne sp. In tomato and pepper production, Pratylenchus sp. and Ditylenchus sp. are also presented. Therefore, lesion nematodes are able to cause severe damages to plant roots, in cases when their population density reached 5000 nematodes/100 g of soil.
A webinar focused on different methods for control of phytonematodes was held in July 2020. The participants discussed some aspects of chemical, physical and biological control of nematodes in greenhouses. It was interesting for farmers to know there are 4 species of root-knot nematodes distributed in Bulgarian greenhouses. For that reason it is important for producers to be awere of species composition in their growing substrate. Correct indefication of Meloidogyne sp. is crucial for choosing a proper strategy for control of these parasites, especially when resistant varieties or microorganisms are applied.
For instant, egg and female fungal parasites should be used for control of root-knot nematodes. Predatory fungi could be applied in cases of lesion and stem nematode infestation. Both entomopathogenic nematodes and rhizobacteria showed promising results against various groups of plant parasitic nematodes. Aditionally, some strains of rhizabacteria are commercially available.
Основните групи фитопаразитни нематоди по оранжерийни зеленчуци (краставици, домати и пипер) са три: галови нематоди (Melaidogyne), Лизиращи миграторни ендопаразити (Pratylenchus) и Стъблени нематоди (Ditylenchus). За България с най-голямо икономическо значение са повредите нанесени от Галови нематоди. При монокултурно отглеждане на краставици и до 100% от нематодната зараза да е съставена от тези нематоди. При доматите и пипера се срещат нематоди и от другите две основни групи за България. Лизиращи миграторни ендопаразити в някои случаи могат да съставляват около 1/3 от нематодната зараза.
През юли 2020 г. беше проведен уебинар с акцент върху успехите и трудностите при използването на конвенционален и алтернативен подход в контрола на вредителите. Галовите нематоди паразитират подземните растителни органи на растенията, основно корените. В България се срещат 4 вида галови нематоди: M.incognita (южна галова нематода), M. javanica (яванска галова нематода), M. arenaria (фъстъчена галова нематода), M.hapla (северна галова нематода). Важно е фермерите да са наясно кои видове преобладават в тяхната почва. Точното определяне на галовите нематоди е ключов момент от стратегията за контрол свързана с използване на устойчиви сортове и алтернативни подходи.
Използването на яйчни ендопаразити и хищни гъби по подвижните стадии дава добри резултати срещу галови нематоди. Широко застъпени в практиката са и ентомопатогенните нематоди. Те съдържат в себе си бактерии, които при навлизане в растителнопаразитни нематоди причиняват смърт. В годините са се оформили щамове даващи сравнително добри резултати при хидропоника и отглеждане на почва. EPN’s оказват негативно влиение и върху различни насекомни вредители
The Portuguese wine and vine sector faces increasing risks due to climate change and the more frequent occurrence of extreme drought and heat events, especially in wine-growing regions in the south of the country e.g. Alentejo. To minimize such risks and production/quality losses, the use of irrigation in vineyards has expanded, putting more pressure on the already limited water resources. The PT.Water.hub (NW8) aims at increasing perception for the problem of water scarcity and inefficient use of water in viticulture. It also aims to promote better monitoring of soil/plant water status for more efficient irrigation. The use of sensors and remote sensing systems emerged as additional tools to support monitoring and decision making in viticulture. In this context, the PT.Water.hub, organized on June 24, 2020, a webinar entitled “Trunk diseases and water assessment in viticulture using emerging technologies” focused on the use of imaging in vineyards, to detect various types of stress. The speaker was Javier Tardaguila (Univ.da Rioja & Televitis) who described the basic principles of the vine's water relations, several status indicators and recent tests with thermal image sensors coupled to mobile terrestrial platforms. The webinar lasted 1h 45m, and was the first demo action done remotely (via Colibri Zoom). The event had 35 participants (researchers, consultants, students, technicians).
O sector da vinha e do vinho português enfrenta riscos crescentes devido ás alterações climáticas e á ocorrência mais frequente de eventos extremos de secura e temperatura, sobretudo nas regiões vítícolas do sul do país como o Alentejo. Para minimizar tais riscos e perdas de produção/qualidade, o uso de rega na vinha expandiu-se colocando ainda mais pressão sobre os recursos hídricos limitados.O PT.Water.hub (NW8) ambiciona aumentar a percepção da fileira vitivinícola para os problemas da escassez e do uso ineficiente de água em viticultura. e promover também uma melhor monitorização do estado hídrico do solo/planta e regas mais eficientes. O uso de sensores e de sistemas de deteção remota constituem ferramentas adicionais de apoio á monitorização e decisão em viticultura. Neste contexto, o PT.Water.hub, organizou em 24 Junho de 2020, um webinar com o título “Trunk diseases and water assessment in viticultura using emerging tecnologies” focado no uso de imagem em vinha, para deteção de vários tipos de stress. O palestrante foi Javier Tardaguila (Univ.da Rioja & Televitis) que descreveu príncipios básicos das relações hídricas da videira, indicadores do estado hídrico e ensaios recentes com sensores de imagem térmica acopladas a plataformas terrestres móveis.O webinar teve duração de 1h 45m, e foi a primeira ação de demonstração feita remotamente (via Colibri Zoom). O evento teve 35 participantes (investigadores, consultores, estudantes, técnicos).
Demo event, which took place on August 21, 2020, was aimed at showing the possibilities of alternative cultivation systems in horticultural production. Aquaponics is one of them. It is successfully used in countries such as Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. Aquaponics is a method of growing both fish and plants within the same system The waste produced by the fish is used as a source of nutrients for the plants, which helps to maintain a healthy environment for the fish. Aquaponics really mimics what is naturally found in ponds, lakes and streams. It uses the natural nitrogen cycle to maximizing the efficiency of growing plants and fish, while minimizing waste from the system. The benefits of aquaponics are: 1) it uses 90% less water than traditional soil cultivation
2) The fish provide all the fertilizers that the plants need
3) A sustainable and highly efficient method of growing food
4) It does not require the use of pesticides, herbicides
5) Food can be produced continuously, with periodic harvesting
6) No soil borne diseases
7) By using indoor cultivation and additional lighting, you can grow plants and fish all year round
8) Minimal loss of water and nutrients
9) Reduction of physical labor inputs "
Demonstracja, która odbyła się w dn. 21.08.2020 miała na celu pokazanie możliwości alternatywnych upraw dla upraw glebowych. Aquaponika jest jedną z nich. Z powodzeniem stosowana w takich krajach jak Hiszpania, Portugalia czy Holandia. Aquaponika to metoda uprawy zarówno ryb jak i roślin w obrębie tego samego systemu. Odpady wytwarzane przez ryby są wykorzystywane jako źródło składników odżywczych dla roślin, co pozwala na utrzymanie zdrowego środowiska dla ryb. Aquaponika naprawdę naśladuje to, co naturalnie występuje w stawach, jeziorach i strumieniach. Wykorzystuje naturalny obieg azotu w celu maksymalizacji wydajności uprawy roślin i ryb, przy jednoczesnej minimalizacji odpadów z systemu.Korzyści wynikające z aquaponiki to: 1) zużywa 90% mniej wody niż tradycyjne uprawy glebowe
2) Ryby dostarczają wszystkie nawozy, których rośliny potrzebują
3) Zrównoważona i bardzo wydajna metoda uprawy żywności
4) Nie wymaga stosowania pestycydów, herbicydów
5) Żywność może być produkowana w sposób ciągły, z okresowym zbiorem
6) Brak chorób przenoszonych przez glebę
7) Dzięki zastosowaniu uprawy indoor i dodatkowego oświetlenia można hodować rośliny i ryby przez cały rok
8) Minimalne straty wody i składników odżywczych
9) Zmniejszenie nakładów pracy fizycznej
Sustainable water use in hydroponic greenhouse horticulture is the main topic in the Dutch hub, focussing on prevention of emission of nutrients and PPPs. Dissemination of knowledge is mostly organised at research institutes, as fytosanitary measures prevent large scale visits to commercial companies. The yearly WaterEvent attracts growers, advisors, journalists, technology suppliers and policy makers to learn about the latest innovations in greenhouse water management. The program consists of a plenary introductory presentation, interactive parallel workshops and a tour through the experimental greenhouses with six interactive research pitches (15 min). During all elements of the event and at coffee and dinner breaks, goal is to stimulate innovation uptake, by optimising peer-2-peer interaction. Compactness of the progam makes it interesting for growers to join.
A workshop (45 min) was organised on improving root zone resilience against pathogens. Mentimeter was used to activate passive memory and to collect the experience of growers with managing the rootzone microbiology with the application of biostimulants or water treatment technology. Two presenting researchers used this as starting point to discuss the latest scientific insights and preliminary trial results with participants. Special attention was granted to the effect of root exudates, as they are excreted by the plant to control the functionalities performed by microorganisms around the roots of the plants. Recirculation of drain water containing root exudates can disturb the communication. If knowledge on microbial functionalities and management of root exudates can be implemented, this can decrease the use of PPPs and improve productivity.
In Nederlandse is duurzaam gebruik van water in de glastuinbouw een belangrijk onderwerp, met focus op voorkomen van emissie van GBM en nutrienten. Overdracht van kennis is over het algemeen georganiseerd bij kennisinstellingen, omdat commerciële bedrijven vanwege fytosanitaire maatregelen geen groepen ontvangen. Het jaarlijkse WaterEvent trekt telers, adviseurs, journalisten, toeleveranciers en beleidsmakers aan om te leren over de laatste ontwikkelingen rond water management. Het programma bestaat uit een plenaire introductie, interactieve workshops en een rondleiding door de onderzoekskassen met zes onderzoekspitches (15 min). Tijdens alle onderdelen van het event is het doel opname van innovatie te stimuleren, door peer-2-peer interactie. Het compacte programma maakt deelname interessant voor telers.
Een workshop (45 min) is gehouden over de weerbaarheid van de wortelzone tegen plantenziekten. Mentimeter werd gebruikt om het passief geheugen te activeren en om de ervaringen van telers op te halen over het managen van de microbiologie rond de plantenwortels door toepassing van biostimulanten en watertechnologie. Twee onderzoekers gebruikten dit als vertrekpunt om de laatste wetenschappelijke inzichten en eerste proefresultaten op dit gebied te bespreken met de aanwezigen. Speciale aandacht werd gegeven aan het effect van wortelexudaten, omdat deze door de plant worden uitgescheiden om de microbiële functionaliteiten rond de wortels te sturen. Recirculatie van drainwater met deze wortelexudaten kan de communicatie verstoren. Als kennis over de microbiële functionaliteiten en management van wortelexudaten kan worden toegepast, kan het gebruik van GBM worden verminderd en productiviteit verhoogd.
Optimal management of water resources is fundamental for ensuring the sustainability of intensive vegetable production in south-eastern Spain. For this reason, the SPWATER hub has organised several webinars for knowledge transfer amongst farmers, researchers, technicians, students, teachers, supply chain agents, etc. These webinars aim to promote and enable technology transfer for the optimal management of water resources in intensive vegetable production. Additionally, they disseminate management guidelines for the joint use of different water sources for irrigation. Additionally, the webinars demonstrated how sensors and decision support tools help to optimise practical irrigation management.
One example was the webinar “Irrigating with increasingly saline water", held in June 2021. There were five short presentations. The first three were from recognised disseminators of applied research whose technical presentations addressed irrigation with increasingly saline water. They demonstrated new tools and approaches, such as defining optimal mixtures of saline groundwater and desalinated water irrigation of the main vegetable species, optimal procedures for managing soil salinity by leaching salts while minimising water consumption, efficient irrigation management with saline water, as well as sharing knowledge on essential desalination and water reuse issues. The second two presentations were videos with farmers which were recorded in commercial greenhouses. The farmers, Paqui Ferrer and Diego Balastegui described and demonstrated their practical experience of mixing different types of water resources for effective irrigation management.
La gestión sostenible de los recursos hídricos es clave para garantizar la sostenibilidad del sector agrícola intensivo del sureste español. Por ello, desde el hub SPWATER, se ha organizado varios seminarios online de transferencia de conocimientos entre agricultores, investigadores, técnicos, estudiantes, profesores, agentes de la cadena de suministros, etc. Con el objetivo de promocionar y transmitir experiencias de tecnología relacionados con la óptima gestión de recursos hídricos en cultivos hortícolas intensivos, también sobre las directrices de manejo para la gestión conjunta de recursos hídricos convencionales y agua de mar desalada para riego. Además, se mostró como los sensores y ciertas herramientas de apoyo a la toma de decisiones puede ayudar en la gestión de las mezclas de las diferentes fuentes de agua.
Un ejemplo fue la jornada online celebrada en el mes de junio “Regando con agua cada vez más salina” han colaborado tres divulgadores de investigación aplicada, cuyas ponencias técnicas mostraron nuevas herramientas y resultados para llevar a cabo una gestión eficiente del fertirriego, tales como: definir mezclas óptimas de agua desalada y agua subterránea salobre para el riego de los principales cultivos hortícolas, definir procedimientos óptimos de manejo de la salinidad del suelo mediante lavado de sales que minimicen el consumo de agua y el manejo eficiente en la gestión del riego con aguas salinas, además de compartir conocimientos sobre temas esenciales de desalación y reutilización de agua. En esta jornada se ha mostrado dos experiencias de éxito en invernaderos comerciales en el uso eficiente del agua en la agricultura: los productores Paqui Ferrer y Diego Balastegui.
It is becoming more and more important for (Dutch) farmers to be efficient in their nutrient usage, especially the use of nitrogen. This has multiple reasons: to stimulate optimal crop growth, prevent nutrient losses to the environment and because some (mineral) fertilisers are becomig more expensive. To know what amount of fertiliser you need to give to your crop there are several things to take into account, like the crop type and its needs, available nitrogen from previous crop residues or cover crops, and the amount of available nitrogen in the soil.With this information you can make your fertilisation plan. It differs per crop when it needs the most nutrients, for some crops it works perfectly fine to give all the nutrients around sowing/planting time, but this is not most efficient for all crops. Potatoes and various vegetables benefit more from nitrogen application at various moment in the growing season. But how to know when your crop needs extra nitrogen? Of course this can be guessed based on experience, but you can also measure the available nitrogen in the soil or even in the plant leaves. This gives the most accurate status of nitrogen availability, and the opportunity to use your amount of fertiliser wisely. pactically this will only work with mineral fertlisers, it is not possible to add manure halfway the cropping season. Before this meant that this system was only applicable for conventional farmers, but there are developments in organic fertiliser pallets, which makes this also possible for organic farmers. By adding the amout of nutrients when the plant needs it, in the form that it needs it, minimalises the risk of losses to either the air or the (ground)water.
Het wordt meer en meer belangrijk voor (Nederlandse) telers om efficient hun nutrienten in te zetten, stikstof in het bijzonder. Dit heeft een aantal redenen: het stimuleren van optimale groei van het gewas, het voorkomen van verliezen naar de omgeving en niet meer dan nodig mestproducten inzetten, vanwege de hoger worden de kostprijs van (kunst)meststoffen. Om te weten hoeveel bemesting nodig is voor je gewas zijn een aantal dingen van belang, zoals het type gewas, de hoeveelheid stikstof achtergebleven in gewasresten en groenbemesters en de hoeveelheid beschikbare stikstof in de bodem. Met deze informatie kan je je bemestingsplan maken. Het verschilt per gewas(soort) wanneer het de meeste nutrienten behoeft, voor sommige gewassen is het bijvoorbeeld prima om alle bemesting aan het begin van het groeiseizoen te geven, rond zaaien/planten. Voor andere gewassen, zoals aardappels en een aantal groentegewassen is het efficienter om je bemesting op te delen in de tijd. Maar wanneer heeft het gewas dan precies de stikstof nodig? Dit kan natuurlijk ingeschat worden op basis van ervaring, maar je kan ook de nog beschikbare stikstof in de bodem of zelfs in de plant meten. dit geeft het meest accurate beeld van de stand van zaken, en dus de mogelijkheid om je stikstof op het juiste moment toe te dienen. Omdat er tegenwoordig ook steeds meer organische (korrel)meststoffen op de markt komen is dit ook mogelijk voor biologische boeren. door het toeveogen van de juiste vorm en hoeveelheid nutrienten op het juiste moment minimaliseren we het risico op kostbare verliezen die schade kunnen doen aan de lucht- en waterkwaliteit.
A film was made about Kartoffelkombinat, a community supported agriculture from Munich. Benny Schöpf explains the cultivation and business model and what the farm does in terms of nutrient management and efficiency. Kartoffelkombinat produces different vegetables for around 2000 households in Munich. The aim of this video is to show other vegetable growers and newcomers to horticulture a successful business model and nutrient management solutions.
Vegetables at Kartoffelkombinat cover a wide range such carrots, pumpkin, tomato, eggplant, beetroot cabbage, salad, spinach and much more. Basis of the nutrient management is a regular soil analyses, which is carried out on a yearly basis to see how the soil is enhancing and how the organic matter content is changing.
Another part of the nutrient management is mulching. As material for mulching trefoil grass is used directly as a fertilizer. But mulching has much more benefits besides that, such as keeping moisture in the soil and suppressing weeds. However, a few aspects need to be taken into consideration when mulching: the mulch should be at least 8 to 10cm thick and the single stalks about 5 to 10cm long, so the soil gets enough oxygen. Every crop mulch is used, the soil is very fine and not much other soil preparation is needed. The mulching material decomposes over time, especially in crops with longer growing period such as pumpkin, it will be decomposed almost completely at the end of the cultivation period. In colder climates, one needs to be careful not to isolate the soil too much to avoid damage due to low soil temperatures in sensitive crops such as courgette.
Über das Kartoffelkombinat, eine gemeinschaftlich getragene Landwirtschaft aus München, wurde ein Film gedreht. Benny Schöpf erklärt das Anbau- und Geschäftsmodell und was der Betrieb in Sachen Nährstoffmanagement und Effizienz leistet. Das Kartoffelkombinat produziert verschiedene Gemüsesorten für rund 2000 Haushalte in München. Ziel dieses Videos ist es, anderen Gemüsebauern und Neueinsteigern in den Gartenbau ein erfolgreiches Geschäftsmodell und Lösungen für das Nährstoffmanagement aufzuzeigen.
Das Gemüse im Kartoffelkombinat umfasst eine breite Palette wie Möhren, Kürbis, Tomaten, Auberginen, Kohl, Spinat und vieles mehr. Grundlage des Nährstoffmanagements ist eine regelmäßige Bodenanalyse, die jährlich durchgeführt wird, um zu sehen, wie sich der Boden entwickelt und wie sich der Gehalt an organischer Substanz verändert.
Ein weiterer Teil des Nährstoffmanagements ist das Mulchen. Als Mulchmaterial wird Kleegras direkt als Dünger verwendet. Das Mulchen hat aber noch weitere Vorteile, z. B. hält es die Feuchtigkeit im Boden und unterdrückt Unkraut. Beim Mulchen sind jedoch einige Aspekte zu beachten: Der Mulch sollte mindestens 8 bis 10 cm dick und die einzelnen Halme etwa 5 bis 10 cm lang sein, damit der Boden ausreichend mit Sauerstoff versorgt wird. Bei jeder Verwendung von Erntemulch ist der Boden sehr fein und es ist keine weitere Bodenbearbeitung erforderlich. Das Mulchmaterial zersetzt sich mit der Zeit, vor allem bei Kulturen mit längerer Wachstumszeit wie Kürbis ist es am Ende der Anbauperiode fast vollständig zersetzt. In kälteren Klimazonen muss man darauf achten, den Boden nicht zu sehr zu isolieren, um Schäden durch niedrige Bodentemperaturen bei empfindlichen Pflanzen wie Zucchini zu vermeiden.
"Intensive greenhouse vegetable production in south-eastern Spain is associated with significant nitrate contamination of groundwater. This situation is associated to an excessive use of nitrogen fertilisers. These fertilisers are necessary to ensure high production levels. Optimal nitrogen (N) management is essential to reduce these N losses to the environment, and to ensure the sustainability of the system. Therefore, many of the demonstration activities in the SPNUTRIENT hub have focused on the use of various management tools and techniques to ensure that nitrogen fertilisation is not excessive. The tools demonstrated include sensors, software and analytical systems for use by farmers.
A demonstration event was held to highlight key aspects of the use of tools to ensure the correct doses of irrigation and nitrogen fertiliser and of other nutrients, to ensure that crops receive exactly the fertiliser they need, and no more. The webinar ""The problem of N, tools to improve on-farm management"" was held in September 2021. It consisted of six short presentations. In the first three, ""The problem of nitrates in Almeria"", ""Plant sap as an indicator of the N status of vegetable crops"", ""Use of suction probes for the management of N fertilisation"", recognised disseminators of practical research in horticulture in Almeria, participated. In the second three presentations, farmers and technical advisors and farmers presented, in video format, applications of the tools, previously described for improved on-farm fertiliser management. In the last part of the webinar, the various speakers responded to numerous questions from the 60 participants.
La producción intensiva de hortalizas bajo invernadero en el sureste de España está asociada con una apreciable contaminación por nitrato en aguas subterráneas. Esta situación está vinculada con un uso excesivo de fertilizantes nitrogenados. Estos fertilizantes son necesarios para garantizar altos niveles de producción. Por esto, la gestión óptima del nitrógeno (N) es esencial para reducir las pérdidas al medioambiente y asegurar la sostenibilidad del sistema. Es por ello, que varios de las actividades de demostración en el hub SPNUTRIENT se han centrado en el uso de varias herramientas y técnicas de manejo para asegurar que la fertilización nitrogenada no es excesiva. Las herramientas demostradas incluyen sensores, software y sistemas analíticas por uso de los agricultores.
Se celebró un evento de demostración para poner de manifiesto aspectos clave en el uso de herramientas para asegurar las dosis correctas de riego y fertilizante nitrogenados entre otros, para asegurar que los cultivos, están recibiendo exactamente el fertilizante necesario. La jornada online se llevó a cabo en septiembre de 2021 “El problema del N, herramientas para mejorar su gestión en finca”, estaba compuesta por tres sesiones: “El problema de los nitratos en Almería”, “La savia como indicador del contenido de N en cultivos hortícolas”, “Uso de sondas de succión para el manejo de la fertilización nitrogenada”, participando en cada una de ellas reconocidos divulgadores de investigación práctica en la horticultura almeriense. Posteriormente, en formato video, ingenieros técnicos agrícolas y agricultores, presentaron tres diferentes experiencias en cuento al manejo de la fertilización.
The Bulgarian Network Hub 7 held many demo events including virtual under the form of webinars. One webinar was focused on "Growing berry crops on soil and through hydroponics in different types of greenhouses", with an emphasis on hydroponic cultivation, as an innovative technology and practice in plant nutrition.
The National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS) NW 07 Hub team visited and made video about the farm with 60 ha glass greenhouse and 30 ha open space and the farm with polyethylene greenhouses on the ground. The video was presented during the webinar, which was very useful. The participants were acquainted with the various technological solutions in soil and hydroponic cultivation, such as innovative technology and practice in plant nutrition. The various systems and substrates, control and management of nutrients and integrated plant protection, the advantages and disadvantages of soilless cultivation of strawberry crops - strawberries, raspberries and blackberries were presented. Highlights was also the economic efficiency and high results of hydroponic berry growing, important specific technological aspects related to planting material, diet control system, plant protection.
The main actor and presenter was the chairperson of the Bulgarian Association of Raspberry and Strawberry Growers. Also, he is one of leading experts in the field of production and processing of fruits and vegetables.
The virtual demonstrations are recorded and uploaded on the NAAS YouTube channel. By this way, farmers, advisors and other people who haven’t attend the webinars can later learn about the discussed topics.
Българският хъб на мрежата 7 проведе редица демонстрационни събития в т.ч. част от тях виртуални под формата на уебинари. Един от уебинарите беше фокусиран върху „Отглеждане на ягодоплодни култури на почва и чрез хидропоника в различни типове оранжерии”, с акцент хидропонното отглеждане, като иновативна технология и практика в растителното хранене. Екипът на Национална служба за съвети в земеделието (НССЗ) по хъба по мрежа 7 посети земеделското стопанство с 60 ха стъклена оранжерия и 30 ха открита площ и стопанството с полиетиленови оранжерии на почва, като направи видео, представено по време на уебинара, което се оказа много полезно за подобни събития. Участниците бяха запознати с различни технологични решения при почвено и хидропонно отглеждане, като иновативна технология и практика в растителното хранене. Представени бяха различните системи и субстрати, контрол и управление на хранителните вещества и интегрираната растителна защита, предимствата и недостатъците на безпочвеното отглеждане на ягодоплодни култури - ягоди, малини и къпини. Други основни акцентите бяха икономическата ефективност и високите резултатите от хидропонното отглеждане на ягодоплодни, важните специфични технологични аспекти свързани с посадъчния материал и системата за контрол на хранителния режим, растителната защита. Основно действащо лице и презентатор на събитието беше председателя на Българската асоциация на малинопроизводителите и ягодоплодните, който е и един от водещите експерти в областта на производството и преработката на плодове и зеленчуци. Виртуалните демонстрации се записват и качват в YouTube канала на НССЗ. По този начин фермери, съветници и други хора, които не присъстват, могат по-късно да се запознаят с обсъжданите теми.
One of the difficulties that organic farmers have is weeds control due to the limited means to combat them. Crop rotation, increasing sowing density, intercropping or mechanical weeding are some useful techniques to combat weeds. During May and June, two demonstrations were held, farmers were able to compare how two mechanical weeding machines work. We visited a maize trial where farmers observed in situ how the machines work, in addition a technician explained in what circumstances it is better to use one machine or another and answered the questions of the public. The flexible spike harrow should be used when weeds are in cotyledons or two leaves, if it takes longer the weeding will not be as effective, moreover we have to take into account that the crop is fully implanted since the spike harrow passes over the weeds and the crop. The inter-row cultivator has hoes that weed between the crop rows and fingerweeders inside the plant row. This second machine allows a greater range of time to use the machine, since the hoes are completely inserted into the soil and are able to remove larger weeds. The flexible spike harrow is recommended for crops with a distance between rows similar to that of the cereal, while the inter-row cultivator is recommended for crops sown at a greater distance between rows, a sufficient distance to introduce the hoes between the crop rows.
Una de las dificultades que tienen los agricultores ecológicos es el control de hierbas adventicias debido a los medios limitados que tienen para combatirlas. La rotación de cultivos, el aumento de la densidad de siembra, la mezcla de especies o el deshierbe mecánico son algunas técnicas útiles para combatirlas. Durante los meses de mayo y junio se realizaron dos demostraciones en las que los agricultores pudieron comparar como trabajan dos máquinas diferentes de deshierbe mecánico. Se visitó un ensayo de maíz en el que los agricultores pudieron observar in situ cómo funcionan ambas máquinas, además un especialista explicó en qué circunstancias es mejor utilizar una máquina u otra y respondió a las dudas del público visitante. La grada de púas flexibles debe ser utilizada cuando la hierba adventicia se encuentra en cotiledones o dos hojas, si se tarda más tiempo el pase no será tan efectivo, además debemos asegurarnos de que el cultivo está totalmente implantado ya que las púas pasan por encima tanto de las hierbas adventicias como del cultivo. La binadora tiene unas rejas que pasan entre las líneas de cultivo y unos dedos flexibles se aproximan a la planta del cultivo para trabajar entre plantas de una misma línea. Esta segunda máquina permite un mayor abanico de tiempo para utilizar la máquina, ya que las rejas se introducen por completo en el suelo y pueden arrancar hierba de mayor tamaño. La grada de púas flexibles se recomienda para cultivos con una distancia entre líneas tipo a la del cereal, mientras que la binadora se recomienda para cultivos sembrados a mayor distancia entre líneas, una distancia suficiente para introducir las rejas entre las líneas de cultivo.
The demonstration, as part of the Nefertiti project, Network on Increasing the Productivity and Quality of Cultivation in the Organic Farming System, was aimed at presenting an aggregating machine that improves soil structure. The main function of the new generation ‘ECO PIELNIKA’ is the creation of an innovative technology of plant cultivation thanks to the simultaneous use of fertilizers (including organic fertilizers) and the application of effective microorganisms and other biological preparations.
The aggregating machine (seeding, weeding, fertilization) was designed for a low-power tractor for use in an organic farm. The farmer - the originator constructed a prototype of a machine that will be successfully used in conjunction with low-power tractors, often used on organic farms. The farmer presented the comprehensive service of the machine: from assembling the replaceable elements of the machine, calibrating through a practical demonstration in the field.
Main demonstration recommendations:
• The machine is especially recommended for organic farms and integrated plant production
• Multifunctional, universal set for the care of crops during plant vegetation
• Mechanically elimates weeds, eliminating manual weeding and the use of sprayers
• Possibility of secondary feeding of plants with granulated fertilizers directly under the root
• Possibility of application of effective microorganisms
• A special distribution system reduces the use of fertilizer by 30-50% - at the depth of the planted plant and mixed with the soil during care
• 30-50% higher yields and plant quality
• Loosens the soil completely, stopping the evaporation of the groundwater
Demonstracja, w ramach projektu Nefertiti, miała na celu zaprezentowanie maszyny agregującej, która poprawia strukturę gleby. Główną funkcją EKO PIELNIKA nowej generacji jest tworzenie innowacyjnej technologii uprawy roślin, dzięki jednoczesnym zastosowaniu nawozów (w tym nawozy ekologiczne) oraz aplikacji efektywnych mikroorganizmów i innych preparatów biologicznych.
Maszyna agregująca (obsiewanie, pielenie, nawożenie) zaprojektowana została pod ciągnik małej mocy do użytku w gospodarstwie ekologicznym. Rolnik - pomysłodawca skonstruował prototyp maszyny, która z powodzeniem będzie użytkowana w połączeniu z ciągnikami o małej mocy, często wykorzystywanymi w gospodarstwach ekologicznych. Rolnik zaprezentował kompleksową obsługę maszyny: od składania elementów wymiennych maszyny, kalibrowania przez pokaz praktyczny na polu.
Główne rekomendacje wynikające z demonstracji:
• Maszyna szczególnie zalecana do gospodarstw ekologicznych i zintegrowanej produkcji roślin
• Wielofunkcyjny, uniwersalny zestaw do pielęgnacji upraw w czasie wegetacji roślin
• Mechanicznie niszczy chwasty, eliminując ręczne pielenie i użycie opryskiwaczy
• Możliwość zasilania wtórnego rośliny nawozami granulowanymi bezpośrednio pod korzeń
• Możliwość apliakcji efektywnych mikroorganizmów
• Specjalny system dystrybucji zmniejsza zużycie nawozu o 30-50% – na głębokości wysadzonej rośliny i wymieszany z glebą podczas pielęgnacji
• 30-50% większe plony i jakość roślin
• Spulchnia całkowicie ziemię, zatrzymując parowanie wody gruntowej
• Niszczy chwasty na redlinach i zagonach
• Maszyna dostosowana do pielęgnacji uprawy płaskich w rzędach od 20 od 150 cm szerokości lub na redlinach i zagonach
Since our Network is focussed on the productivity of arable organic crops, a main innovation topic revolves around soil use and soil health. These are closely related to the farms individual practices of crop rotations, fertilisation and also mechanical equipment available on farm. Most of our farm demos were on farms that actively thy to preserve their soil status or even improve it by using extensive cultivation methods such as disc cutters and cultivators instead of ploughs. Of if they have to use a plough they try to keep it as shallow as the machine produces a successful result. Challenges that arise from these innovation topics are often quite similar since every farmer has to deal in similar environments in our regions. Keeping yields high while also preserving soil quality demands for well-thought fertiliser use and in depth knowledge of soil processes.
Also weed pressure due to reduced cultivation practices is a common challenge among farmers in our hub. Excluding or minimising the use of turning cultivation like ploughs will always enable more unwanted plant species to develop and dwell in the field. Having a good eye-sight and estimation skill will help the farmers in assessing the risk that a certain weed will have on the actual yield of their crops. In most cases this is not as substantial in practice as many believe in theory.
Da sich unser Netzwerk auf die Produktivität von biologischen Ackerkulturen konzentriert, dreht sich ein zentrales Innovationsthema um Bodennutzung und Bodengesundheit. Diese stehen in engem Zusammenhang mit den betriebseigenen Praktiken der Fruchtfolge, der Düngung und auch der auf dem Betrieb verfügbaren mechanischen Ausrüstung. Die meisten unserer Farmdemos fanden auf Farmen statt, die aktiv daran arbeiteten, ihren Bodenzustand zu erhalten oder sogar zu verbessern, indem sie extensive Anbaumethoden wie Scheibenfräsen und Grubber anstelle von Pflügen einsetzten. Wenn sie einen Pflug verwenden müssen, versuchen sie, ihn so flach zu halten, wie die Maschine ein erfolgreiches Ergebnis liefert. Die Herausforderungen, die sich aus diesen Innovationsthemen ergeben, sind oft sehr ähnlich, da jeder Landwirt in unseren Regionen in ähnlichen Umgebungen zu tun hat. Um die Erträge hoch zu halten und gleichzeitig die Anforderungen an die Bodenqualität für eine durchdachte Düngemittelverwendung und fundierte Kenntnisse der Bodenprozesse zu wahren.
Auch der Unkrautdruck durch reduzierte Anbaupraktiken ist eine häufige Herausforderung unter den Landwirten in unserem Hub. Durch den Ausschluss oder die Minimierung des Einsatzes von Wendekulturen wie Pflügen können sich immer mehr unerwünschte Pflanzenarten entwickeln und auf dem Feld verweilen. Ein gutes Sehvermögen und gute Einschätzungsfähigkeiten helfen den Landwirten, das Risiko abzuschätzen, das ein bestimmtes Unkraut auf den tatsächlichen Ertrag ihrer Pflanzen hat. In den meisten Fällen ist dies in der Praxis nicht so substanziell, wie viele in der Theorie glauben.
The organic farming is growing every year in Finland. New organic producers are joining, and the organic market is expanding, and more and more new organic products are entering the market. The cultivation of new crops and better varieties requires new experiences and new information.
In terms of organic farming, the Nefertiti project has focused on many events to highlight the importance of crop rotation in organic farming and the potential for species and variety choices. In Finland, there is a clear need for this, as the changing climatic conditions become more pronounced during the growing season, the organic regulation brings with its new ways of operating and the organic market develops in many directions. In addition, the area of organic farms is growing, and new young farmers are starting their careers in agriculture, which also requires new perspectives on production and cultivation techniques.
In particular, the organic farming crop rotation seeks to find new solutions for more efficient production, but at the same time to maintain weedless and viable crops. In addition, great importance is attached to maintaining the condition of the soil and acting as a carbon farming. This is achieved by adding a tillage cycle to the crop rotation and catch crops and deep-rooted plants. Catch crops and deep-rooted crops are better able to produce and maintain the condition of the soil, even in the face of changing weather conditions.
Through the Nefertiti project, information and know-how on crop rotations and varieties has been disseminated through field demos, webinars, and other demo events.
Luomupeltoviljelyn pinta-ala kasvaa joka vuosi Suomessa. Mukaan tulee yhä enemmän uusia luomutuottajia sekä luomumarkkinat laajenevat ja uusia luomutuotteita tulee yhä enemmän markkinoille.
Nefertiti -hanke on luomupeltoviljelyn kannalta keskittynyt monessa tapahtumassa tuomaan esiin viljelykierron merkitystä luomuviljelyssä sekä laji ja lajike valintojen mahdollisuuksia. Ilmaston ääriolosuhteet korostuvat kasvukaudella, luomuasetus tuo mukanaan uusia toimintatapoja sekä luomumarkkinat kehittyvät monella suuntaa. Lisäksi luomutilojen pinta-alat kasvavat ja uusia nuoria viljelijöitä aloittaa uransa maatalouden parissa, jolloin tarvitaan myös uusia näkökulmia tuotantoon ja viljelytekniikoihin.
Luomuviljelykierrossa pyritään löytämään erityisesti uusia ratkaisuja tehokkaampaan tuotantoon, mutta samalla pyritään ylläpitämään puhtaita ja elinvoimaisia kasvustoja. Lisäksi suuri painoarvo on maankasvukunnon ylläpitämisessä ja hiilinieluna toimimista. Tähän päästään, kun viljelykiertoon lisätään vielä muokkauskierto sekä panostetaan monipuolisiin kerääjäkasveihin sekä syväjuurisiin kasveihin. Monimuotoiset ja syväjuuriset kasvustot pystyvät tuottamaan paremmin satoa sekä pitämään maankasvukuntoa yllä, vaikka siihen kohdistuisikin sään ääri-ilmiöitä.
Nefertiti -hankkeen kautta on tietoa ja osaamista levitetty niin pellonpientareiden, webinaarien ja koulutusten kautta tietoa viljelykierroista ja lajikkeista.
As one of the activities of the Nefertiti project, together with two farmers, we participated in a cross-visit in the Netherlands and Belgium. The purpose of the visit was to get acquainted with various solutions related to the improvement of soil quality, organized by Network 4. We were interested in the point of view of farmers carrying out various activities: on the one hand, a large (over 400 ha) intensive farm and a smaller organic farm. The first farm of Nico Vandevannet (of De Levende Aarde) showed a specific farming method in poor sandy soil and the production of vegetables in the field and under cover. The so-called sol-soil approach, it mimics natural biocenoses like a forest. Soil plowing was stopped, only chisel loosening and a compacting roller were used. The main factor improving soil fertility was compost from deciduous trees leaves and large amounts of hardwood chips, additionally rock dust and ecological organic fertilizer 11% N and 5% K. The high content of organic carbon was surprising in the conditions of low loam sand . The second point was "Green manure day" in the Westmaas area. Cultivation machines and various techniques of enriching the soil with organic substances were presented, with the main emphasis on green fertilizers composed of species-rich mixtures. Aftercrop mixtures allow to improve the natural fertility of the soil, reduce soil diseases, increase the biological activity of the soil, and most importantly - increase the content of organic matter in the soil.
Jako jedno z działań projektu Nefertiti, wraz z dwoma rolnikami uczestniczyliśmy w cross-visit w Holandii i Belgii. Celem wizyty było zapoznanie się z różnymi rozwiązaniami związanymi z poprawą jakości gleb, organizowaną przez Sieć 4. Interesował nas punkt widzenia rolników prowadzących różna działalność: z jednej strony duże (ponad 400 ha) gospodarstwo intensywne i mniejsze gospodarstwo o profilu organicznym. Pierwsza farma Nico Vandevannet (of De Levende Aarde) prezentowała specyficzny sposób gospodarowania na słabej, piaskowej glebie i produkcje warzyw w polu i pod osłonami. Stosuje się tzw. podejście sol-soil, naśladuje on naturalne biocenozy jak las.. Zaprzestano orek , stosowano wyłącznie spulchnianie dłutem i wał dogniatający. Jako główny czynnik poprawiający żyzność gleb użyty był kompost z lisci drzew liściastych oraz zrębki drewna liściastego w bardzo dużej ilości, do tego dodatkowo pył skalny i ekologiczny nawóz organiczny 11%N i 5% K. Zaskakiwała duża zawartość węgla organicznego w warunkach piasku słabo-gliniastego. Drugim punktem był "Green manure day" in the Westmaas area. Zaprezentowano maszyny uprawowe oraz różne techniki wzbogacania gleby w substancje organiczną z głównym naciskiem na zielone nawozy złożone z bogatych gatunkowo mieszanek. Mieszanki poplonowe pozwalają na poprawę naturalnej żyzności gleby, redukcję chorób glebowych, zwiększenie aktywności biologicznej gleby, a ni najważniejsze – podwyższenie zawartości substancji organicznej w glebie.
On the 26th o f August 2021 a demo day was organized as part of the National Project of Precision Farming (NPPL). About 90 visitors (mostly farmers) enjoyed an interactive program of 5 elements, where the host farmer presented his farm and his activities related to precision agriculture. He invested in very innovative spraying machine with very low emissions and able to spray with VRA technology based on PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). PWM enables to spray very precise amounts of herbicides on specific spots (using taskmaps). He has implemented the site specific control of weeds for different types of weeds. Hiring new land for bulbs, he is making soil maps using the VERIS soil sensor of every field. Based on this he applies compost on the field site specific. He is working on the implementation of variable rate planting. After this speach 4 companies introduces their technology to the visitors in subgroups, creating a lot of interaction between companies and visitors. Before and after the event there was plenty of time for informal talks enjoying a small meal and drinks.
The visitors not only enjoyed the talks, but also got quite a good impression on the benefits and bottenecks when introducing these types of new technology.
Op 26 augustus 2021 werd een demodag georganiseerd in het kader van het Nationaal Project voor Precisielandbouw (NPPL). Ongeveer 90 bezoekers (voornamelijk landbouwers) genoten van een interactief programma met 5 onderdelen, waarbij de bloembollenteler zijn bedrijf en zijn activiteiten met betrekking tot precisielandbouw presenteerde. Hij investeerde in een zeer innovatieve sproeimachine met zeer lage emissies die in staat is te sproeien met VRA-technologie op basis van PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). PWM maakt het mogelijk om zeer precieze hoeveelheden herbiciden op specifieke plekken te sproeien (met behulp van taskmaps). Hij heeft de plaatsspecifieke onkruidbestrijding voor verschillende soorten onkruid geimplementeerd, deels in combinatie met drone opnames. Hij huurt continu nieuw land voor bollen en maakt van elk veld bodemkaarten met behulp van de VERIS bodemsensor. Op basis hiervan brengt hij plaatsspecifiek compost op het veld aan. Hij werkt aan de implementatie van variabel planten. Na deze toespraak lichtten 4 bedrijven aan subgroepen hun technologie toe aan de bezoekers, waarbij er veel interactie ontstond tussen bedrijven en bezoekers. Voor en na het evenement was er voldoende tijd voor informele gesprekken onder het genot van een kleine maaltijd en een drankje.
The field day was organized in the field. The first presentation was about plant physiology, the processes that took place at this time through winter wheat and autumn rapeseed were discussed. It was followed with a presentation on protection of soils and the possibilities of natural nutrient replenishment in the name of sustainability. Then it was continued with an interactive with a soil profile emphasize not only the horizontal but also the vertical heterogeneity of soils. The possibilities of precision farming and sensor-based measurements were also introduced. Finally the organizers came up with a little surprise. They wanted to make the day more memorable for the participants with bacon baking in the on-site makeshift camp kitchen.Main results were the following: 1. Exploration of the soil profile, performing on-site soil testing, then defining the soil formation and degradation processes and presenting their practical significance.
2. Description of the soil according to biological aspects, evaluation of the conditions of soil life, possible ways to improve the biological quality of the soil.
3. Good practice in organic matter management in the light of local conditions and conditions.
4. Plant physiological characterization of the field or horticultural culture on the site, presentation of its development and formation of its crop elements, technological possibilities for better utilization of the crop potential.
5. Current and expected environmental impacts in the given crop and the physiological basis of stress management.
6. In-person consultation based on questions from published professionals.
A programot szbadtéren a szántóföldön rendeztük meg. A továbbképzés. Az első előadás a növényélettanról szólt, az ilyenkor zajló folyamatokat az őszi búzán és az őszi káposztarepcén keresztül ismerhettük meg. A második előadónk a talajok termőképességének megőrzéséről, a tápanyagok természetes visszapótlásának lehetőségeiről beszélt a fenntarthatóság jegyében. Ezután egy talajszelvény bemutatásával tettük interaktívvá a programot, kihangsúlyozva hogy a talajnak nemcsak horizontális, hanem vertikális heterogenítása van. A precíziós gazdálkodás lehetőségeit és a szenzor alapú vizsgálati módszereket is megismerhettük. Zárásként, és a következtetések levonása mellé a szervezők egy kis meglepetéssel is készültek. A helyszínen rögtönzött tábori konyhában sütött szalonnával szerették volna emlékezetesebbé tenni a napot a résztvevők számára. Főbb eredmények: 1. Talajszelvény feltárása, helyszíni talajvizsgálat elvégzése, majd a talajképző- és talajdegradációs folyamatok meghatározása és gyakorlati jelentőségük bemutatása.
2. A talaj biológiai szempontok szerinti leírása, a talajélet feltételeinek értékelése, a talaj biológiai minősége javításának lehetséges módjai.
3. A szervesanyag-gazdálkodás helyes gyakorlata a helyi adottságok és feltételek tükrében.
4. A helyszínen megtalálható szántóföldi- vagy kertészeti kultúra növényélettani jellemzése, fejlődésének, terméselemei kialakulásának bemutatása, technológiai lehetőségek a terméspotenciál jobb kihasználására.
5. Az adott növénykultúrában aktuális és várható környezeti hatások, valamint a stressz-menedzsment növényélettani alapjai.
6. Személyes konzultáció a megjelent szakemberek kérdései alapján.
The multiplication of digital solutions offered to farms requires advisors to be able to guide the farmer in the choice of the most suitable technology, to accompany the commissioning of these new technologies and to provide solutions to problems that may arise. Advisors are faced with almost unknown technologies that are constantly evolving. Thus they can feel incompetent to face these technologies. Moreover, it is complicated to evaluate the effectiveness of some of these solutions, particularly for variable rate application solutions. Some farmers are getting into digital technology but are not always able to fully exploit the potential of these expensive tools. As a result, there is a real need of information and for training for farmers and their advisors.
During demonstration events, the use of a technician/farmer pair is an asset for presenting equipment or an innovative solution. The technician can present the characteristics and performance of the innovation he is representing, while the farmer can detail his way of implementing the product concerned. The two speeches can thus complement each other. Moreover the farmer’s presence makes it possible to provide concrete elements and expertise from the field, which is appreciated by the visiting farmers. Indeed, farmers often share the same constraints and the same language. Peer to peer exchanges directly between farmers facilitates the adoption of the innovation. This duo presentation is an ideal complement to the dynamic demonstration.
La multiplication des solutions numériques proposées aux exploitations agricoles impose aux conseillers d’être capables de guider l’exploitant dans le choix de la technologie la plus adaptée, d’accompagner la mise en œuvre de ces nouvelles technologies et d’apporter des solutions aux problèmes qui peuvent survenir. Les conseillers se retrouvent face à des technologies qu’ils maitrisent mal et qui évoluent rapidement. Par ailleurs il est compliqué d’évaluer l’efficacité de certaines de ces solutions, notamment pour la modulation de dose. Certains agriculteurs se lancent dans le numérique mais n’arrivent pas toujours à exploiter pleinement le potentiel de ces outils. De ce fait il existe un réel besoin d’informer et de former les agriculteurs et leurs conseillers.
Lors des événements de démonstration le recours à un couple technicien/agriculteur est un atout pour présenter un matériel ou une solution innovante. Le technicien peut présenter les caractéristiques et performances de l’innovation dont il est le représentant, tandis que l’agriculteur peut détailler sa manière de mettre en œuvre le produit concerné. Les deux discours peuvent ainsi se compléter ; la présence de l’agriculteur permet d’apporter des éléments concrets et une expertise issue du terrain, qui est apprécie. En effet, les agriculteurs partagent souvent les mêmes contraintes et le même langage, le fait de pouvoir échanger entre pairs facilite l’adoption de l’innovation. Cette présentation en duo est un complément idéal à la démonstration dynamique.
Topics in our hub have concentrated on technological innovations and their applications in farm environments. Variable rate application makes it possible to target each section of the with best possible combination of inputs.
New innovations are closely examined in YouTube videos produced during the summer of 2020. We visited an organic farmer Ville Kari in Lehtimäki, Finland, and created three short videos demonstrations of using variable rate application in sowing of organic spring canola. Ville has been using automatic steering for three years and his sowing machinery has been ISOBUS compatible for five years. In the videos we cover how to create task, upload it to tractor for use and examination and how does the process look all together. For example, fertilization or seed rate is automatically controlled from the cabin while sowing. Ville has found using VRA technologies saves costs and time while getting best possible yield.
Biggest challenges around farms using variable rate technology have to do with machinery requirements. Investing to ISOBUS compatible tractors and other machinery with latest technologies is expensive for smaller family farms. Testing it out via contractor could be a possibility. Younger generation of farmers, however, is steering their production towards precision farming with hopes of greater yields and most efficient use of inputs, which often are achieved. This encourages more and more farmers to try new innovations in their farming practices.
Hubimme aihealueet keskittyvät teknologiainnovaatioihin ja niiden hyödyntämiseen maatalousolosuhteissa. Määränsäätöautomatiikka mahdollistaa parhaan mahdollisen panossuhteen kohdentamisen kullekin osaa pellosta.
Uusia innovaatioita tarkastellaan lähemmin kesän 2020 aikana tuotetuissa YouTube videoissa. Vierailimme Lehtimäkeläisen luomuviljelijä Ville Karin tilalla ja tuotimme kolme lyhyttä videodemonstraatiota luomy kevätrypsin kylvöstä määränsäätöautomatiikkaa hyödyntäen. Ville on käyttänyt tilallaan automaattiohjausta kolmen vuoden ajan, minkä lisäksi hänen kylvökalustonsa on ollut ISOBUS- yhteensopiva viiden vuoden ajan. Videoilla käymme läpi tehtävän muodostamisen, sen lataamisen ja tarkastelun sekä koko prosessin kulun. Esimerkiksi lannoitus ja siementasoja kontrolloidaan automaattisesti traktorin kopista kylvön aikana. Ville on todennut täsmäviljelytekniikoiden hyödyntämisen säästävän kustannuksissa mutta tuottavan silti parhaan mahdollisen sadon.
Suurimpina haasteina määränsäätöautomatiikan käyttöönotossa on sen kalustovaatimukset. Sijoittaminen ISOBUS-yhteensopiviin traktoreihin ja muihin viimeisimmän teknologian mukaisiin laitteistoihin on pienille perheviljelmille kallis investointi. Sen kokeileminen urakoitsijan kautta voisi kuitenkin olla mahdollista. Nuoremman sukupolven viljelijät ovat kuitenkin suutaamassa tuotantoaan täsmäviljelyn suuntaan suurempien satojen ja tehokkaan panoskäytön toivossa. Tämä rohkaisee yhä useampaa viljelijää kokeilemaan uusia innovaatioita harjoittaessaan maataloutta.
The Hub "Optimal Soil Quality in Arable Crops" is a regional group of NEFERTITI that seeks to share innovation, technologies and best practices around soil quality, with a special focus on no-tillage and reduced tillage, organic fertilisation and crop rotation. The hub is located in Spain and comprises farmers in Navarra and surrounding regions. On 20 April 2021, a demonstration was organised in Olite (Navarra) attended by 16 farmers and technicians from Navarra and Aragon. The demonstration consisted of a visit to a farm using cover crops. An agro-climatic description of the farm was made and results of the influence of cover crop on agronomic parameters of the crop were presented by a technician. The different types of cover crops that had been tested were presented until the one that best suited the farm was found, which was a type of clover. The farmers were able to see the situation of the cover crop in situ. Some farmers shared their experiences with the use of cover crops, emphasising that it is necessary to look for those covers that are adapted to the agro-climatic zone where the farm is located, and that have a low cost to maintain. After the explanations in the field, a small aperitif and a glass of wine were prepared, which gave rise to further discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of cover crops in small groups.
El Hub "Calidad óptima del suelo en cultivos herbáceos" es un grupo regional de NEFERTITI que busca compartir innovación, tecnologías y buenas prácticas en torno a la calidad del suelo, con un enfoque especial en el no laboreo y el laboreo reducido, la fertilización orgánica y la rotación de cultivos. El hub se encuentra España y comprende agricultores en Navarra y las regiones circundantes. El 20 de abril de 2021 se organizó una demostración en Olite (Navarra) a la que acudieron 16 agricultores y técnicos de Navarra y Aragón. La demostración consistió en una visita a una explotación que emplea cubiertas vegetales. Se realizó una descripción agroclimática de la explotación y se presentaron resultados de la influencia de las cubiertas vegetales en parámetros agronómicos del cultivo, por parte de un técnico. Se expusieron los diferentes tipos de cubiertas vegetales que se habían probado hasta dar con la que mejor se adaptaba a la explotación, que era un tipo de trébol. Los agricultores pudieron ver in situ la situación de la cubierta vegetal. Algunos agricultores contaron sus experiencias con el uso de cubiertas vegetales enfatizando que hay que buscar aquellas cubiertas que se adapten a la zona agroclimática donde esté la explotación, y que sean de bajo coste de mantenimiento. Tras las explicaciones en campo, se había preparado un pequeño aperitivo y una copa de vino lo que dio pie a seguir hablando de las ventajas y desventajas de las cubiertas vegetales en grupos pequeños.
Agro Show Bednary is the largest event in Poland concerning the presentation of the latest agricultural equipment. Participants in the project had the opportunity to observe the operation of innovative machines and devices designed for mechanical weed control and organic soil fertilization. The aim of the demonstrations and related lectures was to promote the improvement of soil quality through the use of organic soil fertilization (at the same time reducing the use of mineral fertilizers) and other methods of weed control while limiting the use of chemicals. Acquired experience by the opinion of the participants of the demonstrations will contribute to the improvement of the quality of soil, agricultural products, environmental protection as well as the improvement of financial results on farms (less chemical agents and mineral fertilizers while maintaining the size of the crop, it is a condition for maintaining the profitability of farms during very high increases in energy prices ). The added value of the demonstration is to raise the awareness of agricultural producers on issues such as innovation, climate protection and the role of organic matter in the soil. Some participants declared investment activities and use of the presented practices on their farms as well as sharing their experiences with other farmers in the region.
Agro Show Bednary to największe wydarzenie w Polsce dotyczące prezentacji najnowszego sprzętu rolniczego. Biorący udział w projekcie mieli okazję obserwować działanie innowacyjnch maszyn i urządzeń przeznaczonych do mechanicznego zwalczania chwastów i organicznego nawożenia gleby. Celem pokazów a także związanych z nimi wykładami była promocja poprawy jakości gleby poprzez stosowanie organicznego nawożenia gleby ( jednocześnie redukcję stosowanych nawozów mineralnych) oraz inne metody zwalczania chwastów przy ograniczeniu stosowania środków chemicznych. Nabyte doświadczenia wg. opinii uczestników pokazów będą sprzyjać poprawie jakości produktów rolnych, ochronie środowiska a także poprawie efektów finansowych w gospodarstwach (mniej śroków chemicznych i nawozów mineralnych przy zachowaniu wielkości plonów to warunek na utrzymanie rentownośi gospodarstw w czasie bardzo wysokich podwyżek cen energii.). Wartością dodaną demonstracji jest podniesienie świadomości producentów rolnych dotyczącej takich zagadnień jak innowacyjność, ochrona klimatu a także rola substancji organicznej w glebie. Część uczestników zadeklarowało działania inwestycyjne i stosowanie prezentowanych praktyk w ich gospodarstwach a także podzielenie się swoimi doświadczeniami z innym rolnikami w regionie.
Growing crops in monocultures is often efficient, and it comes with lower costs. Less mechanization is required for monocultures and, for example, determining crop rotation is less complex. In short, growing crops in monocultures is often easier. The downside is that monocultures are sensitive to 1) disease and pests 2) physical pressure: water, erosion and compaction, 3) the long-term production function is vulnerable and 4) monocultures are characterized by low biodiversity and separate agricultural functions (biodiversity, landscape, recreation).
Crops grown in strip cropping have the potential to: 1) be more economical with water and fertilizers, 2) generate higher yields because neighboring crops can reinforce each other, 3) lower pressure for diseases and pests because they enter the crop less quickly and less able to spread, 4) more biodiversity, a diversity of crops also attracts a diversity of flora and fauna, 5) higher carbon storage and less erosion because, for example, cut-and-carry fertilizers, green manures, non-inversion tillage or woody/perennial crops fit well in crop rotation 6) Better weed suppression because the choice of neighboring crops, mixed crops or green manures can be easily included in the crop rotation.
Het verbouwen van gewassen in monoculturen is vaak efficiënt, en het brengt lagere kosten met zich mee. Voor monoculturen is minder mechanisatie nodig en bijvoorbeeld het bepalen van de vruchtwisseling is minder complex. Kortom het verbouwen van gewassen in monoculturen is vaak eenvoudiger. De keerzijde is dat monoculturen gevoelig zijn voor 1) ziekte en plagen 2) fysische druk: water, erosie en verdichting, 3) de lange termijn productiefunctie is kwetsbaar en 4) monoculturen kenmerken zich door een lage biodiversiteit en gescheiden functies landbouw (biodiversiteit, landschap, recreatie).
Gewassen verbouwd in strokenteelt hebben de potentie om: 1) zuiniger met water en meststoffen om te gaan, 2) hogere opbrengst te genereren door dat buurgewassen elkaar kunnen versterken, 3) lagere druk ziekten en plagen omdat deze minder snel in het gewas komen en zich minder snel kunnen verspreiden, 4) meer biodiversiteit, een diversiteit aan gewassen trekt ook een diversiteit aan flora en fauna aan, 5) hogere koolstofopslag en minder erosie door bijvoorbeeld maaimeststoffen, groenbemesters, niet-kerende grondbewerking of houtige/meerjarige gewassen goed in de vruchtwisseling zijn op te nemen 6) betere onkruid onderdrukking doordat de keuze van buurgewassen, mengteelt of groenbemesters goed in de vruchtwisseling zijn op te nemen.
In the network on optimal soil quality in arable crops, it is often a challenge to make the effects taking place in the soil more visible. To make complex working mechanisms that take place in the soil and to make the processes more clear, there was experimented with story boards. in addition, more use was also made of short films to show during demonstrations. Both the story boards and the videos were innovative and seems to be achieving their goal of demonstrating more complex information. because most demonstrations are located in the fields, it remains a challenge to have an alternative available in case of bad weather conditions. the farmers like to see everything live, providing a good alternative in a digital way is not always obvious.
The main demonstration technique used is physical demonstration. demonstrating machines for e.g. the incorporation of cover crops, are very good, whereby a video is also made to share this on the you-tube channel afterwards. During a webinar on erosion control, the process of erosion was explained by using story board. This technique allows to explain a complex process in a simple way. This makes it easier for attendees to understand the context and the simple solutions presented can be applied to their farm situation. By visualizing soil processes in simple drawings, farmers can make the translation to their own farm situation.
In het netwerk rond optimale bodemkwaliteit in akkerbouw teelten, is het vaak een uitdaging om de effecten die zich in de bodem afspelen zichtbaar te maken. Om complexere werkingsmechanismes die zich in de bodem afspelen en om processen duidelijker te maken, werd geexperimenteerd met story boards. hiernaast werd ook meer gebruik gemaakt van filmpjes om tijdens demonstraties te tonen. zowel de story boards als de filmpjes waren vernieuwend en lijken hun doel te halen om complexere informatie te demonstreren. omdat de meeste demonstraties zich op de velden situeren, blijft het een uitdaging om een alternatief voorhanden te hebben bij slechte weersomstandigheden. de boeren houden ervan om alles live te zien, een goed alternatief op digitale wijze voorzien is niet altijd evident.
De voornaamste gebruikte demonstratietechniek is fysieke demonstratie. hierbij zijn demonstrerende machines voor bv het inwerken van groenbedekkers heel goed, waarbij tegelijk een video hiervan wordt gemaakt om dit ook te delen op you-tube kanaal. Tijdens webinar over erosiebestrijding, werd het proces van erosie uitgelegd door gebruik te maken van story board. Deze techniek laat toe om op eenvoudige manier een complex proces te duiden. Hierdoor konden de aanwezigen makkelijker de context snappen en de eenvoudige oplossingen die werden voorgesteld, kunnen ze toepassen naar hun bedrijfssituatie. Door visualisatie van bodemprocessen in eenvoudige tekeningen, kunnen boeren zelf de vertaalslag maken naar hun bedrijfssituatie.
Climate change brings more extreme weather - heat and drought in summer, more rain/wind in winter. At the same time the ratio of stock to hedgerows have increased. It is common therefore to have a lack of shelter, with too few trees leading to trampling and overcrowding in these areas, more issues of heat stress in summer, and hypothermia in winter.A well planned tailored silvopasture system integrating shelter belts, hedgerows or in field trees or alleyways can provide farm livestock with benefits including air quality, shelter and shade as well as supplementing their diets as tree browse or fodder if browse height is below 2 metres for cattle, and 1.3 metres for sheep. Silvopastures mitigates climate change, and sequestrate more carbon than just woodland. It can also reduce soil erosion, reduce nutrient leaching and manage water flow. Better shelter leads to better social behaviour - more licking, less stress/disease easier handling- Shelter and shade helps keep animals within critical temperature - improved fertility and health in dairy, improved feed conversion in beef and lamb, and improved lamb survival rates. Pinetrees have insecticidal properties, walnut trees produce a pheromone that deters flies and Willow produces salicylic acid - a metabolite of asperin. Ruminants natually browse (20% of sheep diet) and gain from energy, protein and trace elements.Leaf nutrition is similar to grass and tannins promote high quality rumen by-pass protein, reduce methane and parasite burdens. Willow is high in zinc and cobalt - balancing the natural grass shortage of cobalt in drought conditions leading to increased lamb growth rates. These benefits are in addition to greater biodiversity
The discussion is common among organic dairy farmers. Which is the most suitable breed for this type of production? Most producers continue with the Friesian, the breed from which they start when they go to organic, but there are also those who have introduced animals of other breeds to the herd. There is not an universal answer, since the context of each farm is different.
What is clear is that, based on the feeding limitations established by both the regulations and the market, the dairy potential is no longer so relevant; meanwhile, other characters begin to gain greater importance, such as the ability to use the pasture, rusticity, format,% of milk solids, etc.
With the same concern, the experimental farm in Roncesvalles has opted for crossbreeding, crossing the starting Friesian cows with Viking Red and Montbeliarde breeds. This cross had good results in conventional production and it is already known by the conventional farmers in our region. It will be interesting to see how it behaves in this context of organic production. In the last Cross Visit carried out in the thematic network of robust organic livestock systems, crossbreeding was found quite common among organic dairy producers in Brittany. Among the visited farms, although each one had their own combinations, Jersey breed was a common ingredient. Certainly, this topic provokes many reflections in this hub.
La discusión es habitual entre los productores de leche de vaca ecológica. ¿Cuál es la raza más adecuada para este tipo de producción? La mayoría de los productores siguen utilizando la frisona, la raza de la que parten cuando realizan la conversión, pero también los hay que han introducido animales de otras razas al rebaño. No existe una respuesta universal, ya que el contexto de cada explotación es diferente.
Lo que está claro es que, partiendo de las limitaciones de alimentación que establecen tanto el reglamento como el mercado, la búsqueda del potencial lechero ya no es tan relevante; mientras, otros caracteres empiezan a cobrar mayor importancia, como pueden ser la capacidad de aprovechamiento del pasto, la rusticidad, formato, % de sólidos de leche, etc.
Con la misma inquietud, la finca experimental de Roncesvalles ha optado por el cruce de razas, cruzando las vacas frisonas de partida con las razas Rojo Sueco y Montbeliarde. Se trata de un cruce con buenos resultados en producción convencional y conocido por los ganaderos convencionales de la región. Será interesante ver cómo se comporta en este contexto de producción ecológica. En la última Cross Visit realizada en la red temática de sistemas robustos de ganadería ecológica, se constató que el cruce de razas es habitual entre los productores de leche ecológica en Bretaña. Entre las explotaciones visitadas, si bien cada cual hacía sus propias combinaciones, la Jersey era un ingrediente habitual. Sin duda es un tema que provoca muchas reflexiones en nuestro hub.
The German hub in the network "Robust Organic Animal Husbandry" focused on the topic of breeding in 2021. On the one hand, the Triple A breeding method was presented and practical experiences of users were shared, and on the other hand, the work of the ökologische Tierzucht GmbH in the field of cattle breeding was presented. In the Triple A breeding method presented, all body parts of an animal are considered. The interrelationships of the body parts are studied, problems of body shape and functioning of the whole animal are analysed and it is determined which characteristics a bull should have in order to prevent the same problems from occurring in the next generation. The ultimate goal of the breeding activities with Tripple A is to achieve a balance between the form and the functioning of the whole animal. The activities of the ökologische Tierzucht GmbH aim to support the breeding of robust cattle that are adapted to the individual farm conditions. In addition, the breeding of horn-bearing cows, which play a special role in biodynamic management, is to be promoted.
Das deutsche Hub im Netzwerk "Der deutsche Hub im Netzwerk "Robuste ökologische Tierhaltung" konzentrierte sich 2021 auf das Thema Zucht. Dabei wurde zum einen die Zuchtmethode Triple A vorgestellt und praktische Erfahrungen von Anwendern geteilt und zum anderen wurde die Arbeit der ökologischen Tierzucht GmbH im Bereich der Rinderzucht vorgestellt. Bei der vorgestellten Zuchtmethode TripleA werden alle Körperbauteile eines Tieres betrachtet. Die Zusammenhänge der Körperbauteil werden studiert, Probleme der Körperform und des Funktionierens des gesamten Tieres analysiert und festgelegt, welche Merkmale ein Bulle aufweisen sollte, um zu verhindern, dass die selben Probleme in der nächsten Generation auftreten. Oberstes Ziel der Zuchtaktivitäten mit Tripple A ist es eine Balance zwischen der Form und dem Funktionieren des gesamten Tieres zu erreichen. Die Aktivitäten der ökologischen Tierzucht GmbH möchten die Zucht robuster Rinder, die an die betriebsindivuduellen Gegebenheiten angepasst sind unterstützen. Außerdem soll die Zucht von Horntragenden Kühen, welche eine besondere Rolle in der biodynamischen Bewirtschaftung einnehmen, gefördet werden.
The rearing of heifers by feeder cows and single milking are among the two themes that have been prioritized and presented to organic dairy farmers between 2020 and 2021 as part of the organic french hub.
Single milking is an innovative technique in Breton farms. Milking once a day on Sundays, for a few days, a few weeks or for the whole lactation; the herd is able to adapt to all these milking methods which will bring a real comfort in the on-call work. Several points of attention must be taken into account:
- EVALUATE THE IMPACT ON THE TURNOVER
In spite of a positive effect on the price of milk by the increase of the rates, single milking has a negative impact on the volume produced, according to the modalities of the simple suppression of the milking of Sunday evening (-3%) to the suppression of a milking on all the lactation (-25%).
- STARTING FROM A HEALTHY CELL SITUATION
The cell situation is the main point of technical attention when setting up monotraite. It is not a reason of the deterioration of the cell rate, but an aggravating factor.
- AN ECONOMIC RATION
The margin on feed cost must be optimized to face the decrease in turnover. An economic ration system based on pasture and low quantities of concentrates allows to limit the economic impact of the decrease in delivered volumes.
- SELECTING THE ANIMALS
If the technique can be adapted to all breeds, it is possible to select the females that respond better to single milking, especially on the cell level and milk production.
The implementation of single milking has an impact on the rates, the cell level and the production volume, and potentially on the number of animals.
L’élevage des génisses par les vaches nourrices et la monotraite font partie des deux thématiques qui ont été priorisées et présentées aux éleveurs laitiers biologiques entre 2020 et 2021 dans le cadre du HUB BIO français.
La monotraite est une technique innovante dans les élevages bretons. Traire une fois par jour le dimanche, pendant quelques jours, quelques semaines ou sur toute la lactation ; le troupeau est en mesure de s’adapter à toutes ces modalités de traite qui vont apporter un réel confort dans le travail d’astreinte. Plusieurs points de vigilance sont à prendre en compte :
- EVALUER L’IMPACT SUR LE CHIFFRE D’AFFAIRES
Malgré un effet positif sur le prix du lait par l’augmentation des taux, la monotraite a un impact négatif sur le volume produit, selon les modalités de la simple suppression de la traite du dimanche soir (-3%) à la suppression d’une traite sur toute la lactation (-25%).
- PARTIR D’UNE SITUATION CELLULAIRE SAINE
La situation cellulaire est le principal point de vigilance technique lors de la mise en place de la monotraite. Elle n’est pas une cause de dégradation du taux cellulaire, mais un facteur aggravant.
- UNE RATION ECONOME
La marge sur coût alimentaire doit être nécessairement optimisée pour faire face à la baisse de chiffre d’affaires. Un système de ration économe basé sur le pâturage et des quantités faibles de concentrés permet de limiter l’impact économique de la baisse des volumes livrés.
- SELECTIONNER LES ANIMAUX
Si la technique s’adapte à toutes les races, il est possible de sélectionner les femelles qui réagissent le mieux à la monotraite, notamment sur le niveau cellulaire et la production laitière.
At the fifth demonstration held in 2021, the main presentation with experiences from practice in production management - own model of farm management was presented by an agronomy engineer, who until recently was a student at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb. Now, with the support of her parents, she and her brother, who is also an agronomy engineer, both successfully run their farms. Experiences and examples of proper management of grazing cattle are of great benefit to all participants in the demonstration event, especially in breeding and production and improving animal health and welfare. The owners of the farm showed their own farm models and in practice pointed out many details that are especially important in beef cattle breeding. Breeders from other regions were especially interested in the experiences and examples of proper pasture management that will be of great benefit to all participants. In this way, the transfer of knowledge and science into the practice of grazing cattle breeding in Croatia is also presented.
Main results: By presenting the practical experiences of farmers and through mutual discussion and exchange of knowledge between different participants, it was possible to encourage the adoption of innovations and improve learning from farmer to farmer while encouraging organic grazing cattle breeding.
Main recommendations: Emphasis was placed on developing your own farm management model, depending on the needs and affinities of the farm. Also, the importance of applying the latest innovative procedures and methods in grazing cattle breeding was emphasized.
Na petoj demonstraciji održanoj u 2021. godini glavno izlaganje s iskustvima iz prakse u upravljanju proizvodnjom – vlastiti model upravljanja farmom iznijela je inženjerka agronomije, koja je donedavno bila student Agronomskog fakulteta u Zagrebu. Sada, uz podršku svojih roditelja, ona i njezin brat, koji je također inženjer agronomije, oboje uspješno vode svoja gospodarstva. Iskustva i primjeri pravilnog upravljanja pašnim govedarstvom od velike su koristi svim sudionicima demonstracijskog događaja, osobito u uzgoju i proizvodnji te poboljšanju zdravlja i dobrobiti životinja. Vlasnici gospodarstva pokazali su vlastite modele farme i u praksi ukazali na mnoge detalje naročito važne u mesnom govedarstvu. Uzgajivačima iz drugih krajeva posebno su zanimljiva bila iskustva i primjeri pravilnog upravljanja pašnjacima koji će biti od velike koristi svim sudionicima. Na taj način je i ujedno prikazan transfer znanja i znanosti u praksu pašnog govedarstva u Hrvatskoj.
Glavni rezultati: Putem izlaganja praktičnih iskustva farmera i kroz međusobnu raspravu i razmjenu znanja između različitih sudionika nastajalo se potaknuti usvajanje inovacija i unaprijediti učenje s farmera na farmera uz poticanje ekološkog pašnog govedarstva.
Glavne preporuke: Stavljen je naglasak na izradu vlastitog modela upravljanja farmom, ovisno o potrebama i afinitetima farme. Također, naglašena je važnost primjene najnovijih inovativnih postupaka i metoda u pašnom govedarstvu.
It is easy to breed for production or type, but how can you breed to improve health traits and animal welfare? Looking at current bull data the only relevent data is longevity, somatic cell count and perhaps condition score. Zoetis Genomic evaluation with ClLARIFIED plus now includes specific health trait evaluations including mastitis, metritis, lameness,ketosis, calf scours, calf mortality, calf respiratory and cow respiratory. Cows in the top 25% for each trait were twice as likely to stay healthy as cows in the bottom 25%. It is never recommended to use single trait selection, so Clarified have developed a Dairy Wellness Profit (DWP) index which combines production, type, fertility, longevity and health traits. Analysis made based on the balanced DWP index shows the top 25 % of cows using 44% less antiobiotics for mastitis. DWP figures are only available on Jersey and Holstein bulls. Genetic gains can be made by just using the highest DWP bulls, the greatest advance comes with genomic testing of females and exerting selection pressure on which females are bred from. Use of sexed semen can have a big effect in making more progress. Breeding for DWP not only reduces antibiotic use, but it is a selection tool that can have an important financial impact on a dairy by increasing lifetime milk production, milk per day of life, herdlife and expected profit per cow. Improvements can be expected in calf mortality, ketosis, displaced abomasums, milk fever and cystic ovaries. A recent study showed the best ranked 25 % of heifers will bring in £1326 more income over feed costs per lifetime than those in the bottom 25%
Grazing of big herds can be very labour intense regarding moving fences manually. In eastern Germany big herds of beef cattle graze exensively used permanent grassland. Farmers move their animals from one area to another and need to physically move their fences. That costs a lot of time and money due to lot of fences material. The idea is to move big herds of beef cattle with virtual fences by defining virtual boundries. If a cattle comes to close to the virtual fence it will first hear a sound. If it ignores the sound, the beef cattle will get an electric pulse to stop. The farmer can easily change the virtual fence via app and can move his animals to desired areas. The benefits for the farmers are time-saving, less fence material, knows about animal movements and better grazing management. Further, virtual fences have a great benefit for the nature especially, when beef cattle graze nature reservate for mainting. Very worth protecting areas can be defined and the cattle do not get access to this part. In Germany it is not allowed to use this technic on farm, only the experimental use of virtual fences is permitted.
In Ostdeutschland beweiden häufig große Rinderherden extensiv genutzte Dauergrünlandflächen. Das Umweiden von großen Rinderherden ist sehr zeit- und kostenintensiv, da die mobilen Zäune manuell umgesteckt werden müssen und das Zaunmaterial in der Anschaffung und in der Erhaltung sehr teuer ist. Die Idee des virtuellen Zäunens soll es erleichtern, neue Weiden zu definieren und der Herde frisches Gras zuzuteilen. Die Tiere werden bei Annäherung der virtuellen Zaungrenze mithilfe eines akustischen Signales gewarnt. Ignoriert ein Tier dieses Geräusch wird ein elektrischer Impuls gesendet, sodass das Tier nicht über die Grenze tritt. Die Vorteile des Systems für den Landwirt sind Zeiteinsparungen, verbessertes Weidemanagement, Tiertracking und weniger Zaunmaterial. Zudem weiden große Rinderherden häufig artenreiches Dauergrünland, in denen die besonders schützenswerten Bereiche mithilfe der Technik den Tieren unzugänglich gemacht werden könnten. Derzeit ist die Technik des virteullen Zäunenes nur für die Wissenschaft erlaubt.
This is a practice exchange group constituted by dairy farmers equipped with a milk robot. The meetings take place on one of the farm of the group with a visit of the farm, and particularly the milking facility.
In front of the computer which controls the robot, the farmer shows concretely how he practices: what alerts, what triggering thresholds, how he responds to them, the settings of his machine, the various parameters… The daily management and the strategy of complementation are also reviewed.
In front of the robot, the breeder explains his daily and weekly interventions, more generally the maintenance carried out and the management of breakdowns.
It is a very important moment of exchange where everyone can share their difficulties encountered since the last meeting and the means implemented to resolve them.
During the tour of the farm, and the pastures in spring, it is also an opportunity to discuss the production system, feeding the herd, and the management.
An expression that often emerges in these meetings "it is not the robot which must guide the production system, it must adapt to the existing system chosen by the farmer".
C’est un groupe d’échange est constitué d'éleveurs laitiers équipés de robots de traite. Les réunions ont lieu sur l'une des exploitations des éleveurs du groupe avec avec la visite de l’exploitation, et particulièrement de l’installation de traite.
Devant l’ordinateur qui contrôle le robot, l’agriculteur montre concrètement, comment il pratique : quelles alertes, quels seuils de déclenchement, comment il y répond, les réglages de sa machine, les différents paramètres… La gestion au quotidien et la stratégie de la complémentation sont également passées en revue.
Devant le robot, l’éleveur explique ses interventions quotidiennes, hebdomadaires, plus globalement la maintenance réalisée et la gestion des pannes.
C’est un moment d’échange très important où chacun peut faire part de ses difficultés rencontrées depuis la dernière réunion et les moyens mis en oeuvre pour les régler.
Lors du tour de l’exploitation, et des pâturages au printemps, c’est aussi l’occasion d’échanger sur le système de production, l’alimentation du troupeau, la conduite.
Une expression qui ressort souvent dans ces rencontres « ce n’est pas le robot qui doit orienter le système de production, il doit s’adapter au système existant et choisi par l’éleveur ».
A lot of data has been generated in the agrofood chain. By combining data, useful applications become available that support farmers to monitor crops and animals, and to simplify their administrative tasks. In order to fully reap the benefits, advanced data sharing between the different partners is needed. But trust and respect are the basic requirements for full data sharing! To provide this, ILVO, AVEVE, Boerenbond, CRV, DGZ and Milcobel, launched a platform for advanced data sharing within the Flemish agrofood chain: DjustConnect (https://www.djustconnect.be/en).
DjustConnect is a high performance ICT infrastructure with powerful security and transparent rules. The EU Code of Conduct on agricultural data sharing (https://cema-agri.org/images/publications/brochures/EU_Code_of_conduct_…) is used as guideline and digitally translated into a dashboard. In this dashboard, every farmer can decide which part of his data, and with whom, to share with. No permission of the farmer, no data sharing. There are watertight controls to ensure that all players respect the rules of the game in a transparent way. The central role of the public research institution ILVO guarantees the neutrality of DjustConnect (https://youtu.be/DzcHya8dqsg).
The platform showcases were developed in co-creation with the members of the Belgian 4D4F Hub. The benefits of data sharing and hence the use of user-friendly digital tools was demonstrated in different Hub events and workshops (https://nefertiti-h2020.eu/NefertitiPortal/#!/app-h/hubdetail/2/8).
In de agrovoedingsketen wordt veel data gecreëerd. Door deze data slim te combineren komt men tot nuttige digitale tools die land- en tuinbouwers ondersteunen bij het opvolgen van hun gewassen en dieren, en bij het vereenvoudigen van hun administratieve taken. Om ten volle van deze voordelen te profiteren, is er een uitwisseling van data tussen verschillende ketenpartners nodig. Dit kan echter niet zonder vertrouwen en wederzijds respect voor elkaars data-eigenaarschap. Om dit vertrouwen te creëren en datadelen mogelijk te maken, lanceren ILVO, AVEVE, Boerenbond, CRV, DGZ en Milcobel een datadeelplatform: DjustConnect (www.DjustConnect.be).
DjustConnect is een performance ICT-infrastructuur met krachtige beveiliging en transparante regels. De EU-gedragscode over het delen van landbouwgegevens (https://cema-agri.org/images/publications/brochures/EU_Code_of_conduct_…) wordt als leidraad gebruikt en digitaal vertaald in een dashboard. In dit dashboard kan elke boer beslissen welk deel van zijn data hij met wie deelt en waarom. Geen toestemming van de boer, betekent geen toegang tot de data. Er zijn waterdichte controles om ervoor te zorgen dat alle spelers de spelregels op een transparante manier respecteren. De centrale rol van de onderzoeksinstelling ILVO garandeert de neutraliteit van DjustConnect.
De platform showcases zijn ontwikkeld in co-creatie met de leden van de Belgische 4D4F Hub. De voordelen van het delen van data en het gebruik van gebruiksvriendelijke digitale tools werden gedemonstreerd in verschillende Hub-evenementen en workshops (https://nefertiti-h2020.eu/NefertitiPortal/#!/app-h/hubdetail/2/8).
Regenerative agriculture is a practice which is considered to help reverse the climate crisis by sequestering carbon, taking C02 from the atmosphere and back below ground. If practiced alongside reducing emissions, this should help agriculture reach net zero. Regenerative agriculture is not a specific practice, moreover a set of principles which help to restore soil health and move production towards more sustainable future. 5 main priciples are: Diversity of crops e.g. grow cover crops, avoid monoculture by growing mixed species or agroforestry by growing trees above grounf crops or grazing animals.Livestock Intergration: by returning to mixed farming, grazing cover crops, growing and grazing legumes and herbal leys, allowing stock to improve soil organic matter.Minimise Soil Disturbance: by practising min till or no till, minimum cultivations and direct drilling into greeen cover, avoiding ploughing which releases soil carbon into the atmosphere. Maintaining Living Roots:growing cover crops, legume understory to maize etc. This will ensure photosynthesis and sequeser carbon all year. Protect Soil Surface by growing cover crops or leaving chopped straw on the surface to protect soil from increased rainfall and combat erosion. All these practices reduce labour, variable costs and machinary and reduce the risk to the farmer whilst improving soils and the climate so is an environmental and economic win
Eddy covariance towers are being rolled out across farms in Ireland through a number of initiatives including, The Agricultural Catchments Programme and The Signpost Programme. These towers are being located on commercial, research and college farms. These towers monitor CO2, N20 and CH4. From a carbon sequestration standpoint the main aim of the towers is to determine the level of carbon being emitted and captured at any given time. Readings are taken every 10 seconds and compiled into half hourly files of data. This data will be used along with physical data from the farm to determine the effect of farm management on carbon sequestration. The towers also incorporate a weather station which allows the weather data to be correlated with the data on gaseous emissions to determine weather effects. The Eddy covariance towers form part of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The objective of the NASCO and its 17 eddy covariance towers is to determine the conditions that enable carbon sources and sinks, assess the efficacy of mitigation measures adopted on farms and to provide information for the national gaseous emissions inventory. Farmers are being engaged through national events and discussion groups to increase their understanding of the towers and their application. Farmers are increasingly interested in the towers, the data being recorded and the impact positive or negative that the data will have on their farming methods.
Mob grazing is a grazing system for drier regions in which animals in a high stocking herd graze together in a limited area for only a short time, followed by a long rest period. The nutrient excretions of grazing animals in the form of feces and urine add carbon, nitrogen, and other major and micronutrients to the soil and enhance soil fertility. In addition, grazing animals are driven into high plant cover to tread plant material and excrement into the soil in addition to consuming grazed forage. Stocking rates should be considered as a grazing management tool. Animals graze in relatively confined areas in small plots. Each grazing plot is stocked only once, and a long rest period is observed before restocking. The increased growth provides a microclimate in which less water evaporates, allowing longer photosynthesis for plant growth. The high plant cover also protects the soil from silting after rainfall. This allows more water to percolate into the soil, and less topsoil is washed away. It is therefore advantageous to use only the higher-energy, upper parts of plants for food. In all known grazing systems, grazing residues are undesirable because forage losses are counted as use costs here. In mob grazing, on the other hand, grazing residues are explicitly desired because they systematically provide organic material to promote soil life and soil fertility.
Mob-Grazing ist ein Weidesystem für trockenere Regionen, bei dem die Tiere in einer Herde mit hohem Besatz auf einer begrenzten Fläche nur für kurze Zeit zusammen weiden, gefolgt von einer langen Ruhezeit. Die Nährstoffausscheidungen der Weidetiere in Form von Kot und Urin führen dem Boden Kohlenstoff, Stickstoff und andere Haupt- und Mikronährstoffe zu und fördern die Bodenfruchtbarkeit. Außerdem werden die Weidetiere in hohe Pflanzendecken getrieben, um zusätzlich zum Verzehr des abgeweideten Futters Pflanzenmaterial und Exkremente in den Boden zu treten. Die Besatzdichte ist als Instrument des Weidemanagements zu betrachten. Die Tiere weiden auf relativ engem Raum in kleinen Parzellen. Jede Weidefläche wird nur einmal bestockt, und vor der erneuten Bestockung wird eine lange Ruhezeit eingehalten. Der erhöhte Aufwuchs sorgt für ein Mikroklima, in dem weniger Wasser verdunstet, was eine längere Photosynthese für das Pflanzenwachstum ermöglicht. Die hohe Pflanzendecke schützt den Boden auch vor Verschlammung nach Regenfällen. So kann mehr Wasser in den Boden versickern, und es wird weniger Mutterboden weggeschwemmt. Es ist daher von Vorteil, wenn nur die energiereicheren, oberen Pflanzenteile als Nahrung genutzt werden. In allen bekannten Beweidungssystemen sind Weidereste unerwünscht, weil Futterverluste hier als Nutzungskosten angerechnet werden. Bei der Mobbeweidung hingegen sind Weidereste ausdrücklich erwünscht, weil sie systematisch organisches Material zur Förderung des Bodenlebens und der Bodenfruchtbarkeit liefern.
In France, Grassland is 44% of agriculture area with an average of 84.6 T C.Ha for permanent grassland when 51.6 T C.Ha is observed on arable leys. During Nefertiti project, farmer’s advisors and researchers had the opportunity to exchange on how much livestock farming system is important to keep high level of soil carbon stock on their land. During 15 Demo Event, Farmers had the opportunity to discuss on how to decrease greenhouse gases emissions while maintaining or increasing grassland area. Indeed, we exchange on the right balance to be found on each farm between herd efficiency to decrease methane emissions per unit of milk or meat produced while keeping cows on grazed grass as much as possible. This is favorable to enhance soil carbon content with more direct return of cows manure on fields. So we had several physical (M)or webinar (W)DemoEvent, where farmers tested their carbon foot print in tool as CAP2ER or SelfCO2 but also test new development as in CARSOLEL project. The last one make it possible to simulate the effect of practices on soil carbon stock as mowing/grazing strategy, fertilizer use and manure application rate, and frequency of intercrop crops in ley. During Nefertiti project 2018-2021 a number of demonstration activities were carried out, including: Exchange on farm case study on ‘how to get from soil farm analysis to carbon stocks evolution on field’, moving forward grassland system and take advantage of hedges to store carbon and produce renewable energy, importance of grassland in C sequestration, How to improve manure use on farm? Idele show the new platform where technical issues and regulation.
En France, les prairies représentent 44% de la surface agricole. Les stocks de carbone dans l’horizon supérieur (0-30 cm) de sol sont plus élevés sur prairies permanentes avec 84.6 T C.Ha-1que sur les terres cultivées (51.6 T C.Ha-1). Les groups d’échanges Nefertiti en France ont permis d’organiser des échanges entre agriculteurs, chercheurs, conseillers autour de l’intérêt de maintenir des surfaces fourragères en prairies afin de favoriser la sequestration de carbone dans les sols.
Les quinze journées de demonstration organisées ont porté sur l’activation des deux principaux leviers climatiques en agriculture qui sont de réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre tout en favorisant le carbone sequesté par les végétaux dans le sol ce qui l’enrichit en matières organiques. Notamment en système bovin herbager, un équilibre subtile doit être trouvé entre les actions d’efficience du troupeau conduisant à limiter la production de methane par unite de produit lait ou viande vendu, et les actions favorisant le stockage de carbone, c’est à dire une surface fourragère faisant une bonne place aux prairies et une conduite du troupeau basée, autant que possible, sur une valorisation de l’herbe au pâturage. Au cours du projet Néfertiti 2018-2021, un certain nombre d'activités de démonstration ont été menées, notamment : Échanger une étude de cas à la ferme sur « comment passer de l'analyse des sols à l'évolution des stocks de carbone sur le terrain », faire avancer le système de prairies et tirer parti des haies pour stocker carbone et produire des énergies renouvelables, importance des prairies dans la séquestration de C.
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