07.07.2021 – 31.12.2024
Laura Storch
eip.biostripplant@agrathaer.de
033432/82-231
agrathaer GmbH
The BioStripPlant project is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) as part of the European Innovation Partnership “Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability” (EIP-AGRI).
28.11.2024
10-15:30
IGZ- Leibniz- Institut für Gemüse- und Zierpflanzenbau e.V.
Theodor-Echtemeyer- Weg 1
14979 Großbeeren
Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/HrUBSDxeeh
Project Information
Development and testing of a conservation tillage system in organic vegetable cultivation – BioStripPlant
The demand for organically grown vegetables is increasing in Brandenburg and Berlin. High water consumption and nutrient requirements, combined with short cultivation periods and worsening climate conditions, pose significant challenges for vegetable farmers in the region. Maintaining and improving soil fertility on highly heterogeneous but predominantly sandy sites in Brandenburg requires costly measures despite limited budgets and scarce human resources. Therefore, targeted innovations are necessary to improve the economic situation of vegetable farms while also contributing to environmental protection.
Field and precision trials on the production areas of farms and the IGZ will be conducted over three years to determine suitable combinations of vegetable crops and undersown crops, as well as appropriate methods for strip tillage and planting. The fundamental approach is the Strip-Till & Strip-Plant method, which has already been tested in arable farming. The method will be adapted to regional conditions based on the project’s experience and further developed by the OG partners.
The aim is to transfer the Strip-Till & Strip-Plant method from arable farming to organic vegetable production in northeastern Germany. Strip-tillage is a reduced tillage method where only the future planting row is tilled.
In addition to the effects on weed pressure and soil moisture, the economic viability of the method will also be examined. For organic horticulture in Brandenburg, improvements in terms of climate adaptation and resilience may result. The outcome will be a production method for organic vegetable farming evaluated under practical conditions.
Associated Partners:
District Farmers’ Association Potsdam-Mittelmark
Horticultural Association Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.
Information about the client and project
►European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
►Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (MLUK) in Brandenburg
►European Commission – Agriculture and Rural Development
BioStripPlant Blog
Promoting knowledge transfer – BioStripPlant at three events!
In mid-September, the organic cabbage field day took place at the Bio-Alpakaland, where the method and the StripTill machine were presented to the attendees. A week later, the variety day was held at the Watzkendorf organic nursery. Interested participants could view the different cultivation variants on site and ask questions directly about the method. In mid-October, around 20 participants were presented with the project and its findings during the practice dialogue on conservation tillage. We hope this contributes to the dissemination and applicability of the method – even in vegetable cultivation.
Weed control is crucial – doing nothing is not an option
Weed control is essential for good crop growth. Excessive weed pressure can lead to competition for nutrients, water, and light, which negatively affects yield potential. A particular challenge is weed control in mulch variants. By creating a sufficiently thick rye mulch layer between the plant rows, weed suppression is intended, but it makes regular weed control, especially in the plant rows, more difficult. Therefore, various methods were tested in the project. One of them is the commonly used combination of finger weeders and hoe blades in vegetable farming. However, it was found that using this method in rye mulch plant rows resulted in organic material accumulating on the drive wheels of the hoe stars, preventing effective hoeing. Using smaller hoe stars could solve this issue.
BioStripPlant at the vegetable cabbage field day at IGZ!
For one day, interested participants could learn about vegetable cabbage at the field day on August 27th at the IGZ site. During a guided tour of the IGZ grounds, expert lectures were given directly at the trial plots. Topics covered included cabbage plant diversity and its contribution to healthy nutrition, processing of harvest residues to reduce emissions, varieties and their resistance to cabbage flies, as well as BioStripPlant project results and experiences. Questions about clover seeding, cover crop selection, and plant row maintenance were raised. All this information will also be included in a practical brochure at the end of the project.
Promoting knowledge transfer – BioStripPlant at three events!
In mid-September, the organic cabbage field day took place at the Bio-Alpakaland, where the method and the StripTill machine were presented to the attendees. A week later, the variety day was held at the Watzkendorf organic nursery. Interested participants could view the different cultivation variants on site and ask questions directly about the method. In mid-October, around 20 participants were presented with the project and its findings during the practice dialogue on conservation tillage. We hope this contributes to the dissemination and applicability of the method – even in vegetable cultivation.
Weed control is crucial – doing nothing is not an option
Weed control is essential for good crop growth. Excessive weed pressure can lead to competition for nutrients, water, and light, which negatively affects yield potential. A particular challenge is weed control in mulch variants. By creating a sufficiently thick rye mulch layer between the plant rows, weed suppression is intended, but it makes regular weed control, especially in the plant rows, more difficult. Therefore, various methods were tested in the project. One of them is the commonly used combination of finger weeders and hoe blades in vegetable farming. However, it was found that using this method in rye mulch plant rows resulted in organic material accumulating on the drive wheels of the hoe stars, preventing effective hoeing. Using smaller hoe stars could solve this issue.
BioStripPlant at the vegetable cabbage field day at IGZ!
For one day, interested participants could learn about vegetable cabbage at the field day on August 27th at the IGZ site. During a guided tour of the IGZ grounds, expert lectures were given directly at the trial plots. Topics covered included cabbage plant diversity and its contribution to healthy nutrition, processing of harvest residues to reduce emissions, varieties and their resistance to cabbage flies, as well as BioStripPlant project results and experiences. Questions about clover seeding, cover crop selection, and plant row maintenance were raised. All this information will also be included in a practical brochure at the end of the project.
After StripTill comes planting!
After the subsoil fertilization was placed at a depth of about 10 cm during the StripTill operation, it was time to plant the celery. This year, we again used Speedys, which are grown with less potting soil compared to pressed soil pots and have longer roots. Before planting, the Speedys were thoroughly watered to ensure a good start. In the days following planting, we hope for rain – otherwise, we will need to irrigate. We are curious to see how the plants develop in the different variants.
Here’s a short video showing how planting with Speedys works.
Three farms – one StripTill machine: The stripes are drawn!
On May 24, 2024, the stripes were drawn on the three practice farms. The date was almost canceled due to heavy rainfall in the preceding days. However, the sun and wind dried the soil surface sufficiently, allowing us to draw the stripes with the StripTill machine without any problems. The first operation of the StripTill machine took place on May 14, 2024, at the IGZ.
Here’s a short video showing how the stripes are drawn with the StripTill machine!
Presentation at the Kick-off Event for the Organic Practice Days
14.03.2024
On March 14, 2024, the kick-off event for the “Organic Practice Days” series, initiated and commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (MLUK) and organized by agrathaer GmbH, took place in Müncheberg. Numerous interested stakeholders from the organic sector attended and gained new insights and inspiration regarding organic farming.
The EIP project BioStripPlant presented itself with its own stand, sharing its goals and initial results with the participants.
Field Day at the Organic Nursery Watzkendorf
07.09.2023
The OG and several interested growers met on September 7 in Watzkendorf/Uckermark for a field day demonstrating the Strip Till method. The event began with an introduction to the topic of soil-friendly tillage methods. Following this, the Strip-Till machine “Kverneland Kultistrip 3000” was demonstrated, and details about its functionality and costs were explained. Participants were also able to observe experimental celery cultivation and discuss important questions. How is the weed pressure being managed? Which mulch variant is proving most effective? Which irrigation system makes the most sense? What is economically viable? All these questions will continue to be explored as part of the EIP-agri project.
A great film was even produced by the broadcaster regioTV Nord:
https://www.regiotv-nord.de/mediathek/video/neues-verfahren-fuer-bio-gaertnereien-funktioniert-laenderuebergreifend/
Katia Heistermann and Julia Vogt from IGZ provide additional information here:
https://igzev.de/aktuelles/news/2023-09-15-streifenpflanzung-fuer-den-gemueseanbau
If you have any questions, please contact the designated person, Martin Hecker.
Planting on the Farms
15.05.2023
It’s celery planting time for the OG! One week after the Strip-Till operation, young plants were placed into the soil by four dedicated planting helpers. This year, Speedys were tested, which differ from conventional pressed soil pots by having lower substrate density and volume, as well as longer roots. The feedback from the planting helpers was positive. Now, the task remains to keep the young plants well-watered – unfortunately, rain continues to be scarce in Uckermark, making irrigation essential. We are eager to see how the three variants will develop with the young plants this year.
Strip-Till: And now the farms in Uckermark
15.05.2023
“Let’s get to work!” thought our OG team on Monday, May 15, and eagerly carried out the 2023 Strip-Till operation under sunny skies. The starting point was once again Bio-Alpakaland, where we could build on last year’s experience. The fertilizer filling process was more efficient, and we ensured proper monitoring of the hoses to guarantee a regular flow of fertilizer. Afterwards, the fields in Weggun were stripped, and everything went smoothly, similar to last year. However, just like last year, the fields in Watzkendorf posed some issues as our fertilizer refused to penetrate the Mecklenburg soil. With Daniel’s cordless drill, we quickly solved this problem and applied the last sheep wool pellets in the rain.
Strip-Till: This time IGZ takes the lead!
11.05.2023
On May 11, 2023, the Strip-Till machine was transported from Uckermark to Großbeeren for its first project deployment of the year. With active support on-site, the machine successfully applied the sheep wool pellets to the test fields. The next day, the machine returned to Uckermark in preparation for upcoming operations on the farms next week.
Green Rye/Pea Plowing – Waiting for the Green Rye Bloom
05.05.2023
Before planting and Strip-Till operations, the green rye/pea mix had to be incorporated into the soil for the control plots. This was finally done in Watzkendorf and Weggun. We are now expecting the green rye to bloom any day, after which these plots will be mulched, and the Strip-Till lines will be drawn. With crop stands reaching up to 1m in height, we look forward to a significant amount of mulch to protect our celeriac. We are also curious about how the mulch in the pea-rye mix will perform compared to last year.
Clover Trials at IGZ
27.04.2023
Based on discussions during the OG meeting and this year’s experiences, the IGZ team decided to conduct a small series of trials with different clover varieties. We are eager to see how dwarf clover (variety Pipolina), low-growing white clover, and subterranean clover will develop.
Re-sowing Subterranean Clover
April 2023
Subterranean clover showed limited development in 2022, which we attributed to the dry, hot spring. For the second project year, we attempted an autumn sowing in September/October 2022. However, once again, the clover did not grow as quickly as the weeds. As a result, the farms and IGZ decided to plow and re-sow this spring. We hope this will give the clover a boost, and we will keep you updated!
Data Collection Sheets Created – Field Season Ready to Begin
13.04.2023
A key objective of the “BioStripPlant” project is to economically assess and compare the three variants (clover undersowing, mulch, uncovered soil) in the context of the Strip-Till method. For this, we need data, data, and more data – to determine whether the variants require different operations and how these differ in terms of time and other resources. To simplify the process for all parties (the documenting farms and the project staff analyzing the data), we developed a data collection sheet. All activities should be recorded daily and, if possible, variant-specific. This data will be used to conduct an economic evaluation.
The sheets were sent to all farms in paper form, and completed sheets can be photographed and sent back to the lead partner. We hope this ensures smooth documentation with minimal effort and maximum usable content for all involved!
The OG Team Meets!
22.03.2023
The third OG meeting took place at the Watzkendorf organic nursery. With the entire team present, we discussed the results from last year’s trials and their implications for the upcoming season. We also introduced new team members: IGZ will now be supported by a scientific staff member. We look forward to the collaboration!
After the meeting, we toured the new cooling facilities at the Watzkendorf nursery and visited the trial plots.
It was a pleasant gathering, and we look forward to the next round!
WITA 08.-10.03.2023
The 16th Scientific Conference on Organic Agriculture took place from March 8 to 10, 2023, in Frick, Switzerland. Katia Heistermann from IGZ presented initial project results under the title “The Strip-Till Method as a Soil-Conserving Cultivation Measure in Field Vegetable Production” during her lecture on March 9 from 10:30 to 12:00 (Contribution 235, Room Oberwil).
International Plant Fair – We’re There!
24.01.2023
This year, BioStripPlant, represented by IGZ, participated in the International Plant Fair (IPM) in Essen. Over the four-day event from January 23 to 26, 2023, information about the project was shared at an exhibition stand.
BioStripPlant in EU-wide Mailboxes
07.12.2023
The December issue of the EU CAP newsletter featured a report on “BioStripPlant.” A photo of our harvest adorns the article, making it the first thing readers of the newsletter notice. Click here to read the article.
The EU CAP Network stands for “EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Network” and aims to network and promote projects funded under this directive.
Final Soil Sampling for 2022: December 13, 2022
After the harvest comes soil sampling: despite snow and sub-zero temperatures, the IGZ carried out the final soil samples for residual Nmin (plant-available nitrogen) on the farms’ fields. These data, collected as standard, allow us to assess how well the crops absorbed the fertilizer.
Harvesting the Crops in November 2022
November 15, 2022
Under sunshine, fog, and single-digit temperatures, the project harvested white cabbage and leeks. The farms were supported by project staff from IGZ and agrathaer. Together, they worked hard to harvest, clean, and weigh the vegetables. To analyze the crops and determine nitrogen and carbon content, some heads of cabbage and leeks were taken to the IGZ laboratory. Thanks to many helping hands, the harvest was completed quickly.
Start of the Upcoming Season: Sowing Subterranean Clover and Green Rye/Pea Mixture
September 15, 2022
As discussed during the OG meeting in August, we will reduce the cultivated areas on the farms to only one vegetable crop for the next year while maintaining the three variants. Two further changes: the subterranean clover will be sown in autumn instead of spring, as done in the 2021/2022 season, and a cereal-legume mixture will be used instead of pure green rye.
The colleagues from Weggun and IGZ were the first to sow. We are eager to see how well the subterranean clover, green rye, and winter peas develop and whether we will have a good mulch layer next year.
EIP Community Meeting in Hanover – BioStripPlant Participates for the First Time!
September 7, 2022
For the first time, “BioStripPlant” had the opportunity to present itself with a poster at a nationwide EIP event. The German Rural Areas Network invited participants to the “6th OG Workshop – EIP-Agri and AKIS: What’s Next” on September 7 and 8 in Hanover. Over 80 participants, including members of operational groups, innovation service providers, approval bodies, and ministries, attended. Representatives from Austria, Luxembourg, and Poland also participated.
In addition to exchanging ideas, discussions were held about the upcoming funding period and its implementation.
The event documentation can be viewed here.
Field Day at LFA on August 31, 2022
August 31, 2022
The associated partner, the State Research Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (LFA), invited agricultural and horticultural practitioners to a field day in Gülzow-Prüzen. We presented ourselves with a stand and a demonstration of our equipment, engaging with other exhibitors and visitors.
The event documentation can be viewed here.
Second OG Meeting: Discussions and Intense Sunshine in Weggun
August 18, 2022
On August 18, the OG partners met for the second time under hot and sunny conditions. The host was the Weggun farm. Together, they discussed the results of the 2021/2022 trial season and planned for the upcoming 2022/2023 season. A short tour of the farm rounded off the meeting. Everyone returned home in the evening with delicious organic eggs, many tasks, and new motivation.
Nmin Sampling
July 7, 2022
Status update on the fields: What is the soil’s nitrogen supply? Is top dressing necessary? To answer this, 16 samples were taken at depths of 0 – 30 and 30 – 60 cm for each variant. With 3 crops, 3 variants, and 3 farms, this amounts to quite a lot of samples! We are eagerly awaiting the results, though the practitioners’ impression is that the crops are growing well and sufficiently supplied.
Installing the TDR Probes
June 21, 2022
In the project, we aim to investigate the impact of the different variants on soil moisture. Therefore, the Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) e.V. installed TDR probes in all three locations and for all three variants in the leek plots. TDR stands for “Time Domain Reflectometry,” a method for measuring soil moisture.
The next step is to regularly read the data and replace the batteries. We are eagerly anticipating the first results.
Planting of Leeks, Celery, and White Cabbage on (initially) Two of Three Farms
June 1, 2022
Two weeks after drawing the stripes and applying the sheep wool pellets, it was time to plant the young seedlings. All hands were needed to plant over 10,000 seedlings of white cabbage, leeks, and celery. The OG partners were fully committed. Unfortunately, rain made some fields impassable, and the third farm had to delay planting for a few days. Fortunately, everyone’s strong commitment ensured that the work was completed!
Major Effort: The Stripes Are Drawn!
May 17, 2022
The weather is dry, the plants are sufficiently large, and the green rye is about to bloom – it’s time for our subsoil fertilization with sheep wool pellets and the first use of our Strip-Till device!
We used different sowing depths for the leeks and covered all three variants. Daniel, our machine master and OG partner, handled the tractor and equipment perfectly. We managed to “strip” all three farms in one day and learned a lot for next time.
March 7, 2022
The Strip-Till device has arrived at the dealer! We can now begin developing possible modifications for the project trials.
March 3, 2022
Sowing begins! Our farms in Weggun and Biohof Alpakaland are preparing to sow clover – thanks to the cold weather in recent days, the soil is in good condition for fieldwork.
Experimental Planning and Co-Creation in Watzkendorf
February 28, 2022
The first in-person OG meeting was very successful. Details of the trial planning for this year were finalized, and innovations were jointly developed in a co-creation workshop. A tour of the greenhouses at the Watzkendorf organic nursery in sub-zero temperatures and sunshine rounded off the productive and pleasant meeting.
First Official Meeting of the Operational Group (OG) BioStripPlant
December 3, 2021
The first official OG meeting after approval took place online. The focus was on getting to know each other, defining the expectations of the project participants, and establishing the project roadmap. Despite the virtual format, there was a positive atmosphere, and everyone looked forward to the intensive collaboration in 2022.
