Excursions

Excursion I
Harvesting the Future: Agroecosystem Transformation through crop diversification and digital technologies

Field visit of the landscape laboratory ‘patchCROP’ and the experimental station of ZALF in Müncheberg

Organizer: Dr. Marcus Schumacher & Dr. Kathrin Grahmann, ZALF
Number of participants: min 20 – 40 persons
Language: English

The tour starts at the ZALF experimental station in Müncheberg, located in the immediate vicinity of the ZALF campus. Here, 60 ha of experimental fields await, equipped with modern technology to cultivate a variety of crops on predominantly sandy soils. A modern, mobile irrigation system enables targeted experiments on the effects of climate change. Nearly 20 projects are currently being conducted on the site, covering a wide range of research topics for field trials in conventional agriculture, organic farming and long-term experiments, such as the Continuous Fertilisation Trial V 140, which has been running since 1963. A technical exhibition of scientific measurement devices and monitoring tools for plant, soil and environmental parameters will complement the field tour.

After lunch, discover patchCROP, an innovative landscape laboratory and experimental infrastructure established to study multifunctional and sustainable cropping systems of the future. patchCROP investigates newly created small-scale field units and, in particular, site-specific crop rotations and management practices adapted to the heterogeneity of the area. Strategies for pesticide reduction are tested for agroecological management, digital technologies are used for high-resolution monitoring and field robotics have been implemented to facilitate the management of those diversified systems.

Register for this excursion to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and explore the cutting edge of agricultural innovation.

08:00 Departure from Berlin Adlershof (conference venue)
Meeting point: Outside at the entrance to Brook-Taylor Street (outside of the registration area).
Arrival in the Tempelberg & Müncheberg region
Research station Müncheberg at ZALF
Lunch break
patchCROP landscape laboratory
17:00 Estimated arrival at BER Berlin Airport
17:25 Estimated arrival at Berlin Adlershof (conference venue)

Necessary equipment: Clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather and for visiting agricultural sites.

Excursion II
From organic to conventional insights: Farms & Research of Agricultural Landscapes in North East Germany

Dedelow excursion © ZALF

Organic and Conventional Farming in Postglacial Planes of Germany

Organizer: Prof. Dr. Steffen Kolb & Dr. Gernot Verch, ZALF
Number of participants: min 20 – 40 persons
Language: English

Embark on a journey into the heart of agricultural innovation as we explore the postglacial agricultural production in the plains of the Uckermark region in northeastern Germany. This excursion promises to unravel the intricacies of sustainable farming practices and the integration of organic and conventional approaches within this unique landscape.

Our first stop is Gut Kerkow, an organic mixed farm with crops, pasture and livestock. It is deeply rooted in the regional and national organic food market. Gut Kerkow practices artisanal processing and on-site butchering of their Angus cattle, to ensure the highest quality standards. Explore the sprawling 900-hectare estate, with 250 hectares dedicated to pastures, 420 Angus cattle, around 30 pigs, and diverse crop rotations on large arable fields. Learn about their partnership with other farms, their animal husbandry, and their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.

Next, we explore conventional animal husbandry with a visit to a prominent cattle farm in Dedelow. Gain insights into the operations of an intensive and large farm and understand their methods and challenges in meeting the demands of modern agricultural practices.

We will conclude our excursion with a visit to the Research Station Dedelow of ZALF, where we delve into studying agricultural landscapes. You will explore the cutting-edge basic research initiatives and learn about the potential of diverse legumes in different cropping systems aimed at understanding and enhancing agricultural practices in the region.

07:00 Departure from Berlin Adlershof (conference venue)
Meeting point: Outside at the entrance to Brook-Taylor Street (outside of the registration area)
Arrival in the North East Region
Integrative organic farm with cattle “Gut Kerkow”
Lunch break
Research Station Dedelow of ZALF
Conventional cattle farm Dedelow
17:35 Estimated arrival at BER Berlin Airport
18:00 Estimated arrival at Berlin Adlershof (conference venue)