Junior research group on water-saving vegetable production along the value chain in North Hesse (Bio-Klima-Gemüse) 2024-2026
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Project Objective:
Vegetables have a high water requirement compared to many arable crops. Limited water availability can therefore result in serious yield losses during periods of drought. For this reason, we investigate water-saving cultivation methods to make vegetable cultivation sustainable. In cooperation with the Hessian Research Farm Frankenhausen, we examine carrot cultivation in flatter and wider ridges instead of single ridges. Furthermore, we assess mulching of leek with organic material (grain-legume cuttings) in terms of water-saving potential on the research farm and on two vegetable farms in the region. To introduce these cultivation methods into practice, both individual farm profitability and climate-adapted sales channels for fresh vegetables, including further processing (washing, peeling, cutting, preserving), are important. New processing options offer opportunities to strengthen the regional sales market and thus the cultivation methods. The challenges and opportunities of marketing structures for regional vegetables from climate-adapted production methods (organic climate vegetables) will be uncovered with the help of network analyses, consumer surveys and workshops. The project will thus work along the entire value chain for organic climate-friendly vegetables in North Hesse.
Duration
01.02.2024 - 30.09.2026
Participants in FÖL
- Prof. Dr. Miriam Athmann
- Dr. Margita Hefner
- Silke Flörke
Other parties involved:
- Prof. Dr. Detlev Möller, Kassel University, Section Business Management
- Prof. Dr. Bettina König, Kassel University, Section Sustainability management in the international food industry
- Prof. Dr. Katrin Zander, Kassel University, Section Agricultural and Food Marketing
- Joachim Keil & Ernst Kopp, Hessian Research Farm Frankenhausen
- Andreas Backfisch, Rote Rübe Schwarzer Rettich
- Jenny Wintzer, Falkenhof
Funding
Hessian Ministry for Environment, climate protection, agriculture and consumer protection
Profile - Climate-adapted organic vegetable cultivation in northern Hesse - from the field to the plate (Bio-Klima-Gemüse)
Field day at our demo farm - red beet-black radish on 11.09.2025
Field day at our demo farm - red beet-black radish on 11.09.2025
26 participants from four federal states met for an exchange of experiences, a tour and exciting discussions.
Program field day red beet-black radish - 11.09.2026
Field day at our demo farm - Falkenhof Strothe on 26.09.2024
Field day at our demo farm - Falkenhof Strothe on 26.09.2024
With 19 participants from all over Hesse and neighboring NRW, an interesting and lively event with field tours, lectures and informative discussions.
Program field day Falkenhof Strothe - 26.09.2024
Organic climate vegetables project in the program "alle wetter!" 18.07.2024 from Hessischer Rundfunk
The contribution starts at minute 1:52
Organic climate vegetable project on the radio!
hessenschau
Research project at the University of Kassel
Growing vegetables in a changing climate: it's all in the mulch
Article in the magazine "über bio"
Organic climate vegetables project in the Hessischer Rundfunk program "alle wetter!"
Margita Hefner presented the organic climate vegetables project in the program "alle wetter!" by Hessischer Rundfunk. The program starts at the 8th minute.