System Analysis

Our work focuses on analysing sugar beet cultivation in Germany and the interactions between the cultivation system and the ecosystem. Sugar beet plant health and yield at a location in a given year are based on the cultivation measures, on crop rotation, weather conditions and the chosen variety. The cultivation system also effects the following crop. In addition, the cropping system can influence neighbouring fields and adjacent non-agricultural areas as well as field margins and vice versa.

Crop management might impact soil, water, climate and biodiversity. Using survey data from agricultural practice, we bring out the main current cropping patterns, identify trends and evaluate developments with regard to environmental protection and the sugar yield achieved. In field trials, we test new integrated pest management solutions that contribute to the protection of biodiversity and at the same time increase the general resistance of the crop to animal pests.

Main research areas

• Nationwide, annual farm survey on sugar beet cultivation

• Statistical surveys on the use of chemical plant protection products in sugar beet cultivation

• Analyses on the sustainable development of sugar beet cultivation on farms

• Integration of flower strips and companion plants in sugar beet fields