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Current research

Basic fertilization experiment "Hinter der Schule" (Field 550)

Since 2006, a mineral basic fertilization trial has been carried out on field 550. For this purpose, three trial sections were set up with replicates, plot-specific, farm-wide and without treatment - "zero plots".

Aims of the trial:

• Long-term observations of the development of the contents of plant-available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium as well as the pH value in the various trial elements
• Observations of the different yield stabilities and yield heights
• Analysis of the economic efficiency of basic fertilization in Smart Farming

Planning basis for the basic fertilization period 2021 to 2024 for field 550 (Photo/GIS: Th. Chudy)

Phenology of the trial members in the sugar beet crop
(Photo: Betriebsverbund Hof Pfaffendorf)

Use of artificial neural networks for nitrogen fertilization in smart farming:

Since 2004, trials have been carried out every year for site-specific nitrogen fertilization in winter wheat. Small-scale yield forecasts have been created with the help of data mining tools to plan the site-specific application of nitrogen fertilizer in comparison to farm-specific trial elements, in order to calculate economically optimal nitrogen applications for specific sites.

Interfering factors in the calculation of partial nitrogen fertilization
(Photo: Markus Möller)

Biostimulant trial in alfalfa (Field 350)

Experimental question: Influence of biostimulants on the yield and vitality of alfalfa in organic farming

The trial was scientifically monitored and evaluated by student Sophie Henninger as part of her Bachelor's thesis. The aim of the trial, which was set up on practice areas of the Teaching and Experimental Station Görzig in 2023, was to use biostimulants to increase the yield of alfalfa and strengthen its vitality, especially under drought stress. The two biostimulants tested were "Oceryos III" from the company "TimacAgro" and "BlackHum" from the company "PHYTOsolution".

The trial was carried out twice on the same field, as the eastern part of the field has a lower yield potential than the western side. The two trial areas were each 1.08 ha in size. The entire field on which the plots are located covers 100 ha. The two biostimulants and the untreated control were each tested in triplicate in a randomized block design. The two applications were made at the start of vegetation and after the first cut.

Numerous measurements and analyses were carried out to record the effects:

NDVI measurement - UAV overflight (vitality/biomass estimation)Soil analysis (laboratory) + measurement with Stenon spadeSeveral leaf analyses in the laboratory (nutrient analysis)Large-scale soil conductivity measurement (EM38)Three measurements with the leaf spectrometer (photosynthetic activity)In 2023, the weather conditions during the vegetation period were so favorable (no drought stress) that the alfalfa stand developed well and produced a high yield (4 cuts). No significant differences were found between the variants in terms of vigor and yield. However, leaf analyses revealed a lack of sulphur in the field, which may have influenced the effect of the biostimulants.

Representation of the two test sections with plots (Photo/GIS: Th. Chudy, S. Henninger)

Lucerne shortly before the 1st cut (Photo: Sophie Henninger)

Stand height [in cm] Alfalfa (Graphic: Sophie Henninger)

Fertilization trial with liquid manure (Field 641)

The Pfaffendorf farm association (LVG Görzig) has converted all of its land to organic farming since 2022. Since the above-mentioned mineral basic fertilization trial is contradictory to the organic guidelines, another fertilization trial is being carried out with the farm's own liquid manure.

Biostimulant trial in winter wheat (Field 9230-1)

The practical large plot trial deals with the effectiveness of biostimulants in a winter wheat crop. A fertilizing, growth-promoting effect is to be achieved on the basis of air nitrogen-collecting bacterial preparations applied to the leaf. Two commercially available products are compared with an untreated variant in terms of grain yield and grain quality. The trial conditions include the pronounced pre-summer drought in combination with fertile soil and the fact that the area has been cultivated organically for three years. It should be noted that no fertilization measures will be applied in the trial year.

Wheat stock (Photo: Tim Becker)

Wheat plants (Photo: Tim Becker)

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