HORSCH Live - first-hand insights and knowledge

Findings from practical experience

The experiences of recent years with longer dry and wet periods present us with new challenges. The soil is an important basis for plants as it stores nutrients and water. How can these resources be optimally used? Does the tillage intensity have to be reconsidered? Enno von Reden, Wilfried Mißlbeck, Constantin Horsch and Michael Braun discussed these questions. The panel discussion “Tillage in transition” examined approaches such as direct seeding and no-till cultivation under the influence of climatic changes. It was emphasised that the choice of the right tillage method strongly depends on the site conditions and the respective climatic challenges. One focus of the discussion was on the importance of soil structure for water retention and the availability of nutrients.

In his speech “Scarce land - How can agriculture develop further?”, Prof. Dr. Peter Breunig (Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences) addressed the challenge of farming sustainably and productively with limited land. He showed how state-of-the-art technologies like precision farming, satellite-based analyses and automated cultivation systems can optimise yields and use resources like water and fertiliser more efficiently. He also emphasised the importance of crop rotation, soil-conserving cultivation methods and digital control systems for sustainable use of the land. Political framework conditions and economic incentives play a decisive role in this respect.

Presenter Barbara Steinberger discussed the topic “PatchSpraying - a practical measure for precise nest treatment?” with Robin Mink (SAM Dimension), Robin Kümmerer and Andreas Bürle. They talked about the potential and challenges of the method with regard to reducing the use of pesticides in row crops. They particularly emphasised the possibility of using plant protection agents to control weeds in a targeted way instead of treating the entire field. At the same time, the limitations of the system were discussed, particularly with regard to technical requirements, weather conditions and the need for high-precision technology.

In his presentation “Insect pests - populations are changing. How can we react?”, Maximilian Rüdt (N.U. Agrar) examined the changes in the populations of insect pests and their effects. Global trade and climate change are fuelling the spread of new species and shortening the life cycles of existing pests, making infestations more frequent and more intense. Warmer temperatures in particular allow invasive species to spread into new regions and cause considerable damage. To counteract this, Maximilian Rüdt recommends the increased use of biological pest control, more precise plant protection applications with modern sensor technology and the targeted cultivation of crop rotations. Digital monitoring systems could help to detect pests at an early stage and minimise harvest losses.

The ca. phytoplasma solani pathogen leads to considerable yield losses, particularly in sugar beet (“rubber beet”) and potatoes. Achim Jesser (Südzucker) explained the transmission routes of the disease and emphasised the role of cicadas as the main vectors. The spreading of the pathogen has increased in recent years. Achim Jesser described how targeted monitoring, crop rotation adjustments and integrated plant protection measures can help to minimise the risk. It is crucial to recognise symptoms at an early stage in order to take effective countermeasures and avoid long-term damage.

For anyone who missed HORSCH Live or would like to delve deeper into the content, the full-length presentations are still available free of charge at horsch.com/live.