Testing and improving organic horticultural production systems based on soil cover without rotation in an on-farm research system

The importance of seasonal, healthy food production and short supply chains has increased in recent years due to the Covid epidemic and the subsequent energy price explosion affecting both transport and production. Labour-intensive, small-scale (1-2 hectares) mixed market gardens, often organically managed, can provide a solution to local food security. However, further improvements and sharing of good practices are needed to ensure technological security, productivity and a longer growing season, as well as to explore new cultivation methods and crops that can help to maintain production stability in our changing climate. Research and promotion of technologies based on different soil cover methods has become our goal in order to raise awareness of the importance of soil health and soil life. We also aim to develop successful horticultural production systems based on soil health.

Activities

Investigating the effects of different soil cover methods (inorganic, organic, cover crops) on

  • soil fertility,
  • soil structure,
  • water retention capacity,
  • soil life (earthworms and nematodes),
  • on the success of cultivation (crop quality and quantity)
  • and most important pests.

Expected results

  • To find the most favourable technology
  • Sharing research results in technology guides, scientific articles, national and international conferences, workshops and educational videos.

Contact person

Selmeczi Dóra Sára

Dóra Sára Selmeczi

Researcher
Agricultural Engineer BSc, Plant Doctor MSc, PhD student (Doctoral School of Biological Sciences)

  • dora.selmeczi@biokutatas.hu

MNVH

The implementation of the research is supported by Hungarian National Rural Network (MNVH): www.videkihalozat.eu

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