Current Research Projects

• Ensuring multifunctionality in forage production through species richness in intensive grasslands (Simultan-G-2030) - Projectpart A Details, project coordinator: Martin Komainda
• GreenGrass - Innovative grassland utilization for sustainable agricultural intensification at the landscape scale Details, project coordinator: Johannes Isselstein, Juliane Horn

Single projects

• BNI 2030: Biologische Nitrifikationsinhibition für zukunftsfähigen und umweltorientierten Pflanzenbau 2030Details
• RootWayS - Exploiting subsoil resources through intercropping and living mulch systems, TP C (RootWayS II)Details
• Innovative biodiversity for climate resilient dairy grasslands in the North Sea Region (Divgrass)Details
• Poplar cultivation in agroforestry systems and value chains; Subproject 5: Effects of woody strips on arable crops and grassland (PappelWert) Details
• Ensuring multifunctionality in forage production through species richness in intensive grasslands (Simultan-G-2030) Details
• BioDivMilkplus - Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy from 2028: Development of broad solutions for reduced concentrate dairy farming to protect grassland for different intensity levels of dairy farming with synergies with nature, environmental and climate protection Details
• Joint project climate protection concept district Wesermarsch / land use - agricultural land use in climate change. Details
• 4N - New North-West Lower Saxony: Transformation and Structural Change in rural areas of North-West-Germany: Living Labs in Marshes, Petland and on Sandy Soils and more. Details
• FPG - FutureProofGrasslands: Promoting Ecosystem services in Grassland regions of the North-West-German Coastal Areas through Water management adapted to Climate Change. Details
• G4AE - Grazing for Agroecology: innovative practices and systems for grazing-based farming systems through linking farming practice and scienceDetails
• Animal Welfare on Pasture - Improving Animal Welfare of Dariy CowsDetails
• RINGO – Root production is determined by grazing induced patchiness in temperate low-input semi-natural grassland irrespective of grazing intensityDetails
• NEffMais– Sensor and model-based quantification of N demand and N supply to increase NEefficiency in maize cultivationDetails
• SUPER-G – Sustainable Permanent GrasslandsDetails
• GreenGrass - Innovative grassland utilization for sustainable agricultural intensification at the landscape scale Details

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BNI 2030: Biologische Nitrifikationsinhibition für zukunftsfähigen und umweltorientierten Pflanzenbau 2030

Martin Komainda (PI), Johannes Isselstein (Co-PI), PhD student (N.N.), TA (N.N.)

The project is supported by funds of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) based on a decision of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany via the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). Duration 01.04.2024-31.03.2027

Partners
Georg-August-University Göttingen (Graslandwissenschaft)
Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Soil ScienceBodenkunde
Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Geosphere-Biosphere InteractionsUni Tübingen
P.H. Petersen Saatzucht PHP

Agriculture in Germany is a major contributor to climate change as a source of greenhouse gases (GHG). Crop production therefore requires low-emission, practicable and economical production systems that contribute to a net GHG reduction. Biological nitrification inhibitors (BNI) can significantly reduce harmful nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in crop production by reducing (de)nitrification processes in soils. BNI are nitrification-inhibiting root exudates that are excreted by plants. Ribwort plantain is known to produce high concentrations of BNI root exudates.
The aim of the project is to investigate the effects of different ribwort plantain genotypes with nitrification-inhibiting properties undersown in silage maize at two different locations after clover grass termination. Based on the current state of knowledge, it is unclear on which mode of action the (de)-nitrifying effect of ribwort plantain is based: It is either due to a decrease in the (de)nitrification rates of the microbiome or a decrease in (de)nitrifying organisms. The BNI-2030 project addresses this research gap by investigating the soil and rhizosphere microbiome of maize and ribwort plantain on the one hand and quantifying the occurrence of nitrifying and de-nitrifying bacteria in the soil on the other.
The BNI-2030 project aims to close the research gap on the use of ribwort plantain as a BNI undersown in maize, to identify particularly suitable ribwort plantain genotypes and to develop practical recommendations for the economically and ecologically sensible use of ribwort plantain adapted to the farm and site in order to reduce nitrous oxide emissions in maize production. The results of the project should help to make maize production more sustainable and profitable through reduced nitrogen losses and mineral fertilizer savings.

In order to implement the research work, three universities from different disciplines and a seed breeding company are working together on the objectives of the project. The CAU (Department of Soil Science) is coordinating the project and recording all nitrogen flows in the soil-microbiome-plant-atmosphere system. The EKU (Department of Geosphere-Biosphere Interactions) is concentrating on gaining a basic understanding of the mechanisms of action of biological nitrification inhibition by ribwort plantain. Possible effects on maize yields when using ribwort plantain as an understorey due to altered nitrogen uptake dynamics and possible nitrogen losses via nitrate are recorded by the GAU (Grassland Science). Finally, P.H. Petersen Saatzucht GmbH is involved in the creation of a field protocol with cultivation instructions and the development of a marketing principle for rapid transfer into practice.
The transfer of knowledge into practice will be ensured during the course of the project through various workshops involving different stakeholders, a project website and regular publications in practice-oriented journals.

RootWayS - Erschließung von Unterbodenressourcen durch Zwischenfruchtanbau und Lebendmulchsysteme, TP C (RootWayS II) - Teilprojekt C

Martin Komainda (Projektleitung), Johannes Isselstein (Co-PI), PhD student (N.N.)

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The project is organised by the Project Management Jülich (PTJ) as part of the Rhizo4Bio programme. Duration 01.04.2024-31.03.2027

Joint Research Project between Georg-August-University Göttingen (Grassland Science)
Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Soil ScienceSoil Science and Agronomy and Crop ScienceAgronomy and Crop Science
Eberhard-Karls-UniversityTübingen, Geo-Biosphere Interactions Uni Tübingen
Helmholtz Centre for for Environmental Research, Leipzig (UFZ), Team Microbiome BiologyUFZ

Subproject C focusses on the assessment of the effects of plant species diversity and functional trait diversity in living mulch/intercropping systems on the dynamics of above- and belowground biomass accumulation and nitrogen (N) uptake with special consideration of the contribution of biological N2 fixation of legumes to N supply.
In detail, subproject C comprises the following sub-objectives:
- Quantification of the dynamics of above-ground biomass accumulation and N uptake of living mulch/intercropping systems and maize as a function of plant species diversity and trait diversity of the mixtures and the site
- Quantification of biological N2 fixation by means of natural 15N enrichment in legume-rich living mulch/intercrop systems and estimation of the supply of maize from biological N2 fixation as well as recording of N release in the soil
- Quantification of below-ground biomass accumulation in three different soil depths of the living mulch/intercropping systems and maize depending on treatment and location
- Plant species-specific niche complementarity of the root system in three different soil depths of the living mulch / catch crop systems and maize depending on treatment and location using nutrient tracers
- Development of an in situ method based on near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine the underground niche complementarity of the root system

Divgrass - Innovative biodiversity for climate resilient dairy grasslands in the North Sea Region Divgrass

Franziska Clausecker (Doktorandin), Johannes Isselstein (Projektleitung), Manfred Kayser (Co-PI), Martin Komainda (Co-PI)

The project is funded by the Interreg Programme, North Sea Region and the European Union. Duration 01.09.2023-31.08.2027.

The work includes recording of grassland performance on dairy farms in the North Sea region and the possibility of adaptation through biodiversity in grassland in order to achieve greater climate resilience and at the same time promote diversity. To this end, surveys and questionnaires will be conducted on the management, farm structure, feeding and mindset of participating farms in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. The work is flanked by field trials of intervention measures on farms. In return, farms receive data and information on feed quantity and quality as well as on the ecosystem services of grassland.


Partners

- University of Vechta Vechta
- Boerennatuur Vlaanderen, Belgium Boerennatuur
- Innovatiesteunpunt voor Landbouw en Platteland, Belgium Innovatiesteunpunt
- Boerenbond, Belgium Boerenbond
- Vlaamse Landmaatschappij, Belgium Landmaatschappij
- Hushållningssällskapet Sjuhärad, Sweden Hushållningssällskapet
- Agroväst Livsmedel AB, Sweden Agroväst
- University Utrecht, the Netherlands Utrecht
- Spectro-AG BV, the Netherlands Spectro-AG
- Chambres Régionales d’agriculture de Bretagne, France Bretagne

Poplar cultivation in agroforestry systems and value chains based on it; Subproject 5: Effects of woody strips on arable crops and grassland (PappelWert)

Johannes Isselstein (Projektleitung), Martin Komainda (Co-PI), PhD student (N.N.)

Funding is enabled through the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The project is organised by the Agency for Renewable Resources e.V. (FNR). Duration 01.01.2024-31.12.2026

Joint Research project between Georg-August-University Göttingen (Grassland Science)
Lignovis GmbH, Hamburg LIGNOVIS
Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB), Potsdam ATB
Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI), Braunschweig Frauenhofer
3N Kompetenzzentrum Niedersachsen Netzwerk Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioökonomie e.V., Werlte (3N) 3N
Rotaria Energie- und Umwelttechnik GmbH, Rerik ROTARIA

The overall aim of the project is to establish an agroforestry model region with fast-growing poplars in northern Germany (with 3 focus regions). Using existing practical examples (planted by Lignovis on various farms in recent years) as well as newly planted agroforestry systems in the project, it will be shown how poplar agroforestry systems can enable climate-adapted agriculture and at the same time be an important source of raw materials for established and new value chains in the timber industry. The aim of sub-project 5 is to analyse and evaluate the consequences of establishing poplar tree rows in agroforestry systems (AFS) on the agricultural crop. This includes agronomic, economic and ecological consequences. The acceptance of poplar cultivation in agroforestry systems in agricultural practice is greatly influenced by the yield potential and profitability of the agricultural crop in AFS. If it is possible to generate relevant annual revenues from the agricultural crops in addition to timber production, then agricultural practice will be prepared to establish AFS on a significant scale. For this purpose, data is collected at different scale levels. A distinction is made by farm, by AFS area and by position in relation to the tree row within the area. At farm level, data on the integration of AFS into operational processes and into the value added on the farm is collected via surveys of the farm managers. At the plot level, data on plant production and grassland management on these plots is collected through our own surveys and measurements (all physical data) and by interviewing the farmers (field maps). At the position level, agronomic measurements are carried out and data on vegetation (arable weeds, grassland plants) and on carbon stocks and their change over time in the soil are collected. Data from the different scale levels will be analysed and the results will be made available for overall evaluation. Position-specific surveys of the water content in the soil and water utilisation by the agricultural plants will be carried out on the selected plots. For this purpose, time-series harvests are carried out, moisture and temperature sensors are used and isotopic signatures (carbon) are measured on the above-ground growths to indicate drought stress.

Ensuring multifunctionality in forage production through species richness in intensive grasslands (Simultan-G-2030)

Martin Komainda (Projektleitung), Johannes Isselstein, Jürgen Hummel (Ruminant Nutrition)

The project is supported by funds of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) based on a decision of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany via the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) under the innovation support programme. Duration: 01.04.2023-31.05.2026

Joint Project between Georg-August-University Göttingen (Grassland Science and Ruminant Nutrition WKE)
and Gemeinschaft zur Förderung von Pflanzeninnovation e. V. GFPi
DSV Deutsche Saatveredelung GmbH DSV
Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Department of Genebank, Research Group Resources Genetics and Reproduction IPK
P.H. Petersen Saatzucht PHP

Species-rich grasslands provide multiple ecosystem services (ES) simultaneously. The range of plant species used in intensive grassland management for dairy cattle is limited to a few representatives of the grasses and legumes. Many leguminous and non-leguminous dicotyledonous plant species have not been cultivated so far, they are hardly considered in cultivation and officially not recommended at all. Dicot plant species have a high forage value, are often more drought tolerant than grasses due to deep roots and contain secondary metabolites. These properties are crucial in the case of expected increasing drought (deep roots) and for reducing methane emissions from ruminants (secondary constituents). A central problem of these hitherto little-known, minor dicotyledonous plant species is the insufficient knowledge of the agronomic and qualitative properties as well as the prospects for further breeding work, because there is largely a lack of clarity on the intra-specific variation of the ES of individual plant species. The proposed collaborative project therefore pursues the goal of establishing and utilising species-rich grassland in order to simultaneously provide important ES through improved breeding varieties in adapted novel mixtures or through strip cropping. Selected species with valuable traits are identified in a systematic approach and the intra-specific variability of traits is determined and described in a "pre-breeding" approach. In particular, the ES focus on biodiversity (flowering range), drought tolerance (stomatal conductance), plant secondary metabolites (PSM such as tannins), persistence, winter hardiness, competitive vigour and establishment success, as well as forage quality, yield and biological nitrogen fixation. A cultivation protocol of each species is prepared specifically.

BioDivMilkplus - Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy from 2028: Development of broad solutions for reduced concentrate dairy farming to protect grassland for different intensity levels of dairy farming with synergies with nature, environmental and climate protection

Martin Komainda (Projektleitung), Johannes Isselstein

Species-rich grassland is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the agricultural landscape and provides a wide range of other environmental services. In order to stop the loss of biodiversity in grassland, improve its condition and increase climate and environmental protection, grassland management that is diversified and characterized by a high degree of structural diversity in agriculture must be significantly strengthened. The overarching goal of the BioDivMilkplus project is to show that and how milk production systems with reduced concentrate feed can make an elementary contribution to this. The R&D project is being carried out by the Kassel Institute for Rural Development e.V. (KI) and the Department of Crop Sciences, Grassland Science. The University of Göttingen carries out analyzes of a number of relevant environmental services at the level of the managed grassland of the milk production branch of farms in North- and Southern Germany and the Kassel Institute analyzes of the potential multifunctional services at the operational level of practical milk production farms that use reduced concentrate feeding. During the three-year project period, there will be collaboration with 40 test farms already involved in the R&D project BioDiVMilk (FKZ 3517 840300; period: 2017-2021). Recommendations and guidelines are derived from the results of the overall project, which show ways of strengthening reduced concentrate feed production systems combined with the highest possible multifunctional performance. In addition, the project will propose regulatory changes for national and European agricultural policies post-CAP 2023-2027.

Projectpartner: Kasseler Institut für Ländliche Entwicklung e.V./Projektbüro Gleichen Kasseler Institut

Funded by Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BFN)
Duration 01.01.2023-31.12.2025

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Joint project climate protection concept district Wesermarsch / land use - agricultural land use in climate change

Using the example of the district of Wesermarsch, possibilities for optimizing climate protection measures through grazing are being scientifically examined. Both plant cultivation measures (e.g. types and composition of forage plants) and measures of adapted herd management for grazing (grazing systems, grazing times) are examined with regard to their effects on carbon storage or the reduction of carbon emissions, taking into account other ecosystem services. A distinction is made here between short-term (time horizon 1-10 years) and long-term effects (10-30 years). On this basis, options for action are to be developed, their implementation options evaluated and research needs identified. The project is transdisciplinary; Actors in the value chain are involved in the work in the sense of a co-creation process.


Funded by Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur (MWK)
Duration 01.09.2022-29.02.2024

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4N - New North-West Lower Saxony: Transformation and Structural Change in rural areas of North-West-Germany: Living Labs in Marshes, Petland and on Sandy Soils and more.
Johannes Isselstein, Karen Baumann (PI) Manfred Kayser (Projektleitung)

4N pursues the goal of initiating, accompanying and evaluating social, technological and ecological transformations in the regional framework of Northwest Lower Saxony towards future-oriented, sustainable living conditions in order to react to the current structural change and to generate answers. For this purpose, technological possibilities (digitilization), agricultural developments, economic fields of activity such as tourism and logistics as well as topics of education and services of general interest in health and care are examined against their respective socio-cultural background and their social organization (governance). The sub-project Agricultural Structural Change and Adaptation to Climate Change deals with the following topics: (i) Determination of the regional effects of climate trends for agriculture from supra-regional model calculations, (ii) Identification of innovative potential of regenerative energies for agricultural applications, (iii) Possibilities of increasing biological diversity in rural areas by using shoulder strips for photovoltaics, exploration and experiments

Funded by Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur (MWK)
Duration 2022-2026

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FPG - FutureProofGrasslands: Promoting Ecosystemservices in Grasslandregions of the North-West-German Coastal Areas through Watermanagement adapted to Climate Change.

Johannes Isselstein (PI), Manfred Kayser (PI), Martin Komainda

FPG investigates the question of the transformation of the system of inland drainage towards an integrated water management, which, in addition to drainage in the event of excess water, also takes into account the forward-looking water retention to avoid water shortages during future increasing drought periods. For this it is necessary to improve the water retention in the entire catchment area and to develop comprehensive concepts for the landscape water balance at the level of the drainage association. All affected groups are included in the future design of an integrated water management. Specifically, FPG is investigating whether there is a new, 'future-proof' approach to adapting water management to more frequent drought periods in the north-west German coastal regions through temporary water retention. The sub-project 'production systems in grassland' deals with the following topics: (i) analysis of production systems and their performance under real conditions along relevant gradients of water conditions and farm structure, (ii) experimental development of adapted production systems in practical pilot projects. Various production systems are tested under varying water levels and different fertilization systems with their effects on performance, forage quality and turf structure.

Funded by Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur (MWK)
Duration 01.01.2023-31.12.2025

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Young Farmers Tour 2023 Germany

G4AE - Grazing for Agroecology: innovative practices and systems for grazing-based farming systems through linking farming practice and science

G4AE homepage

Dietrun Thielecke (PhD student), Friederike Riesch, Martin Komainda (PIs), Johannes Isselstein (Projektleitung)

The project G4AE connects practice and science to provide suitable options for farmers to improve grazing based livestock farming. Agroecology is presented as an existing and promising development towards sustainable agriculture. The project analyses the status quo of grazing in the participating countries and aims to optimise grazing on the basis of several surveys. Grazing innovations are in demand to be spread in the grazing sector to enhance sustainability of agroecosystems. Positive effects for environment, livestock and society are focussed as well as producing high quality food with less impact on natural resources. This approach will allow grazing to better contribute to the strategies Green Deal and Farm to Fork. Participating countries: Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania and Sweden

Partners

- Grünland Zentrum, Germany GLZ
- Teagasc, Ireland Teagasc
- Goldcrop, Ireland Goldcrop
- Laimburg, South Tyrol Laimburg ST
- Bioland South Tyrol, South Tyrol Bioland ST
- Ispaam, Italy ISPAAM
- Chambre d’agriculture Bretagne Bretagne
- Institut de l’evelage IDELE, France IDELE
- INRAE, France INRAE
- SLU, Sweden SLU
- Svenska Vallföreningen, Sweden Vallföreningen
- Consulai, Portugal Consulai
- University of Évora, Portugal Uni Évora
- AERES, the Netherlands AERES
- ZLTO, the Netherlands ZLTO
- AgroTransilvania, Romania AgroTransilvania
- University Cluij-Napoca, Romania Uni Cluij-Napoca


Funded by EU (EU HORIZON)
Funding period 01.09.2022-31.03.2026

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Animal Welfare on Pasture - Improving Animal Welfare of Dariy Cows

Kilian Obermeyer (PhD student), Martin Komainda, Johannes Isselstein, Manfred Kayser (Projektleitung)

Grazing is associated with risks for animal welfare: this affects, among other things, the provision of sufficient feed quantities and qualities, the supply of water of good quality or heat stress. The aim of the project is to develop criteria and parameters for animal welfare in grazing. Ultimately, this is intended to improve the profitability of milk production based on grazing and at the same time ensure that high animal welfare standards are guaranteed. At the same time, an operationalization of the evaluation of animal welfare on the pasture, in particular the freedom from hunger and thirst, should take place. The teaching of the methods is aimed at a wide range of companies, from innovators to the late majority, through a portfolio of communication strategies adapted to the target groups.

Funded by Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft (BLE)
Duration 01.04.2021-01.06.2024

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RINGO – Root production is determined by grazing induced patchiness in temperate low-input semi-natural grassland irrespective of grazing intensity

Martin Komainda (PI), Johannes Isselstein

The project expects to advance the knowledge of patch-specific within pasture variability on the above- and belowground net primary production and its turnover to obtain precise estimates of processes involved in topsoil soil carbon cycling in extensive grassland. It expects advancement in methodological aspects of root and turnover assessments and to provide transfer function between in situ observations and actual carbon input. It further expects to advance knowledge of machine learning assisted image processing of root observations. The planned work aims to provide a basis for understanding, which will be deepened in possible follow-up projects in other long-term experimental platforms under varying environmental conditions. In particular, the DFG-funded biodiversity exploratories (Socher et al., 2013) as well as the oldest long-term grazing experiment in Europe 'Oldrichov' in the Czech Republic (Pavlu et al., 2006) would be points of contact for follow-up phases.

Funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
Laufzeit 01.01.2022-31.12.2023

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NEffMais– Sensor and model-based quantification of N demand and N supply to increase NEefficiency in maize cultivation

Martin Komainda (PI), Johannes Isselstein, Manfred Kayser

Joint Research Project between Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel (Institut für Pflanzenbau und Pflanzenzüchtung, Abteilung Pflanzenbau) CAU
and Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Fachinformation Pflanzenbau LLH
Associated Partners:
Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen, Fachbereich 3.9 Grünland und Futterbau LK NDS
Associated industrypartnerJohn Deere Walldorf GmbH & Co KG, European Technology Innovation Center John Deere

Silage maize is the most important crop for energy production in Germany. Inaccurate estimates of the N requirement of the maize crop and the N supply from the soil often result in excessive N fertilisation and low N efficiency. This is associated with considerable N losses to the atmosphere and groundwater. The aim of the project is therefore a more precise quantification of N supply and N demand in maize cultivation by means of sensor data and modelling.

In a two-year field trial at three environments (cooperation partners: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen), the relevant N pathways are recorded by means of drone-based crop monitoring, plant sampling and surveys of the nitrogen and soil water balance dynamics. The effects of different annual weather conditions, locations, maize varieties, forms of fertilisation (mineral/organic) and fertilisation rates are investigated. Empirical regression models are to be developed using the results of historical N-increase trials, which characterise the relationship between yield and optimal N supply, as well as between site and cultivation parameters and N replenishment. Process-oriented, dynamic models will also enable an estimation of the weather effect on maize yield and N replenishment. The project should thus contribute to the development of site- and year-specific and thus resource-saving maize cultivation systems.

Financial support: Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR)
Duration 01.04.2021-31.03.2024

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GreenGrass - Innovative grassland utilization for sustainable agricultural intensification at the landscape scale

Juliane Horn (PI), Martin Komainda, Friederike Riesch, Johannes Isselstein (PI)

Conception of a transdisciplinary collaborative research project to develop innovative grazing systems that will secure and enhance the provision of ecosystem services.

Funded by: Federal Ministry for Education and Science (BMBF)

Project duration: 2019-2024

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