Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences

BonaRes - Modul A (Phase 3), Soil3-III, sustainable subsoil management, subproject G (HU-I)

Project description

In Phase III of the Soil3 project, the HU-I subproject focuses on evaluating the sustainability of the positive effects of strip-wise subsoil loosening identified in Phase II. Since both deep root growth and yields were significantly increased after breaking up the extreme soil compaction, the main objectives of the phase III of the project are therefore to - investigate whether the incorporated organic material and the high root density in the furrows can prevent rapid re- compaction and maintain the positive yield response, - quantify the water resources that can be acquired from the subsoil and - evaluate the probability that these additional water supply can bridge dry periods of varying length and intensity and avoid extreme yield losses. The research will be conducted in a field trial initiated in Phase II with a total duration of five years. On-farm trials will be conducted to validate the results. In addition, activities are planned to transfer knowledge on the effective and sustainable use of subsoil resources in crop production into practice.

 

Project leader:                                                       Dr. Kathlin Schweitzer

                                                                  Dipl.-Ing. agr. Michael Baumecker

Other project members:                               Vera Prowollik

Project duration:                                                    02/2022 - 01/2025

Sponsor:                                                                   BMBF

 

Results from the central Soil3 field trial in Thyrow (CF3):
1. Root penetration of the subsoil after strip-wise subsoil improvement using the Soil3-method in a dry, humus-poor sandy soil

Durchwurzelung des Unterbodens.jpg

 

2. Subsoil amelioration in strips using the Soil3 method - yield effect

Streifenweise Unterbodenmelioration im Soil3-Verfahren - Etragswirkung.jpg