Steigerung der Ressourceneffizienz durch gesamtbetriebliche Optimierung der Pflanzen- und Milchproduktion unter Einbindung von Tierwohlaspekten – Untersuchungen in einem Netzwerk von Pilotbetrieben

In close cooperation between research, extension and practice, a Germany-wide network of pilot farms was established, which formed the basis for transdisciplinary research work over a period of ten years. It comprises 40 organic and 40 conventional cash crop and dairy farms in four agricultural regions. On the pilot farms, farm data were continuously collected, stored in databases and comprehensively evaluated with models. In project phase 1 (2008 to 2013), research was conducted on climate impacts in crop production and dairy farming, and in project phase 2 (2013 to 2014) on animal welfare and resource efficiency. Whole farm optimisation was the focus of research in project phase 3 (2014 to 2021). In workshops, measures were derived to increase resource efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve husbandry conditions in dairy production. Effects on soil organic matter, nutrient, energy and greenhouse gas balances were investigated with models. Animal welfare was assessed with indicators using the Welfare Quality® Protocol and measures for improvement were derived. The research results show system- related differences in environmental and climate impacts, resource efficiency and animal welfare status between organic and conventional farms, which are, however, overlaid by the enormous individual farm variability and site influences. In the project, the advisory tools HUNTER (humus, nutrient, greenhouse gas and energy balance calculator) and TWT dairy cattle (animal welfare tool dairy cattle) were developed and tested. Hereby farmers and advisors are provided with practical tools for independent analysis and determination of important sustainability criteria. Farm managers were actively involved in the research process, e.g. through the participatory elaboration of development scenarios to improve sustainability and the joint implementation of regional and optimisation workshops.