The creationn of a biodiverse organic farm
2010
Strasser, F., Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Reckenholz-Taenikon ART, Zuerich (Switzerland) | Ryffel, Th.
The Huebhof farm in the Zürich district of Schwamendingen is a flagship example of how measures to promote biodiversity can benefit a farm and the public. The leaseholder switched to organic farming in the early nineties. He planted various hedges and numerous standard fruit trees, and seeded flower-filled rough pasture and wild flower strips. Today the management of ecological areas is one of the Huebhof's most important activities and a main source of income. The various measures go down well with the public. Standard fruit trees, for example, are highly valued. They are big, they blossom and have green foliage, bear fruit, change colour in autumn and provide a platform for songbirds. Wild flower strips are very eye-catching and the glorious display of flowers in the rough pasture attracts walkers as well. The farm also profits from improved species diversity. Thus beneficial organisms have obviously increased, for experts found only a few aphids in the broad bean field despite it being an exceptional year for aphids. Local biodiversity even generates new products. The city and Agroscope ACW selected a landrace from the walnut tree on the farm, for example, and propagated it as the Huebhof walnut. This is now grown on Huebhof land, and there are plans for a future own brand Nusstorte (walnut tart).
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