More than 30 people took part in the field day at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, where they visited the trial plots in Merbitz-Löbejün. They were able to examine various crop rotations that are being researched as part of the DiP-SuSaKlim “Superfood from Saxony-Anhalt” project. The aim is to cultivate innovative and climate-adapted crop rotations in organic farming and to process these into plant-based organic products in the future. This should promote long-term economic development and job creation in the region.
Introducing DiP-SuSaKlim and DiP-iQ-Hemp
How can agriculture adapt to the changing climate? In particular, the testing of plants from arid regions is intended to offer farmers in southern Saxony-Anhalt alternatives in the future. Since April 2024, oil plants such as safflower, camelina, linseed and Iberian dragon’s head have been cultivated in demonstration plots and variety trials have been carried out with protein plants such as lentils, chickpeas and soybeans. In addition, old cereal varieties such as chia, quinoa and amaranth are being used in initial trials.
In addition to the precision trials at the AEVZ Merbitz, which deal with the question of which superfood varieties could become native here, the DiP-iQ hemp project was also presented. On the hemp variety trial plots, the focus is on fiber hemp variety testing and efficient sowing for an optimal harvest yield of industrial hemp (seed strength trials with 100-400 plants per 1m³). In addition, the digitalization of harvest qualities for both farmers and the processing industry is being driven forward.
The next field day in Merbitz is expected to take place in September. Then, shortly before or shortly after the harvest, you will be able to see the seeds, oils and grains on site and, above all, taste them.
Many thanks to Mrs. Urte Grauwinkel, Bernd Look and Heinrich Rennebaum for the great organization and the exciting insights on site. We would love to come back.
