Research project IMPAC³

+++ NEWS +++
The TV-programme "nano" on 3sat shows a film about the IMPAC³ project on Wednesday, November 7 at 6.30 pm.

link to the video (in german) at 3sat media center



IMPAC³- Novel genotypes for mixed cropping allow for IMProved sustainable land use ACross arable land, grassland and woodland

Abstract main project
Increasing crop diversity in mixed cropping systems has the potential to enhance production while maintaining or reducing resource consumption. IMPAC³ is an interdisciplinary joint project of the Georg-August-University Goettingen and examines the potential of leguminous and non-leguminous species mixtures to increase biomass production. Three domains of farming practice are analysed: arable land (winter faba bean and winter wheat), grassland (white clover, perennial ryegrass and chicory) and woodland (robinia and poplar). A central field experiment hosting the three domains using the same experimental design was established at two sites (Reinshof and Deppoldshausen). The overall hypothesis is that novel genotypes which possess traits advantageous for multi-species systems are more productive and use resources more efficiently than genotypes not possessing such traits.

Subproject Agronomy: Root distribution in pure stands and mixtures
Little is known about the root distribution of different species in mixtures. The aboveground overyielding effect of mixtures could be due to a differing rooting system of both intercropped partners. Furthermore, the rooting pattern of a component in the intercrop can differ from that in the sole crop. To study these species specific rooting patterns, roots have to be identified to species level. In this subproject, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to determine specie specific root proportions in all domains.

Person in charge:
Dr. Catharina Meinen
Dr. Inga Dirks
M.Sc. Juliane Streit

Project duration:
1st of February 2015 to 31st of January 2018

Funding:
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) - Innovative Plant Breeding within the Cultivation System (IPAS)

Partners:
Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG (NPZ)
Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV)