Field trials
On the northern outskirts of Speyer, LUFA Speyer operates the 15-hectare Rinkenbergerhof field trial station under the management of Dr. Markus Weinmann. Since 1958, both long-term and specialized research trials have been carried out there, making decisive contributions to climate-friendly and resource-conserving agriculture.
Main research areas
The research work at the Rinkenbergerhof focuses in particular on long-term trials on organic fertilization, integrated nutrient management and renewable raw materials.
These provide in-depth insights into the long-term effects of farming systems on soil quality, carbon content and nutrient balances. An important example is the experiment on organic fertilization and the agricultural use of municipal waste, which has been running since 1958. These long-term studies not only help to assess the humus supply, but also to evaluate the risks of agricultural sewage sludge utilization.
Important research projects such as KLIMACrops are currently being carried out to adapt arable farming systems to climate change. These projects are developing innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture and climate protection in the Upper Rhine region. In addition, the LUFA Speyer works in close cooperation with the official field trial system of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and offers customized contract trials on request. Find out more about our research projects here.
Long-term trials
| Trial designation | Since | Experimental question |
|---|---|---|
| Humus trial | 1958 | Influence of different organic fertilizers on soil health, plant growth, yield and quality of harvested products. |
| Potassium-magnesium-lime trial | 1978 | Effect of potassium, magnesium and lime on the yield and quality of various crops. |
| Sewage sludge trial | 1981 | Heavy metal accumulation in soil and plants depending on the frequency and quantity of sewage sludge application and nutrient supply. |
| The International Organic Nitrogen Long-term Fertilisation Experiment (IOSDV) | 1983 | Influence of location and organic fertilization with increasing nitrogen application on yield and quality. Since 2005, additional influence of various tillage measures. |
| Chinese reed suitability for cultivation and nutrient requirements | 1989 | Influence of irrigation and fertilization on development, yield and quality of Miscanthus. |
| Fast-growing tree species on marginal sites (Cooperation with der Research Institute for Forest Ecology and Forestry, Trippstadt) | 2009 | Yield performance and ecological effects of the cultivation of fast-growing tree species on marginal agricultural sites. |
