INPLAMINT

Investigations are focused on basic mechanisms of plant–soil-microorganism interactions as a function of crop rotation, soil type, fertilization and amendment as well as temperature and moisture. These results will support the improvement of soil functions, nutrient-use efficiency of crop production, and the development of optimized agricultural management strategies.

This interdisciplinary project supports the knowledge-based evaluation of potentials to optimize plant-microbial interactions and to improve the nutrient-use efficiency in agricultural crop production. The evaluation and characterization of these interactions directly supports the developed of new agricultural management strategies to reduce nutrient losses and environmental pollution.

ifeu accompanies the project and, together with the HfWU Nürtingen, carries out an overview of these management options with regard to their effects on sustainability. Within the framework of a joint work package, ifeu is responsible for the ecological evaluation of management options, while the HfWU mainly covers socio-economic aspects. Based on an integrated sustainability assessment, recommendations for farmers and policy makers are jointly derived.