In addition, the results from last year were presented, which are of particular interest for the surrounding Alpine foothills. Clemens Flamm, a certified engineer from AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), reported in detail on the extensive variety trials conducted with cereals. All types of winter cereals, spring oats, and spring wheat are being cultivated on the trial plots. Furthermore, the spring barley, which is nearing harvest maturity, could also be examined in the autumn. The exceptionally well-developed varieties could be directly compared with those grown in the spring. Representatives from our cooperation partner, the Upper Austrian Soil, Water, Protection, and Advisory Service (OÖ Boden.Wasser.Schutz.Beratung), were also present and reported on this joint project. The focus on crops intended for direct consumption as food generated particular interest. These consist of lentils mixed with various cereals and camelina at different seeding rates. Numerous varieties of dried beans and chickpeas were also presented, sparking the curiosity of the visitors. These trials are being conducted as part of a cross-border cooperation with the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL). The sweet potato harvest and variety trials were also followed with great interest. Interesting insights into sweet potato cultivation methods from recent seasons were shared. The extensive variety and mulch trials for potatoes were also visited.
The 2022 Organic Field Day in Lambach was also an ideal opportunity to thank our esteemed colleague, Waltraud Hein. After dozens of field days over the past two decades, she provided visitors with her usual expert information, and we wish her all the very best for her upcoming retirement in February 2023!
