BioOptiFood research project
This project builds on the findings of its predecessor, BioFieldFood , and aims to develop practical techniques for the cultivation and processing of food crops. Initial results have already motivated numerous farmers to incorporate new and rediscovered crops, such as edible legumes and sweet potatoes, into their crop rotations. These thrive under organic conditions in the Alpine foothills and are in high demand, particularly in organic quality.
Challenges such as climate-related fluctuations and requirements for harvest quality will be addressed through targeted trials. The focus is on improving cultivation and harvesting techniques to ensure crop quality. Additionally, research questions concerning dryland rice, edible pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupes will be investigated to further develop the cultivation of these plants under organic conditions in our latitudes.
Project goal
The project aims to optimize and further develop the cultivation of the aforementioned crops. Adaptations to the prevailing regional climatic conditions are intended to ensure high-quality harvests.
Edible legumes:
- Improving cultivation techniques for better yields and quality.
- Rice:
Development of strategies for dryland rice cultivation, with a focus on sowing, weed control and irrigation. - Edible pumpkins:
Comparison of sowing and planting methods as well as reduction of weed pressure through faster soil cover. - Sweet potatoes:
Optimizing planting and harvesting times to promote marketable tubers.
The trials are partly conducted at two different locations to obtain meaningful results. The project also contributes to organic farming and supports the growing demand for healthy, sustainable food.
The first evaluated results from the current trial period already show promising approaches.
Service description
At the Institute for Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein in Lambach/Stadl-Paura, a wide range of trials are conducted on certified organic land. The sites, with their varying soil qualities, allow for practical results, complemented by collaboration with the LfL in Bavaria.
- Edible legumes (lentils, dry beans, chickpeas, flat peas): optimization of harvesting techniques, mixed cropping and weed control.
- Rice and edible pumpkin: comparison of ridge cultivation and conventional cultivation as well as planting methods.
- Sweet potato: Examination of varieties as well as cultivation and harvesting times.
Yield, grain size, nutrient content, and other agronomic parameters are recorded. Chemical analyses provide comprehensive data on harvest quality. The results are statistically evaluated to derive meaningful recommendations for practical application.
Practical relevance
Despite their high nutritional value, pulse consumption remains low. However, their integration into processed products such as baked goods, snacks, or hummus offers potential to increase demand for plant-based protein sources . Organic products, in particular , are in demand, which places high demands on the quality and processing of the harvested crop – especially in organic farming.
The cultivation of mixed crops is becoming increasingly important in organic farming. These crops not only promote biodiversity and erosion control, but can also increase yield and profitability. Supported by subsidy programs, mixed crops are increasingly preferred over monocultures.
New crops like sweet potatoes and pumpkins offer exciting opportunities, especially for direct marketers. These products can serve as a flagship and customer magnet, allowing businesses to reach new target groups.
