Farm description
The roots of Mr. Liedmann lie in the ecologic movement. Being a carpenter, 1987 he just started organic farming in order to do something practically in terms of ecology. Insofar ecology and sustainability of organic farming is something that concerns him to date. The source of his knowledge is thorough observations and experimenting. Since 2005 he recognizes the impact of climate change in his plant production; especially the precipitation patterns has massively changed since then but also a rise in mean temperatures can be observed.
The cattle loose Bioland farm Korn-Kammer Haus Nolte has in an average annual temperature of 8.9â°C and a mean annual rainfall of 750-890 mmââ. On a total of 200 ha with mainly loess soil following crop rotation is followed: red clover reproduction – winter wheat – field beans – potato / oats-spelt.
Climate friendly practices applied
- Improved on-farm nutrient management
First cut of grass-clover is shipped to nearby biogas fermentation plant, which produces electricity and heat energy (replacement of fossil fuels). Liquid and solid residues are brought back to croplands. Furthermore, N2O emissions from mulching are avoided and N fixation of forage legumes is increased.composting of on-farm residues.
All on-farm residues are composted. Fresh piles are consisting of biomass of forage legumes, waste from vegetable processing, straw, soil from carrot washing. Due to the regular turning of the compost piles, CH4 emissions are reduced. Regular compost application contributes to C sequestration in soil. Furthermore, N2O emissions from mulching are avoided and N fixation of forage legumes is increased.
- Optimised crop rotations with legumes
Maintenance of existing grain and forage legumes
Cereals instead of broad beans, forage legumes (1st cut) instead of conventional maize as substrate for biogas production. Cropping of forage and grain legumes is maintained both contributing to N fixation and C sequestration.
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- Optimised tillage systems
Tillage systems
Reduced tillage: Farm avoids ploughing after spelt cropping (3x working with grubber; depth: 10 cm). No ploughing prior to potatoes, too. By employing these practices diesel consumption will be reduced along with humus accumulation in soil (C sequestration).
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- Agroforestry
Hedgerows and tree strips along agricultural fields
The farm installed hedgerows and tree strips which lead to C sequestration in above- and belowground biomass and in soil. Part of the woody biomass is used for heating and thus replaces fossil fuel (CO2 mitigation).