Landbewirtschaftung in Österreich: Untersuchen von Best Practices zur Förderung der Bodenstabilität durch Bodenbearbeitung

  • Benedikt Matzeneder

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

Soil management in Austria presents a significant challenge for sustainable agriculture due to the varying climatic and topographical conditions. These climate and topography differences require a differentiated consideration of the effects of various soil cultivation techniques on soil stability. Particularly problematic are the increasing soil erosion and the degradation of organic matter, which lead to a long-term deterioration of soil quality, thereby jeopardizing agricultural productivity and food security. The aim of this thesis is to examine the specific effects of different soil management techniques on soil quality in Austria and to identify best practices for promoting soil stability. The thesis is divided into a theoretical part, which presents agricultural scientific principles, findings from meta-studies, and long-term experiments, and an empirical part, which is based on qualitative research methods. To answer the research questions, expert interviews were conducted with professionals from agricultural science and farming practice. These interviews were analyzed using Mayring's content analysis to gain detailed insights into the practical experiences and challenges of soil management. Additionally, the interview results were compared with current scientific findings to derive well-founded recommendations for practice. The investigation revealed that conservation tillage systems, particularly minimal tillage and no-till, can lead to a significant improvement in soil stability and an increase in organic matter. These systems not only reduced soil erosion but also contributed to enhanced water retention and buffering capacity of the soil. Regional climate differences play a crucial role in the selection of cultivation techniques. In wet regions, challenges include soil warming and insufficient mineralization, while in dry regions, the efficient use of water for crops is of primary importance. Furthermore, the study identified best practices that have been successfully applied in various Austrian regions and can serve as a basis for optimizing agricultural methods.
Date of Award2024
Original languageGerman (Austria)
SupervisorMichael Treiblmeier (Supervisor)

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