The trips were guided by experts such as Research Technician Winfried Bungert, who offered guests insights into the work at both campus locations as they slowly passed along the wheat fields. Of particular note: the CO2 fumigation systems that are being used to explore how enhanced CO2 content impacts yields of corn and field beans.
“Here in Klein-Altendorf, we also test new varieties for the Federal Plant Variety Office,” Bungert explained. Before it is approved for use in Germany, a wheat variety must be shown to offer a proven benefit—be that in yield, quality, or durability. Klein-Altendorf is one of several official test stations.
The stands around the greenhouses were also dedicated to forward-looking projects. While enjoying coffee, cake and cotton candy, visitors were invited to inform themselves about cutting-edge research, such as how to boost crop farming yields, all while reducing the consumption of resources.
“It’s nice to see just how many visitors decided to come today to learn about renewable resources, medicinal plants and their uses,” said Sören Heidemann from the Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES). He talked with guests about the benefits of plants such as Miscanthus grasses and Paulownia trees, and their potential use as sustainable materials in the fields of construction, paper, and substrates.
There was also music, good food and even the chance at the soil science stand to truly dive into the research… by exploring what a field looks like “from below.”
... to the press release of the University of Bonn: