Innovative Decision Support System in field crops and conservation tillage

This project aims to establish operational group (OG) of 8 growers, representative of different agricultural regions in the country and specialized in cereals and oil crops as well as Agricultural University-Plovdiv (AUP). The OG will perform 4 type of experiments for 3 seasons on provided by the farmers land and with the scientific assistance of AUP. Main purpose is to elaborate organizational method – Innovative decision support system (DSS) for conservation tillage and improved soil health. It will include network for exchange of information about transfer of rusts and other diseases. Scientifically and statistically proven comparison between 4 main tillage methods (plough/disking, no-till, minimum and strip till) will be investigated. In addition the impact of cover crops and microorganisms will be considered too. All aspects chemical, physical, biological, financial will be analyzed. Expected benefits will be for the whole industry and include increased economic effectiveness and competitiveness. The success of the project will be widely transferred to the whole sector in Bulgaria through open access to its results and methods for conservation agriculture. Environment conservation is another positive consequence of the project due the predicted reduction of fertilizers and pesticides input. Interactive approach will stimulate exchange of knowledge and innovations between framers on hand and on the other hand between industry and academics dealing with agriculture.

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