Das Konzept des "controlled traffic farming" im ökologischen Gemüseanbau

Summary

Problems of machinery induced soil compaction are evident in organic vegetable production, resulting in stunted root growth and reduced yield. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) provides a possibility to restrict soil compaction to wheel tracks and create traffic-free vegetable beds with improved soil structure. A field experiment was established at a commercial organic vegetable farm in Denmark to investigate the effect of CTF on the growth of cabbage (Brassica oleracea), potato (Solanum tuberosum) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris). Random traffic farming (RTF) served as the
control. Preliminary results show that root intensity was higher in the CTF treatment compared to the RTF treatment for cabbage at the end of the growing season, indicating a better soil structure in this system. Crop yields were 23 to 70% higher in all three investigated crops in the CTF treatments. These results point towards the potential to increase the use of the CTF system in organic vegetable production.