Microbiome research at FiBL 2024

Summary in the original language of the document

How can microbiome research promote organic agriculture? Join this insightful session to explore how microbiomes are studied at FiBL to increase agroecosystem health. The session begins with a brief introduction by Valentin Gfeller, who will explain the microbiome's role in soil fertility, plant health, and disease resilience - key elements of sustainable farming.
Three expert speakers will then present their work across different agricultural fields:
•Anja Logo from the Crop Sciences Department will dive into the use of compost to combat soil-borne diseases, focusing on the bacterial and fungal communities that enhance compost's disease-suppressing properties.
•Geoffrey Mesbahi from Livestock Sciences will discuss how the calf microbiome is influenced by breed and diet, and its impact on animal health, productivity, and methane emissions in grass-based fattening systems.
•Natacha Bodenhausen from Soil Sciences will share her insights into arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the factors that predict the success of AMF inoculation in the field, improving plant-fungal relationships for sustainable agriculture.
The session will conclude with a Q&A, where attendees can engage directly with the experts. This session is perfect for anyone interested in how microbiome research is applied to make farming systems more resilient and productive.