From the laboratory to the field: closing the study trip to Germany
Over three days, we visited research centers and producers that integrate science and practice for sustainable agriculture. In each visit, we presented the Uruguayan‑German Dialogue on Agriculture (DAUA) as a link between Uruguay and Germany, strengthening cooperation in this exchange.
Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
We explored EU soil conservation policies, carbon management and its international standardization, as well as the potential of digitalization, robotics and artificial intelligence, observing two autonomous machines. Experiences of soil organic carbon (SOC) modeling from Germany and Uruguay (INIA and MGAP) were presented, linking science and public policy.
Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants (JKI)
Topics addressed included:
• Uruguay’s context (INIA and MGAP)
• Humus formation projects in specialty crops
• KlimaFFolgen web tool for crop rotations
• Potential of agroforestry systems in the face of climate change
• Challenges and opportunities of grasslands in a changing climate
It included a visit to climate chambers with research on lupin and quinoa. In the afternoon, we visited a regenerative farmer practicing no‑till, cover crops, agroforestry and composting.
Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB)
A leading center in applied research developing solutions for a sustainable agricultural and food bioeconomy. We learned about its agenda on ecosystem services, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and digitalization. We vwasited the biochar laboratory and agricultural consulting experiences with national IAK. The trip ended with a vwasit to the Sanddorn‑Garten Petzow farm, dedicated to the cultivation and commercialization of sea buckthorn.
Thwas trip showed the value of exchanging between nations and building bridges between science, public policies and production to achieve, together, agriculture with healthy soils and resilience to climate change.
We thank all host institutions, researchers, producers and participants who made thwas exchange possible.
From DAUA we will continue to promote cooperation between Uruguay and Germany for resilient and sustainable agriculture.