In Norway, centralization of dairy production in larger herds with more rented and distant land has lead to excess amounts of manure, exceeding storage capacity. Hence manure is often applied in large amounts in autumn, often combined with killing off the plant swards with glyphosate. Next season, the ley is re-established. This practice deserves further study to reveal possible negative effects for the environment. Research questions of interest: How is soil biota affected by glyphosate spraying in autumn? What is the combined effect of glyphosate spraying and manure application? Does the spraying affect the soil's ability to adsorb nutrients applied with the manure? Is the spraying actually required to maintain the quality of perennial leys? What changes to these farming systems could be proposed in a situation where glyphosate is possibly banned, or in situations where farmers want to refrain from the use of this pesticide? In-depth interviews and field studies need to be carried out. The topic fits under topics 2 and 4 in this call, but can also be adapted to topic 3.
NORSØK was established in 1986 on Tingvoll research farm on the north-western coast of Mid-Norway, to develop organic farming by research and development activities. Since 1986, the staff (currently counting 20 researchers, advisors, technicians and administration) has worked with different topics, where studies in crop production, soil fertility, fertilization and animal husbandry have been central activities. NORSØK cooperates closely with NIBIO, a larger Norwegian research institute which also has a department located on Tingvoll research farm. We have experience from several ERA-net projects, especially funded by the CORE Organic network, but also other international projects, where we have been research partners and leading work packages. We also have a high competence in dissemination. We can also offer contact to other Norwegian research institutes if required/wanted, since we have a close contact with many of these, e.g. to increase the transdisciplinarity of the project. Read more at www.norsok.no !