For agriculture

First climate model region in the Tyrolean lowlands

Symbolic image(Bild: Jürgen Radspieler)

More frequent periods of drought, changes in soil conditions, extreme weather events - agriculture is facing major challenges as a result of climate change. What can be done at an early stage to adapt to the changing conditions? Following a call for proposals with six submitted projects, the jury decided in favor of the model region submitted by regional management KUUSK (Kufstein - Untere Schranne - Kaiserwinkl).

"Climate-resilient plant varieties are to be cultivated on a total of three trial areas from March 2025 following detailed soil analyses in 2024 and preparation of the areas," according to a press release from the province of Tyrol. Following a comprehensive soil analysis, suitable cereal and legume varieties will be selected from the Tyrolean gene bank. Sustainable cultivation methods and the use of existing modern technologies should also help to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Two open-air trial plots are freely accessible and are intended to inform interested parties about symbioses, crop rotation and biodiversity.

Product quality in Tyrol is very high, but there is still potential that should also be researched as part of the model region.

LHStv. Josef Geisler

System to provide new research approaches
The third test area will be located at the FH Kufstein: A so-called aquaponics system is to be used to make efficient use of water and nutrients and reduce the need for fertilizers. An aquaponics system consists of a water cycle in which fish live on the one hand and which is used to irrigate crops on the other. The system is intended to serve as a teaching aid for sustainable agricultural and food production and provide new research approaches.

"The selected project impresses with its diversity and the close cooperation with the young farmers/agricultural youth in the district of Kufstein, the Chamber of Agriculture and the Management Center Innsbruck and the FH Kufstein." The state of Tyrol is providing 50,000 euros for the model region over the next two years.