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DOK Experiment: Long-term study on bio-dynamic, bio-organic and conventional farming systems

Abstract

In the DOK experiment, bio-dynamic, bio-organic and conventional (integrated) farming systems are compared since 1978, mimicking real farming practices in a plot design. The experiment is worldwide unique, so that soil and plant samples originating from the experimental plots serve as a reference for numerous national and international projects. Various projects are currently conducted in the field of soil quality and functions as well as plant mutual symbioses. The development of soil organic carbon over time and the bio-geochemical processes in soil are of paramount importance especially in view of climate change.

The DOK experiment is a valuable base for several EU project collaborations. The field plots are jointly managed by FiBL (Frick) and Agroscope Reckenholz (Zurich). In the recent decade, the DOK experiment has also become an example for various long-term farming systems comparison experiments (SYSCOM projects) in the tropics. The FiBL Department of International Cooperation established SYSCOM experiments in Kenya, Central India and Bolivia, in close collaboration with local partners and supported by the FiBL Department of Soil Sciences.

(Research) Program
  • Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) – Research, training and innovation
Project partners
  • Agroscope (co-coordination)
  • University of Basel
  • ETH Zurich

Further project collaborations

Project Advisory Board

Farmers (DOK support team), e.g. R. Benz, D. Böhler, U. Büeler, Ch. Butscher, M. Hünerfauth, A. Ineichen, H. Lutke Schipolt, C. Müller, H. Oswald, R. Sax, U. Sprecher

FiBL project leader/ contact
FiBL project staff (people who are not linked are former FiBL employees)
Role of FiBL

Coordination (jointly with Agroscope)

FiBL project number 10015
Date modified 15.11.2024
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