Sustainable Agriculture

The aim of the research program "Sustainable agriculture" is to provide knowledge for a competitive and environmentally sustainable agricultural production of high-quality and healthy food (of animal or plant origin). Knowledge and experience of the researchers involved in the program enable to resolve complex problems of agriculture with an interdisciplinary approach and holistic perspective. The program has two pillars; the first focuses on productivity and quality of production of various agricultural (food) products (milk, meat, honey, fruits and wine). The second pillar focuses on environmental aspects. Both pillars are linked by a common point, i.e. the emphasis on technological factors or production systems. The program is divided into several specialized working groups, which are supported by a joint unit for chemical analysis (laboratories) and informatics. Technological pillar consists of research to improve the productivity and quality of animal production and processing (milk, meat), including fodder quality, covers challenges in beekeeping, fruit growing, vine growing and winemaking. Environmental pillar focuses on the effects of agricultural activities on the environment and research of agro-technology measures to reduce the environmental burden. Competitive agricultural activity brings negative effects on the environment originating in the use of chemicals for crop protection, land application of fertilizers and greenhouse gas emissions. Research will focus on environmental footprint of different production systems in animal and crop production with the ultimate goal to preserve natural resources, which will be monitored by using methods of geographic information systems and modelling.

Research activities address a wide range of challenges for the benefit of agricultural production. The programme deals with new, original scientific questions and specific problems encountered in Slovenian circumstances. Scientific achievements of program members along with high involvement in EU research projects and networks guarantee a devotion to achieve high scientific relevance and originality and to keep the pace with the global progress in science.   In animal science and production, the scientific challenges refer to forage evaluation and its quality optimisation for the ruminant nutrition which includes the development of novel methods for evaluation and of varieties with improved nutritive value. Research for the benefits of milk and meat production using novel breeding tools (genomic selection) and interaction with production system or management in the herd. In pig production continued research on quality of meat with scientific challenges related to multicriteria evaluation of local pig breed Krskopolje for high quality products and  emerging problems of meat quality related to the ending of surgical castration of piglets (welfare and meat quality issue). Sustainability of alternatives (raising entire males or immunocastrates) needs evaluation with special view on Slovenian circumstances.There is a need for more scientific evidence related to the adaptation of animal production to climate changes and reduction of negative impact on the environment (greenhouse gas emissions) which are also the challenges followed in the programme.   In honey bee, research will focus on its biology, breed characteristics and vitality at individual or colony level. Honeybee represents a model for studying the external effects on live tissues and organs, for that purpose immunohistological and molecular methods together with clinical testing in science are expected to bring new findings and applications in bee breeding.   In fruit growing, new apple thinning agents are necessary to develop and enhance the consistency of thinning and to reduce the environmental risk. The techniques of precision agriculture will be developed for the spraying programs in the orchard with aim to satisfy physiological needs of individual tree. Up-grading of conventional approach in viticulture and oenology with genomic, proteomic and metabolomic research on vinification process and bioactive compounds is liable to provide original scientific data.   Research on plant disease and pest spreading in a specific (Slovenian) environment represents a contribution to the body of knowledge on biology and ecology of harmful organisms in the broader context and provides scientific basis for the development of adequate technologies for the protection of agricultural plants.   Soil quality and groundwater dependence, environmental soil properties assessment and modelling, soil-plant relationships, digital soil mapping and proximal sensing represent fundamental research focus in order to sustain agro ecosystem quality. Soil-plant-groundwater research is fundamental for achieving sustainable agriculture and proper natural resource management. Additionally, soil organic C poll and atmospheric C sequestration research activities are needed to mitigate greenhouse gas and climatic change effects and threats. A need for alternative energetic resources makes the research of biogenic fuels emerging and highly relevant. Technologies of utilization of biogenic fuels are still in their early stage development, reducing GHG emissions with using mentioned fuels is one of the main motives of research. Original results are expected in research of environmental footprint due to specific conditions of Slovenian agriculture.

Due to the holistic approach in addressing the technological and environmental aspects of agricultural activities, the results of the program are of great importance for the sustainable development of Slovenian agriculture and the society. The program follows national priorities in the field of rural development, on the competitiveness of agriculture, food quality and diversification of agicultural production, on green energy, environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources. The program is characterized by close cooperation with end users. The scientific objectives are often the result of knowing the specific problems that result from working with government authorities, farmers and professional associations (eg in breeding programs for cattle, pigs and bees, testing varieties of fruit and vine, impact of pesticides as related to agricultural practice, greenhouse gas emissions, monitoring of soil pollution, development of agricultural mechanisation, etc.). Link with farm advisory service and chambers (agriculture, food industry) provides that the results and knowledge are transferred directly to farmers and food industry. Besides dissemination of the research results to scientific and professional community, efforts are made to reach general public and consumers through different media and promotional activities. Programme contributes to the development of human resources via involvement of programme subjects and people in undergraduate and postgraduate education. Membership of reserachers in numerous national and international expert committees, advisory bodies, ministries and committees at national and EU level prove the relevance of the competencies and international reputation. Integration in international research projects and networks (esp. EU) shows the international value of the research achievemnts and provides better access to foreign know-how.