Junior research group on water-saving vegetable production along the value chain in North Hesse (Bio-Klima-Gemüse) 2024-2026

Vegetables have a high water requirement compared to many arable crops. Limited water availability can therefore result in serious yield losses during periods of drought. For this reason, we investigate water-saving cultivation methods to make vegetable cultivation sustainable. In cooperation with the Hessian Research Farm Frankenhausen, we examine carrot cultivation in flatter and wider ridges instead of single ridges. Furthermore, we assess mulching of leek with organic material (grain-legume cuttings) in terms of water-saving potential on the research farm and on two vegetable farms in the region. To introduce these cultivation methods into practice, both individual farm profitability and climate-adapted sales channels for fresh vegetables, including further processing (washing, peeling, cutting, preserving), are important. New processing options offer opportunities to strengthen the regional sales market and thus the cultivation methods. The challenges and opportunities of marketing structures for regional vegetables from climate-adapted production methods (organic climate vegetables) will be uncovered with the help of network analyses, consumer surveys and workshops. The project will thus work along the entire value chain for organic climate-friendly vegetables in North Hesse.