Preparing effective and environmentally secure technologies of basic crops
Crop production is unique, because technological processes are carried out in time and space.
On a farmstead, an area relates to arable lands, time covers one or a few crop rotations, i.e. several plants cultivated one after another. The
effects of the agricultural treatments may be evaluated in a defined time-space continuum, on a whole area of land in a period of a few fears. It applies especially to soil tillage treatments, weed regulation, and fertilization (mineral nutrient management). The cultivation and fertilization issues must be examined in accordance with the production technologies of particular plants as well as in accordance with crop rotation. The technologies must be effective and environmentally safe. The security of production technology lies in the elimination of a negative effect of agrotechnical treatments on soils, groundwater and cultivated plant as well as obtaining plant products of assumed quality and usefulness. Such products support maintaining good health of human and farm animals.
The aim of the research sub-programme is to prepare crop production technology as a basic element of good agricultural practice presented in many countries, and in Poland as a Code of Good Agricultural Practice. Development and extension of the Code has been Poland’s responsibility due to the obligations of the Baltic Agenda (HELCOM) and the EU Nitrate Directive. In a clause concerning balanced fertilization there are requirements (Official Journal of the Law No. 89, Item 991 of 24th October 2000).
The sub-programme consists of five tasks:
2.1. Development of commercial production technologies on arable lands for different usage.
2.2. Development of fodder production technologies for farm animals.
2.3. Development of soil tillage techniques safe for the soil environment.
2.4. Development of the methods and processes of weed regulation.
2.5. Development of the rules for sustainable fertilization.