List of Master’s Thesis Proposals - BFH-HAFL · List of Master’s Thesis Proposals ... In our...

Bern University of Applied Sciences School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sci-ences HAFL

List of Master’s Thesis Proposals

Sustainable Agricultural and Forestry Production Systems (SPS)

Topics and Further Information Geography Contact

Crop Production, Switzerland Landscape Ecology of the Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila su-zukii) and its Natural Enemies The newly invasive spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii is a po-lyphagous pest causing major revenue loss in Swiss berry, stonefruit and grapevine production. Risks to crops depend strongly on the struc-ture of the surrounding landscape. Semi-natural habitats such as hedge-rows, forest borders and extensively managed high-stem fruit trees pro-vide the pest with alternative food resources and protection from un-suitable weather. They may serve as reservoirs, promoting early-season population growth and the colonization of neighbouring crops. Yet un-managed habitats bordering the crops also provide a habitat for biolog-ical control agents such as predators and parasitoids. The project uses cherry trees that were experimentally planted along a landscape gradient differing in the proportion of woody habitats in the surroundings and the distance from the closest, unmanaged habitat. The timing and the extent of tree colonisation by D. suzukii will be as-sessed and the abun-dance, diversity and performance of prevalent nat-ural enemies recorded. Results will improve understanding of the ecological requirements of D. suzukii and its natural ene-mies and may be used to develop landscape management plans aiming to reduce infestation pres-sure on cultivated fruit crops.

Switzerland Lindsey Norgrove

Optimization of Biodiversity in Arable Crops through Conservation Agriculture and Gap Seeding of Winter Wheat Field larks are indicators of biodiversity in arable crops and are specifi-cally promoted as part of a resource conservation project funded by the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW). In winter wheat crops, gaps are created by closing seed coulters when sowing winter wheat. How-ever, it is not clear how these gaps in different winter wheat varieties af-fect yield and weed development. It is also not known which seeding density leads to optimum compensation. Therefore, these gaps in knowledge should be clarified within the framework of field trials.

Switzerland Bernhard Streit

Growing Quinoa and Amaranth in a Conservation Agriculture Sys-tem Quinoa and amaranth are also increasingly cultivated here. However, ef-ficient weed control is a major challenge, as experience is lacking, these crops are closely related to important weeds, and hardly any herbicides are available. In cereal or maize crops, weed control can be simplified with a combination of green manure and conservation agriculture sys-tems. Therefore, in the framework of this project it is to be clarified whether this strategy can also be applied in quinoa or amaranth.


Impact of Different Seeding Technique on the Development of Cover Crop Species The benefits of cover crops in modern agriculture are undisputed. How-ever, it is still unclear how cover crops can be grown efficiently and safely. Field tests will therefore be conducted to compare different tech-niques for sowing catch crops/green manure, e. g. pre-harvest sowing, combine sowing, direct sowing without tillage, rotary harrow, heaviest harrow, roller...



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Concept Study for Controlling Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) within a Conservation Agriculture System with Cover Crops So far, the preferred methods of controlling Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) are based on intense tillage in combination of spraying residual herbicides. However, this strategy does not seem to be effec-tive enough for safe control. It is known from previous studies that Yel-low nutsedge is less abundant on direct seeding areas than on culti-vated fields. The weed suppressing effect of green manure is also un-disputed. For this reason, the concept of conservation agricultue sys-tems (combination of cover cropping and no-tillage) as a possible strat-egy for controlling Yellow nutsedge, especially on maize fields, is to be evaluated on a test area.


Impact of Soil Compaction on the Development of Arable Crops and Cover Crops In our fields, compacted wheel tracks are increasingly causing irregular growth of crops. However, the susceptibility seems to vary from species to species, although this observation has never been systematically in-vestigated so far. For this reason, in the framework of a project it should be clarified how individual crops and/or cover crops react to prior compaction, especially of the topsoil.


Evaluation of Known and New Cover Crops and Intermediate Crops for Energetic and Industrial Use One aim of the cultivation of cover crops and intermediate crops is to produce biomass for the improvement of soil quality. Part of this bio-mass could be used as a starting material for biofermentative processes for energy and industrial production (e. g. production of ethanol, higher quality acids, biofuels, methane). In the context of small parcel field tri-als, known and new plants are to be cultivated and harvested. On the basis of these data, calculations on the suitability for energy production and the humus balance are to be carried out. If interested, further la-boratory analyses are possible.


How much can Non-Chemical Weed Control cost in Switzerland? How much can non-chemical weed control in arable crops and vegetable crops cost to be economically advantageous over chemical weed con-trol? Within the framework of a comparison (procedural costs, industrial management, overall operational situation) scenarios are to be calcu-lated in order to estimate future market prices of equipment and the practical benefits.

Switzerland Martin Bauer Bernhard Streit

Seed Production for Seeding of Species-rich Meadows Comparison of seed production potential in two different threshing pro-cedures for the production of seed for meadows (Heudrusch), with pos-sible seed potential of one meadow flower species (e.g. Salvia praten-sis). In cooperation with UFA (seed industry).

Switzerland Beat Reidy

Natural Spread of Plant Species Investigation of natural spread of a meadow flowers sown strip in an existing meadow. Indiviudual plant observation with GPS tracking. In co-operation with UFA (Seed industry).


Comparison of Single Plants in a Population of Typical Species within an Extensive Meadow For seeding species-rich extensive meadows, Swiss produced seeds are used, which are collected in natural meadows. As it is quite costly to produce and collect these plants, the question arises: How many mother plants are needed to produce a sufficient volume of seeds?



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Influence of Biogas Slurry on Plant Growth How does biogas slurry influence plant growth? Agricultural biogas plants are allowed to use up to 50% of co-substrate. Type and composition of the co-substrate used can highly differ and have an influence on nutrient composition of the produced slurry. Fur-ther, the use of a special co-substrate may have negative impacts on plant growth. The aim of this thesis is to investigate, how biogas slurry of different origin affects plant growth in comparison to normal slurry and mineral fertilisers.


Untersuchung und Bewertung älterer und neuerer Englischen Raigras-Sorten Welche Raigras-Sorten erbringen welche Leistungen? In einem Versuch an der HAFL wurden ältere und neuere englisch Raigras-Sorten angesät. Eine Untersuchung der Ertrags- und Qualitäts-leistung in Abhängigkeit von Düngungs- und Nutzungsintensität soll Aufschluss über die Eigenschaften der verschiedenen Sorten bringen.


Vergleich der Leistung und der Wuchsform unterschiedlicher Rot-kleesorten


Développement d’une stratégie contre les millets d’été en Tessin Développement d’un protocole de travail et mise en place d’un essaye contre la lutte des millets d’été (plantes C4 comme Setaria, Digitaria, Echinocloa). Le travail à le but d’analyser l’impact de différents types de gestion sur les mauvaises herbes (millets d’été) et la production des foins.


Einfluss des Witterungsverlaufs auf die Milchleistung auf Vollweide-betrieben Der Verlauf der Witterung hat einen direkten Einfluss auf den Nährstoff-gehalt des Wiesenfutters. In der Arbeit wird der Verlauf der Witterung auf die tägliche gemolkene Milchmenge unterschiedlicher Vollweidebe-triebe untersucht werden.


Nährstoffflüsse auf Wildheuflächen im Kanton Graubünden Im Rahmen einer Fallstudie soll untersucht werden, welche Auswirkun-gen sich durch die Verfütterung von Wildheu und den damit verbunde-nen zusätzlichen Nährstoffflüssen (Stickstoff, Phosphor, Kalium) über den Dungeraustrag fu r einen Landwirtschaftsbetrieb ergeben. Im Rah-men der Studie soll die Wirkung auf die Empfa ngerfla chen abgescha tzt und Konsequenzen fu r die floristische Biodiversitat beurteilt werden.


Flower Meadow Project in Thurgau – Success of Seeding Species-rich Arrhenatherum Elatius Meadows Investigation of different parameters (seeding mixture, seed bed prepa-ration, seed timing, site conditions, and weather conditions) in order to understand their impact on seedling success of species-rich flower meadows. Seedings of the years 2009 to 2015 of the flower meadow project in Thurgau can be used for evaluation. Recommendations should be given for choice of an optimal seeding mixture, most promis-ing seed bed preparation and seeding point, depending on local site conditions.



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Stickstoff-Flüsse in zwei Milchviehweidesystemen Im Projekt NiceGras in Posieux werden für zwei Weidesysteme (1. Voll-weide ohne Ausgleich des Proteinüberschusses; 2. Vollweide mit Aus-gleich des Proteinüberschusses durch Beifütterung von Maissilage) alle N-Flüsse in Fütterung, Ausscheidungen der Tiere und Emissionen in Luft und Gewässer erfasst. In dieser Masterarbeit geht es nun darum, den N-Haushalt gesamtheitlich zu interpretieren und daraus Optionen zur Ver-besserung der N-Effizienz sowie zur Minimierung der Umweltbelastung abzuleiten. Kann kombiniert werden mit einer Teilzeitanstellung als Praktikant/in während der Vegetationsperiode zur Unterstützung der Versuchstätigkeit (Verzehrsschätzung, Probenahme, Tierbeobachtung etc.). In Zusammenarbeit mit H. Menzi, Posieux.

Switzerland Thomas Kupper, Beat Reidy

Verteilung der Weideexkremente von Milchkühen und Konsequen-zen für deren potentielle Düngewirkung Auf ausgewählten Flächen wird in den zwei Weidesystemen des Projek-tes NiceGras in Posieux mittels Kameraaufzeichnung und anderen noch zu prüfenden Verfahren die räumliche Verteilung von Harn- und Kotstel-len bestimmt. Die Fläche und die Nährstoffkonzentration der Harn- und Kotstellen wird untersucht und in Zusammenhang gesetzt mit den ge-samten Stoffströmen (vom Projekt erhoben). Die Konsequenzen für die Düngewirkung der Exkremente und die Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt wird diskutiert. Kann kombiniert werden mit einer Teilzeitanstellung als Praktikant/in während der Vegetationsperiode zur Unterstützung der Versuchstätigkeit. In Zusammenarbeit mit H. Menzi, Posieux.


Verbesserung der N-Effizienz von Milchproduktionsbetrieben durch Optimierung der Hofdüngerwirtschaft Durch die Optimierung der Hofdüngerwirtschaft können die N-Verluste von Landwirtschaftsbetrieben deutlich reduziert werden. Wie gross ist dieses Potenzial und was sind die wichtigsten Faktoren, um die Effizi-enz zu verbessern? Im Emmental haben im Rahmen von Arbeitskreisen Betriebe während Jahren ihre Hofdüngerwirtschaft bewusst optimiert. Auf 70 dieser Betriebe sollen Daten zu N-Flüssen (inklusive Ammoniak-verlusten) gesammelt und einzelbetrieblich analysiert werden. In Dis-kussionen mit den Landwirten werden diese Analysen mit ihren Strate-gien verglichen und daraus Erfolgsfaktoren abgeleitet. Deutschsprachig-keit ist Bedingung. In Zusammenarbeit mit H. Menzi, Posieux.


Does reduced summer rain change vegetation composition in dry meadows via effects on seedling establishment? As changes of the global hydrological cycle are pushing precipitation to extremes, reduced water availability in soils causes longer and more se-vere intermittent drought stress with the potential to widely modify eco-system structure and function. In a dry meadow at Thun (site listed as a TWW of Swiss national importance) we have established a study site using rainout shelters in collaboration with an internationally coordi-nated drought experiment (IDE) to reduce annual rainfall to a centennial annual minimum. At this site we offer study plots in two habitat types characterized by Brachypodium or Festuca for a seed-addition experi-ment to a master student. In collaboration with the grassland ecology team at HAFL and international partners of IDE, this master thesis will identify an innovative research question and perform a seed-addition experiment in the field over a period of 9-12 months. Internationally coordinated drought experiment: http://drought-net.co-lostate.edu/

Switzerland Andreas Stampfli


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Improvement of the seed yield in Italian ray grass Italian ray grass is an important component for Swiss grassland mix-tures. For the economic success of a ray grass breed agronomic perfor-mances (yield of biomass, digestibility, resistance traits) and also seed productivity (seed yield) are playing a crucial role. So far, seed yield have not been under the main criteria in ray grass breeding at Agro-scope, Switzerland. The aim of the study is to find out if, and to what extend Swiss ray grass breeds have disadvantages regarding seed yield compared to market available international breeds. Further, the reasons for this lim-ited performance of Swiss ray grass breeds in the field of seed produc-tion should be uncovered. The acquired knowledge is to be used to pro-pose new strategies to Agroscope focussing on better seed productivity in breeding program

Switzerland Andreas Keiser

Does mulch from different cover crops suppress Fusarium gramine-arum inoculum in maize stalks? Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is one of the most important cereal diseases worldwide causing significant reduc-tions in yield and severe contami-nation of the harvested products with mycotoxins jeopardising food and feed safety. The predominant species of FHB disease complex is Fusarium graminearum (FG). In maize-wheat rotations with reduced- or no-till systems, the remaining maize crop residues on the soil surface serve as overwintering substrate and thus represent an important inoc-ulum source for infection of the subsequent wheat crop. Fast growing cover crops as interval in a maize-wheat rotation might contribute to sustainably control FHB. The main objective of this study is to examine the effects of mulch from different cover crop species on FG in-oculum in maize stalks under con-trolled conditions. This greenhouse study will be coupled with analo-gous in vitro experiments on selected FG strains testing the effects of emitted volatiles from the respective cover crop species on mycelium growth and conidia germination. Place of work: Agroscope, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland Start: Upon agreement

Switzerland Andreas Keiser

Development of a forecast tool to combat septoria leaf blotch Aside from rust, there are two other important fungal leaf spot diseases in wheat: Septoria nodorum Blotch (SNB) and Septoria tritici blotch (STB). The occurrence of SNB has decreased in the past years, whereas STB has become one of the most important foliar diseases in wheat. This appears to be because of climate change. The scientific control threshold for STB lies at 20% of fourth leaf visible with symptoms from DC stage 37 to 51 (Flag leaf just visible to tip of inflorescence emerged from sheath). Agricultural information centers have recently began propagating treatment already at the appearance of the first and sec-ond nodes (DC 31-32). Taking account the biology of this pathogen it seems the solution would be to develop a forecasting tool taking into account seed variety, current weather conditions, and forecasted weather. The aim of this thesis is to review foreign threshold models and determine which ones could be adapted to meet swiss demands. The proposed solution is to be verified in field trials.

Switzerland Hans Ramseier

Resource conservation by intercropping and undersowing More efficient use of light, water, nutrients and energy is a great chal-lenge for the future. Intercropping and undersowing are possible solu-tions in arable farming and should be studied in depth. In several Euro-pean countries, more research is done in this area.



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Molecular detection and control of Colletotrichum lupini, the causal agent of anthracnose disease, in lupin seed (Lupinus albus) Swiss agriculture is highly dependent on importing protein crops, mostly soybean, from outside Europe. For the organic sector in particu-lar, a more sustainable and local production of legumes is urgently needed. FiBL supports the organic grain legume production in Switzer-land focussing research on pea, faba bean, soybean and lupin. Lupin is tolerant to cool spring and dry summer conditions and accumulates ni-trogen in the soil leaving a fertile, well-structured soil for the following crop. It is also known to offer nourishment for bees and other insects and produce protein rich seeds for animal feed and human consump-tion. One of the three commonly cultivated lupin species in Europe, the white lupin (Lupinus albus), is well suited for the majority of Swiss soils. However, it is currently not grown due to a risk of anthracnose infec-tion, caused by Colletotrichum lupini (Nirenberg et al., 2002). The fun-gus is transmitted via the seed and can cause substantial or near-total yield loss. In 2014, FiBL has started a lupin variety field trial to promote lupin growing in Switzerland and initiate a breeding programme for an-thracnose resistance. The aim of this study is to reduce the sources of primary field infection by developing a PCR-based diagnostic seed test and by evaluating different methods of seed treatments for their effec-tiveness to reduce pathogen infection.


Irrigation in Switzerland - Any Clue? Little is known about the extent of irrigation and irrigation practices in Switzerland. A first assessment by the Swiss Federal Office for Agricul-ture (FOAG) in 2006 has yielded unsatisfactory results, and clearly indi-cated the need for more systematic and comprehensive data acquisition regarding irrigation. This project aims at developing and testing an ap-proach to assess irrigated areas and crops, irrigation systems, water sources and abstraction methods, and water quantities used for irriga-tion on a regular and systematic basis.

Switzerland Christoph Studer

Crop Production, International Yield Gaps of Staple Crops in West and Central Africa Sub-Saharan Africa is the only region with an increasing number of peo-ple suffering undernourishment, with more than 25% of the total popu-lation thus classified (FAO 2011). It is presumed to have the highest food crop yield gaps globally although gap analysis is lacking for many smallholder tropical crops (Tittonell and Giller 2014). For example, for plantain, actual on-farm yields in the region are approximately 7-8 tonnes per ha whereas attainable yield reach 35.5 tonnes per ha (Nor-grove & Hauser 2014). This research would focus on:

1. Systemically review literature on effects of improved agronomy on yield of a selected crop.

2. Compiling data on crop yield losses and the effects of manage-ment practices;

3. Estimate actual, and potential yields, as well as produce attaina-ble yields of staple food crops for different management sce-narios:

4. Making best-bet recommendations for improved food security, depending on the local context.

West and Cen-tral Africa

Lindsey Norgrove


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Fertilization and Pest Control in West and Central Africa In West and Central Africa, smallholder farmers manage a plethora of diverse, albeit low-yielding perennial, annual, cash crops and subsist-ence agroecosystems, which are predominantly rainfed. The region has the world’s lowest fertilizer application rates (Morris et al. 2007). There is little control over the use of pesticides and economic treatment thresholds for intervening to control diseases on staple crops have not been established. Multiple diseases may be present in smallholder fields, however, the widespread practice of intercropping, the high crop species diversity and variable planting densities mean that pesticide in-terventions targeting a particular crop may be inappropriate as damage levels may not approach economic treatment threshold and spraying may have undesirable secondary effects. This project would: Systematically review existing peer-reviewed literature for research where pest and disease losses were assessed under different nutrient addition regimes. Collate those data by crop and conduct a meta-analysis to test the hy-pothesis that losses and nutrient addition are not independent.

West and Cen-tral Africa

Lindsey Norgrove

Soil Macrofauna providing Ecosystem Services: Are Effects of Habi-tat Age Confounding Comparisons between Natural and Perennial Agricultural Systems in the Humid Tropics? Perennial crops grown in the humid tropics include oil palm, coffee, ca-cao, rubber and various timber and fuelwood species. These may be grown either on large-scale plantations or by smallholder farmers. Many studies have elucidated a reduction in ecosystem functioning as sec-ondary forests are converted to perennial production systems (Norgrove and Beck 2016). Such studies predominantly rely on the use of chrono-sequences whereby the “reference system” of primary or old growth secondary forest is compared with systems converted from secondary forest, whether annual crops or perennials (Hartemink 2006). Often such studies do not take into account the ages of the converted system and these may be younger than the reference system and thus do not represent the maximum productive age of the perennial system. There-fore the “land-use-transformation” effect is confounded with the “land use occupation” effect as the time since disturbance is not controlled for (for example, see Bessou et al. 2013). The extent of primary forest cover is also increasingly being confined to isolated inaccessible fragments while secondary forest may have been subjected to multiple conversion events. Therefore, when considering environmental impacts of converting forest to perennial systems a com-parison with secondary regrowth of similar age and land use history is more appropriate. Here data will be compiled on soil macrofauna and the processes they mediate (litter decomposition, changes in soil porosity etc) in major perennial tree crop systems in the humid tropics where studies include a same-age control. The aim to use these data to quantify separately the influence of land use change and land use occupation.

Tropics Lindsey Norgrove

Pastures and Shrubs in Australia, Potential for CO2 Abatement Australia Christoph Studer


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General Impact Study (working title) Research about the expected impacts after changing the production patterns from monocultures to diversify production. The organization “Aqua Alimenta” (Swiss NGO from 2012 on) Goal: Increase agricultural productivity with the promotion and installa-tion of irrigation systems as well as agroecological and orchards man-agement trainings Target group: Developing countries (Africa, India, Central America)/ all have dry period. Activities in Guatemala: From 2017. “G17 project” / Food security and sovereignty of the farmers from the south coast of Guatemala. - They have a yearly dry period that last 6 months. - The project has 3 main activities: 1. Local production of water pumps: “Swiss-PEP” technology (simple,

with local material, low investment, resistant) 2. Promotion, planning and installation of irrigation systems: with the

support of a technic team. Farmers pay 50% of the installation costs. 3. Agroecological field trainings in: a) irrigation techniques b) orchards

design, plant protection c) soil protection d) native seeds, reproduc-tion and storage.

Guatemala Christoph Studer

Pepper Production and Value Chain in Kampot, Cambodia Kampot is famous for the outstanding quality of its pepper. Some even say that it is the best pepper in the world. Mr Markus Lehmann, together with a Cambodian partner, own and run a pepper farm (3ha pepper, farm size 7ha) in Kampot. The production is mostly exported to Switzerland and Europe, and sold through direct (online) marketing channels (www.raffinessen.ch). Pepper production in Kampot is facing several problems such as poor water management, damages to the crop by termites, poor crop man-agement resulting in low yields. On the other hand, the location is quite favourable, the local conditions are rather good and the pepper quality is good. The pepper production in that region must be organic (because it is in a protected area). All pepper producers are members of a coop-erative the role of which is to verify that its members comply with the rules relative to managing the protected area. The proposed MSc thesis may focus on the pepper agronomy, and pro-pose improvements to overcome the mentioned problems, based on lit-erature review, interviews with local pepper producers (including a spe-cialized research centre in Cambodia). Looking into the sustainability of production is also part of the research. On the other hand, another MSc topic could also focus on the pepper value chain and post-harvest processing, looking into issues of label-ling, quality, and marketing.

Cambodia Dominique Guenat


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Sustainable Cocoa Production Program (SCPP) in Indonesia Swisscontact has over 42 years of experience implementing develop-ment projects in Indonesia. Swisscontact Indonesia currently has pro-jects related to vocational training, import promotion, tourism destina-tion development, and agricultural supply chain sustainability. For more information on Swisscontact Indonesia, please visit swisscon-tact.org/en/country/indonesia, program reports are available under the ‘Resources’ tab. The intern will be involved with the Sustainable Cocoa Production Pro-gram (SCPP). SCPP is a dynamic Public-Private-Producer Partnership (PPPP) that works with public donors, smallholder cocoa farmer house-holds, and the largest chocolate companies in the world, including Mars, Nestlé, Mondelēz, Barry Callebaut, and more. The overall objec-tive of SCPP is to increase the farmer household income from cocoa by 75% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the cocoa sector by 30%. It follows a three-dimensional approach: People, Profit, and Planet, meaning the Program facilitates and implements specific activities in the social, economic and environmental dimensions. The Pro-gram em-ploys an integrated and well-established approach that covers topics ranging from good farming practices, nutrition, gender sensitivity, cli-mate-smart agriculture, farmer access to finance, community develop-ment, stakeholder management, and networking platforms.

Indonesia Ingrid Fromm

Cocoa Agroforestry Management for Systems Health in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire Three quarters of the world’s cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) grows in un-sustainable monocultures in West Africa that are under pressure from various ecological, economic and social issues, such as too old tree stocks, degraded soils, prevalence of pests and diseases, vulnerability to climate change, low productivity, low farm gate prices and an old farming population. A potentially sustainable alternative is the dynamic agroforestry system. While we know that well-managed DAFS can pro-vide a range of benefits, there is the need to optimize management practices in order to ensure ecological, economic and social resilience. The mere association of shade trees and cocoa, for example, may not be sufficient in order to enhance soil fertility in a sustainable way. Ra-ther, there is a need for high planting densities and frequent manage-ment – especially pruning – interventions to maintain a healthy DAFS. However, the high labour- and knowledge-intensity of DAFS may pose a challenge in different socio-economic contexts. When making manage-ment choices, farmers have to manage trade-offs between provisioning (i.e., productivity) and other ecosystem services that may not directly contribute to their livelihoods, yet maintain the overall health of their production system (“system health”). Understanding and supporting the development of such systems calls for analyses of local know-how, strategies and practices of different stakeholders in the cocoa value chain. Furthermore, the performance of DAFS needs to be assessed ho-listically, looking at innovation processes, changes in value chains, and the landscape impact of DAFS. Thus, both the most suitable design of DAFS and the best practices for increasing system health may vary de-pending on local conditions. Objectives of the study:

To further develop the existing literature review about DAFS To conduct a case-study on the health and management of pre-

viously installed DAFS plots To help implementing further field trials in collaboration with

Mr Andres To do a cost-benefit analysis of the previously installed DAFS To develop an informative leaflet with the main results of the

field assignment

Côte d'Ivoire Ghana

Ingrid Fromm


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Cocoa Farming in Côte d’Ivoire with the Option for a part-time Em-ployment The Master's Thesis is offered by CABOZ AG, Zürich Objectives of the Master's Thesis Project: Optimisation of fertilizer application in cocoa plantations in rural Côte d’Ivoire. - Determination of influence factors - Assessment of the status quo in sample areas such as soil condi-

tions, age of cocoa trees, availability of fertilizer products, availability of organic matter/compost, etc.

Developing propositions how fertilizer application could be optimised based on the assessment of conditions. Building capacity of lead farmers for CABOZ extension work. Contributing to scientific monitoring of a grafting project in collabora-tion with the external implementing partner Vision for Change (V4C) is an option. We offer An interesting Master Thesis Project in a dynamic sector with the Swiss-Ivorian cocoa sourcing company CABOZ. Outcomes of the Master Thesis Project will have real impact in exten-sion work of CABOZ in Côte d’Ivoire. Small, personal and motivated team. Opportunity to get in close contact with the culture of the Baoulé peo-ple of urban and rural Côte d’Ivoire. Paid part-time work (10-20%) managing development projects for the associated non-profit organisation CABOZ.

Côte d’Ivoire Ingrid Fromm

Animal Science, Switzerland

Investigation of Technical and Economic Aspects for Energy Produc-tion Using Horse Manure The disposal & recycling of horse manure is a central problem, espe-cially for horse farms without access to arable land. 'Swiss Horse Profes-sionals' – the largest horse association in Switzerland – is seeking for in-novative solutions regarding the disposal and treatment of horse ma-nure. However, before concrete solutions can be offered, more knowledge of the composition and energetic output of horse manure is required. This project offers students the opportunity to expand their personal knowledge in the field of alternative energy sources, for exam-ple Ethanol. Furthermore, valuable experiences and contacts in collabo-rating with the association 'Swiss Horse Professionals' can be made.

Switzerland Michael Studer, Conny Herholz

Ammonia Emission in Relation to Feeding and Bedding Materials in Horse Stables. The objective of this study is to evaluate the generation of ammonia in different bedding materials as well as after feeding EM Active+ Carbon Feed in horse stables. Ammonia is one of the most important noxious gases present in stable air and one that can damage the respiratory tract. Over 80% of all horses are stabled in box stalls. Therefore the quality of the surrounding air in horse stables and the generation of ammonia from urine and feces are important factors regarding the im-pact on horses’ health and the environment.

Switzerland Conny Herholz, Thomas Kupper


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Sweet or toxic? An analysis of metallic horse bits with the XRF-tech-nique Sweet Iron bits for horses are the current trend. In contact with the air humidity they develop superficial rust, which tastes sweet and pro-motes saliva production of the horse. Therefore it is expected, that horses accept the bite better. Direct contact with metals can cause allergies and the absorption of several metals through the skin, mucous membranes or the intestinal tract may be dangerous to health. In the Food Law, for example in the regulation regarding materials in contact with humans maximal allowa-ble contents of potential allergenic or health threatening substances are defined. In the veterinary field there are no special requirements – for example for halters, bridles or bits. Especially bits, depending on their respective metallic composition, could have the potential to cause allergies or health threats. The focuses of the analysis are the easily corrodible sweet iron bit, composed of two or more metals, besides ‘normal’ bites

Switzerland Conny Herholz

Stratégies pour un meilleur contrôle parasitaire des jeunes bovins En première année de pâture, les jeunes bovins sont soumis à de nom-breux parasites présents dans les prairies pâturées. Ces infestations peuvent nuire fortement à la santé et au bien-être des animaux. Les pa-rasites internes sont habituellement contrôlés à l’aide d’anthelmin-thiques chimiques, produits qui peuvent devenir inefficaces lorsque les parasites développent des résistances et qui posent des problèmes en-vironnementaux. Les jeunes bovins peuvent développer des défenses immunitaires qui les protègent suffisamment dès la deuxième saison de pâture lorsque la pression parasitaire reste modérée. Dans un précédent projet de la Fondation Rurale Interjurassienne (FRI) et de l’Institut de Recherche de l’Agriculture biologique (FiBL), des mé-thodes de régulation de la pression parasitaire sans intrants chimiques ont été élaborées. Parmi les avancées de ce projet, un outil d’évaluation et de maîtrise de la pression parasitaire a été élaboré pour les trou-peaux laitiers. Ce travail de Master a pour but de valider l’outil d’évaluation dans les élevages laitiers et de l’adapter aux élevages allaitants où les conditions de garde et donc d’exposition du jeune bétail aux parasites sont diffé-rentes. Le travail comportera des relevés sur des exploitations agricoles ainsi que des analyses coproscopiques en laboratoire. La personne en-gagée travaillera en étroite collaboration avec des éleveurs et leurs ani-maux et bénéficiera d’une formation pour les travaux de laboratoire. Ce travail se déroule dans le cadre d’un projet plus étendu dans lequel, entre autres, la résistance des parasites des bovins aux anthelmin-thiques sera testée pour la première fois dans l’Arc jurassien.

Switzerland Danja Wiederkehr

Heritability and Breeding Values for Behaviour Traits in Cattle The aim of this study is the estimation of heritability and breeding val-ues for behaviour traits of one cattle breed of Switzerland using differ-ent methods.

Switzerland Christine Flury


12

Woodland Egg Production in Switzerland Egg production from hens kept below trees is advocated and marketed as a particularly animal-friendly production system in the UK as well as other European countries. This logic stems from the fact that these hens can freely move around and live in an environment that resembles that of wild Bankiva Chicken. Can this production system improve ani-mal welfare in Switzerland as well, and can products be marketed with an added value to the producer? Are there producers who already have such a system in place? Can egg production be combined with fruit pro-duction, or does this cause hygienic problems. Note: The main advisor for this thesis should be an expert for chicken production.

Switzerland Jan Grenz

Überarbeitung des Neunfelderdiagramms in der Milchviehzucht In der Milchproduktion werden bei allen Zuchtverbänden die Ergebnisse der Milchkontrollen im sogenannten Neunfelderdiagramm dargestellt und zur Beurteilung der Fütterung herangezogen. Erfahrungen zeigen, dass die Aussagen gemäss Diagramm nicht immer mit den Beobachtun-gen am Tier übereinstimmen. Insbesondere ist ein starrer Eiweissgehalt als Grenzwert zur Beurteilung der Energieversorgung problematisch. Es gibt neue Ansätze aus Deutschland, wie der Nutzen für Milchviehhalter durch eine andere Auswertung der Milchinhaltsstoffe erhöht werden könnte. In dieser Arbeit sollen diese Ansätze für Schweizer Rationen un-tersucht und evaluiert werden.

Switzerland Stefan Probst

Estrogens in Husbandry Animals and their Potential Environmental Effects The regular detection of hormonally active substances in surface waters worldwide is alarming. A potentially important source of hormonal sub-stances that has received only little attention so far is agriculture. Par-ticularly important is the input of estrogens from livestock farming. Es-trogens are natural steroid hormones that govern sexual reproduction and development in vertebrates. Already trace concentrations of these very potent endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment can lead to negative and sometimes irreversible effects in exposed organisms. To estimate and to control the resulting exposition, it is important to know the prevalence of estrogens and estrogen-like compounds in the environment. Although it is assumed that estrogens from livestock contribute to the total estrogen load in the environment, the development of estrogen concentrations over an animal’s lifetime is not fully understood to date. Furthermore, in depth research is needed to quantitatively determine estrogens in urine, blood plasma and faeces of husbandry animals by means of sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS. The Master’s thesis aims at focusing on the analytical chemistry of es-trogens, the output of estrogens from the endocrine organs of livestock and/or the environmental fate and behaviour of estrogens. The candidate should have a background in biology, chemistry, agron-omy, environmental sciences, biochemistry, biomedicine or veterinary medicine. Furthermore a strong interest in analytical chemistry, endo-crinology, environmental sciences, lab and field work is advantageous.

Switzerland Thomas Kupper


13

Linked Production of High-Protein and Energy Feed out of Native Bi-omass The self-sufficiency of high-protein feed in Switzerland amounts to only 20%. The remaining 80% come mainly from imported soy meal which has a bad ecological footprint because of its mostly unsustainable culti-vation practice. An increasing native production of protein feed is there-fore of central concern for Swiss agriculture. One possibility is the ex-traction of proteins out of plant biomass to be used as high-protein feed, independent of the fodder value of the entire plant. Having the objective of maximum added value and of utilizing the plant biomass as completely as possible, the residual materials will be transformed into chemicals such as lactic acid or energy carriers such as biogas. As pos-sible protein sources, both economic unexploited but available biomass (catch crops, natural meadows, ecological compensation areas) as well as plants used specifically for linked usage such as the fodder legume alfalfa or the energy plant Sida hermaphrodita will be considered. Latter possible source seems to be very promising considering its similar pro-tein content as alfalfa (Borkowska, Molas 2012) and its high yield in bio-mass (25 t DM/(ha a) (Jablonowski et al. 2016). Objectives: This project aims for a feasibility study of a linked production of protein and energy. It includes cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of the biomass, extraction of the protein as well as analysis of the range of amino acids and their suitability as feed component for monogastric livestock.

Switzerland Michael Studer, Judith Peter-Egli

Animal Sciences, International Quantifying the Environmental Footprint of Dairy Production and the Potential for Reduction Dairy farms usually have a large material turnover: large quantities of feed, fertilizer, water and energy are needed for production, and emis-sions of methane, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate and nitrous oxide result from it. Analyses of dairy farm sustainability done with the RISE method (rise.hafl.bfh.ch) in China, India, Brazil and Mexico have shown that there are major improvement potentials concerning the management of feed and manure flows. The pattern and magnitude of environmental impacts strongly differs between pasture-based and feedlot-based dairy production. The significance of e.g. water and land use for dairy pro-duction strongly differs between densely- and sparsely-populated areas (e.g. the Punjab vs southern Chile), and according to climate. How big is the exact “environmental footprint” of dairy production? What are the differences between different production systems and regions? By how much can environmental damage be reduced through improved man-agement and technology? Answers to these questions shall be sought for three regions with different climate and population density. Data collection will draw upon national and international databases (e.g. FAOSTAT, Global Water Tool), scientific literature and expert interviews with milk farmers, milk buyers and scientists.

Upon Definition

Jan Grenz


14

Indigenous small-scale Wild Fish Aquaculture to improve Liveli-hoods Vulnerable Communities in Coastal Areas in Myanmar This Master Thesis will be carried out in the framework of the Commu-nity Lead Coastal Management Gulf of Mottama (CLCMGoM) is a project lead by Helvetas Myanmar and funded by the Swiss Agency for Develop-ment and Cooperation (SDC). Other partners are NAG, IUCN and Yezin Agricultural University. The project goal is improving livelihoods of vul-nerable women and men in targeted coastal areas of the Gulf of Mottama through effective fisheries value chain development, liveli-hoods diversification and equitable and sustainable management of re-sources. CLCMGoMP have the following main outcomes. Outcome 1: Benefits of sustainable fisheries management in the GoM are shared through effective value chains and equitable market access. Outcome 2: Vulnerable coastal communities have increased income and resilience through livelihood diversification and improved access to non-fisheries resources. Outcome 3: The Special Habitats of the GoM are sustainably and equita-bly managed on the basis of scientific evidence through integrated lo-cal, regional and national institutions/management bodies. The student will conduct a survey with local communities to analyse their 'indigenous' small scale aquaculture practices and how it can sup-port their livelihoods. The system is using monsoon flooding of the rice fields to stock the pond with wild fish. The research will collect infor-mation which will contribute to Outcome 1 of the project, related to harvesting, marketing, identification of fish species, lengths and weights of fish and additional details on the operations.

Myanmar Alessandra Giuliani

Assess Role of Animal Welfare along the Small Ruminant Value Chain The study will be implemented in 2 different regions in Ethiopia (Am-hara highlands, and Borana lowlands), where the student will spend about 4-6 weeks each. The rest of the time the student will be based in Addis Ababa. Visiting students have to comply with given security guidelines and advice, in Addis but also when travelling in the country. Field work will be done with our local research partners and ILRI PhD students working on animal health in these sites. The local researchers and ILRI PhD students will help with translation. For longer stays in the villages without the researchers we will have to explore hiring of trans-lators locally. The project aims to identify animal welfare issues along the small rumi-nant value chain in Ethiopia in different production systems. The hy-potheses are: a) the general knowledge among the different stakehold-ers is low, leading to unintended poor practices and b) there are differ-ent welfare challenges in different production systems (highlands with more sedentary production system compared to agro-pastoralist system in the lowlands) Objectives:

investigate knowledge, attitude and practices of animal welfare among different stakeholders in the small ruminant value chain in Ethiopia

identify and quantify animal welfare issues identify and validate possible animal welfare indicators in dif-

ferent production systems develop training material that addresses local needs of differ-

ent stakeholders

Ethiopia Nancy Bourgeois Lüthi


15

Rural Economics, Switzerland How to Guide and Motivate Farmers to Become Sustainable Entre-preneurs? The objective of this thesis is to discuss different scenarios for the Swiss agriculture policy looking for models with more market and moti-vation (and less rules and regulations). These scenarios should be de-veloped based on the comparison of the framework conditions for agri-culture and the sustainability level of farms in different countries. The RISE tool developed at HAFL may be used to analyze sustainability at farm level and to evaluate a farm consultancy process focused on fos-tering the intrinsically motivated implementation of sustainable prac-tice. Interviews with farmers, farm consultants, retailers, customers and authorities should complete the picture.


Analysis of a Specific Value Chain Analysis of a specific value chain according to the interest of the stu-dent in collaboration with a company.

Switzerland Urs Egger

Swiss Farmers Association's Initiative - Consequences for Swiss Economy and the Agricultural Sector Consequences of an adoption of the Swiss Farmers Association's initia-tive for Swiss economy and the agricultural sector. Who will pay the bill for this protection project?

Switzerland Urs Egger

Rural Economics, International

Participatory Promotion of New Value Chains for the Diversification of Income (Apple processing, Beekeeping, Agrotourism, Medicinal Plants) FAO is developing, together with other actors such as SDC, an innova-tive approach of participatory watershed planning and management in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco (GIBV-MA). HAFL, together with the Centre for Environment and Development (CDE) of Bern University, is backstopping this project. The Midelt region, targeted by the project, is one of the poorest of the country. It is famous for its apple production, produced under irrigation. On the other hand, the level of degradation of the natural resources (erosion and deforestation) is extreme, leading to recurrent natural disasters such as floods and decreased productiv-ity. One of the project's objectives is to develop promising or new value chains that will contribute to the diversification of income of the local population. Apple is the most important agricultural production, but there is no processing of this commodity and losses are important. Other promising value chains are aromatic and medicinal plants, bee-keeping/honey and agrotourism. The Master student will support a pro-cess of participatory market chain approach to develop or improve one selected value chain.

Morocco (Midelt)

Pascale Wälti


16

Exploring Alternative Livelihood Opportunities for Fishermen and Landless People in Coastal Areas in Myanmar, by Maintaining and Sustainably Using the Unique Biodiversity. This Master Thesis will be carried out in the framework of the Commu-nity Lead Coastal Management Gulf of Mottama (CLCMGoM) is a project lead by Helvetas Myanmar and funded by the Swiss Agency for Develop-ment and Cooperation (SDC). Other partners are NAG, IUCN and Yezin Agricultural University. One of the project aims is to promote alterna-tive livelihood activities by farmers and landless family (mainly fisher-men). Current situation is that most of the farmers are breeding small livestock (goats and pigs) to obtain additional income and some of the landless family members migrate to Thailand in search of better income opportunities. Some of the beneficiaries of the CLCMGoMP don’t have farm land due to limited land available, landslides or the fact that their main income activities is fishing. Especially the fishermen will face the consequence of introducing more sustainable fishing practices in the Gulf of Mottama. Roughly one third of the total population are fisher-men and half of total population are landless in the project area. Therefore, there is a need to find alternative livelihoods. This study will conduct a research in the different value chains for fishermen in the area (e.g. income from present fishing practices, working as a paid la-bour on rice farms, fish processing value chains, income from tourism opportunities and other off-farm alternative income opportunities. This topic will consider the effects the introduction of sustainable fishing methods will have on the income for fishermen and will consider appro-priate value chains and the potential income opportunities of these al-ternative livelihoods. By analysing these different options, the project aims to reduce migrant population and to get a stable income for fish-ermen while sustainably managing the natural resources in the Gulf of Mottama.

Myanmar Alessandra Giuliani

Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Ideal Farmers Compare the investment needed to install an irrigation system with all the benefits gain from the increase in the productivity (investment re-turn) and elaborate a type of orchards design. Goal: Increase agricultural productivity with the promotion and installa-tion of irrigation systems as well as agroecological and orchards man-agement trainings Work and life context of the student The student will stay mainly in the ASECSA head office and in the “Tecnología para la salud-TPS” workshop (located 20 minutes away), with field trips of several days or weeks. It is also possible to extend the field stay, according to the student thesis definition. The student will join a dynamic group of 7 people in the head office (between 25 and 55 years old), 5 young technics and supporters that work in several communities. The only language from the team is Spanish. The accommodation in Chimaltenango could be in a family house or we offer a lodging service as well in the ASECSA head office. ASECSA will support in this regard. Location: Chimaltenango (1 hour from the capital and 30 min from La Antigua), Spanish language required

Guatemala Christoph Studer

Forestry, Switzerland Ganzheitliche ökonomische Bewertung von Waldleistungen Ziel ist es, im Rahmen von Expertenbefragungen (Waldbesitzer, Forstbe-triebsleitende, etc.), ein realistisches Bild zu erhalten, welche Kombina-tionen von Koeffizienten die Wirklichkeit bzw. die gestellten Ansprüche an den Wald und seine Leistungen am besten abbilden und daher in ein Modell zur ganzheitlichen ökonomischen Bewertung von Waldleistun-gen einfliessen sollen. Details Bestandteil einer laufenden Dissertation

Switzerland Bernhard Pauli, Alexandra

Mueller


17

Stadtwald-Lichter – Partizipative Besucherlenkung bei Nacht Im urbanen Wald, dem letzten Ort der Dunkelheit und Rückzugsort für Tiere, nehmen die Aktivitäten bei Nacht mit individuellen Lichtausrüs-tungen stetig zu. Da Wälder in der Schweiz per Gesetz frei zugänglich sind, lassen sich nächtliche Aktivitäten mit samt den Lichtausrüstungen im urbanen Wald nicht verbieten. Herkömmliche auf Visualität ausge-richtete Besucherlenkungsmassnahmen sind bei Dunkelheit unwirksam. Das Stadtforstamt der Stadt Baden hat zum Ziel, nächtlichen Nutzungen zu kanalisieren, Nutzende in einem Dialog-Workshop zu beraten und für die Ruhe- und Schutzzonen besonders fürs Wild und Kleinsäuger im Stadtwald zu sensibilisieren.

• Besucherlenkung der nächtlichen Aktivitäten im Stadtwald Baden (Österli-wald, Sonnenberg und Teufelskeller)

• Dialog-Workshop mit institutionalisierten Vertretern der Waldnutzenden sowie lokalen Vertretern (Nacht-OL, Swiss Cycling, Schweizer Wanderwege etc.) zur Vermittlung von Schutz und Nutzen im Stadtwald

• Sensibilisierung und Beratung der Nutzenden in Bezug auf die Frequentie-rung und Auswahl der Lichtausrüstung mit Lichtexperten

• …

Switzerland Bianca Bärlocher

Almond Trees as an Alternative to Sweet Cherries The number of cherry trees that belong to old varieties and that form a traditional element of cultural landscapes, across Switzerland, is con-stantly decreasing. The harvest of cherries is expensive, and quality loss due to bad weather and insect damage is a big problem. Therefore, additional tree species need to be explored that could help to stop the decline of such cultural landscapes. Almond trees for example, can be grown further north now, due to global warming. For example in Bel-gium there are some sites where almond trees are successfully culti-vated. However, the biggest risk to almond and cherry production alike is a late frost coinciding with flowering and impeding fruit set. Research questions: i) In which regions and to what extent can almond trees become an alternative for Swiss agriculture? ii) Which varieties and management practices, such as harvesting and pro-cessing, are suita-ble? Feasible planting schemes should be designed, in collaboration with local farm-ers and other experts. If an interested farmer is found, first trees can be planted, for example in the Basel region. iii) How do consumer, food industry and farmer accept the local production of al-monds?

Switzerland Basel region

Jan Grenz

Coppice forestry: A Valid Alternative Forest Management Option for the Future in Switzerland? Considering economic situations and challenges posed by climate change. Literature studies, interviews and some comparative analysis with field observations.

Switzerland Jürgen Blaser

Drought Stress of Trees in the Urban Area of Bern Drought stress tolerance of different tree species under the aspect of climate change.


Potential of Invasive Tree Species Under the Aspect of Climate Change Risk assessment of the potential invasive behaviour of new tree species in the city of Bern under the aspect of climate change.


Forest Biodiversity and Forest Structures Our team is running different biodiversity research projects in Switzer-land and Ukraine. In all these projects, we are using saproxylic species such as beetles, fungi, lichens or bryophytes to study the natural state and development of forest ecosystems. We also bring species data in correlation with forest structures such as the amount of dead wood or the diversity of tree-related microhabitats. This enables students with-out deep taxonomic knowledge to participate to our research projects.

Switzerland Thibault Lachat


18

Switzerland and the Trade of Commodities: What Role in the Timber Sector?

Switzerland Astrid Zabel

Entwicklung eines Models zur Bestimmung der Baumbiomasse auf Basis terrestrischer Laserscanner-Daten

Switzerland Oliver Gardi

Ökosystemleistungen städtischer Bäume und Grünflächen und Mini-malanfoderungen an Art, Fläche, Anordnung, Qualität von grüner und blauer Infrastruktur: Fallstudie Bern Städtische Grünflächen und Bäume ("Grüne Infrastruktur") erbringen wichtige Ökosystemdienstleistungen. Gleichzeitig wird die zur Verfü-gung stehende Fläche immer geringer (verdichtetes Bauen). Wie lässt sich dieser Trade-off optimieren?

Switzerland Oliver Gardi

Forestry, International Comparative Analysis of the REDD+ Strategies of Member Countries of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility More than 20 countries have embarked in major analysis of deforesta-tion and forest degradation and proposed REDD+ strategies for this purpose. What are these strategies and what can be learnt from the ini-tial implementation of these?

Desk Work + (2-3) Case Countries

Jürgen Blaser

Coppice Silviculture and its Importance in Climate Change Adapta-tion Oak and Beech coppice forest management systems will be analysed in view of alternative forest management systems to respond to climate change challenges.

Macedonia Jürgen Blaser

Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainability of Private Forests in Upper Bregalnica, Macedonia Small private forests plots in state forest dominated mountainous re-gions of Eastern Macedonia.


Interaction Between Sheep Grazing and Forest Landscape Conserva-tion in Eastern Macedonia Socio-cultural and biodiversity study to better understand and value the interaction of sheep breading and forest management.


Analysis of the Wood Flow (from Forests to End Use) in Eastern Macedonia


Ecosystem Services in the Upper Watershed of Bregalnica – Their Potential and Economic Valuation


Dynamics of Cloud Forests in Northern Andean Forests Under Con-sideration of Climate Change Based on an initial study in the framework of a B.Sc. Thesis, in-depth sil-vicultural analysis of forest dynamics of natural mountain forests.

Venezuela Jürgen Blaser

Cross-Cutting Questions and Others, Switzerland Impacts of Agri-Environment Schemes on Farm Sustainability - Trade-Offs and Synergies All across Europe, and particularly in Switzerland, farmers can partici-pate in agri-environment schemes, implement measures to enhance bio-diversity (hedgerows, wetlands, trees, various types of ecological infra-structures) and receive government payments. The efficacy of such sys-tems in fostering biodiversity has been assessed through various stud-ies. To date, the effects of participation in agri-environment schemes on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the farm as a whole has not been investigated. It is likely that participation induces changes in workload, farm productivity and economics, fodder availabil-ity, pest protection and other aspects of farming. Therefore, a holistic rating of the outcome can be considered relevant for a farmer's deci-sion whether to participate or not, as well as for the optimization of the existing schemes. The student will do whole-farm sustainability anal-yses for 4-5 farms of different types (arable, with livestock, special

Switzerland Jan Grenz Hans Ramseier


19

crops etc.), comparing scenarios with and without participation in an agri-environment scheme. Consequences of participation on core areas of farm sustainability will be quantified and conclusions drawn. Heavy Metals in Precipitants and Their Impact on the Quality Phos-phorus Fertilizers Derived from Sewage Sludge Ashes Assessment of heavy metals in the precipitants used for phosphorus re-moval in waste treatment plants. Analytical survey of commercial pre-cipitants in cooperation with Agroscope Reckenholz. Modelling the heavy metal burden of phosphorus fertilizers derived from ash obtained from separate sewage sludge incineration


Measurement of Methane Emissions from three Biogas Plants over one Year CH4 is a strong greenhouse gas (GHG). CH4 emissions from biogas plants have received growing attention over the past few years due to the development of better methods for evaluation. However, the dy-namic and fugitive nature of CH4 emissions, changing operating condi-tions, and different as well as not standardized measurement ap-proaches compromise the precise quantification of the overall emis-sions from full-scale biogas facilities. The aim of the project is to determine methane (CH4) from agricultural biogas plants in Switzerland. The emission shall include all the sources occurring from the biogas production (delivery and storage of the feed-stock materials, digestion process, storage of the digestates). Emissions from post treatment (e.g. composting) or from livestock production po-tentially present at the same sites shall not be included). CH4 measurements at 3 to 5 biogas plants will be based on instru-ments using a line integrated path. Temperature and wind profiles us-ing sensitive measurement devices will be determined. Other meteoro-logical parameters will comprise precipitation, global radiation and air pressure. The emissions will be determined using an inverse dispersion model. The study is part of an international collaboration (ERA-NET CO-FUND Bioenergy Sustaining the Future).


Ammonia Emissions from Field Application of Slurry After Anaero-bic Digestion Using Different Spreading Technologies Field experiments on a commercial farm, which operates a methaniza-tion plant, will be carried out. Spreading technologies include splash plate, trailing hose etc.


Technologies Mitigating Ammonia Emissions During Storage or Field Application of Slurry and Manure Measurement of ammonia emissions will be carried out by means of static chambers and or wind tunnels. Different mitigation options such as slurry separation, addition of biochar etc. will be examined.


Do plant traits indicate grassland eutrophication over a period of 30 years of regular cutting without fertilization? Post-drought nitrogen pulses (“Birch effect”) and nitrogen deposition (“eutrophication”) may affect grassland species compositions. Shifts in vegetation structure may result in an increased abundance of species with resource-acquisitive traits and in a decreased abundance of species with resource conservative traits, as reflected by specific leaf area, SLA. Specific information on SLA or other plant traits will be collated from a global data base and used together with species abundance data over 30+ years (1988-2017, 2018) to calculate community weighted means (CWM) of plant traits for nine permanent plots of the species-rich hay meadow at Negrentino (site listed as a TWW of Swiss national im-portance). Local precipitation data will be used to quantify growing sea-son droughts for 1988-2017. Thirty-year trends for CWM SLA and for single dominant species, and species groups (grasses, forbs, legumes) will be analyzed to test the hypothesis that nitrogen deposition and

Switzerland Andreas Stampfli


20

post-drought nitrogen pulses affect grassland productivity and species compositions despite of regular harvesting without use of fertilizer.

Development of a Solids-Feeding Device for Laboratory Fermenters Predict change in plant species composition in grassland based on a multi-site seed-addition experiment with annual weeds. The importance of propagule pressure, management type, and neighbourhood-scale species diversity as drivers of invisibility and degradation will be quanti-fied.

Zollikofen Michael Studer

Cross-Cutting Questions and Others, International Nutritional and Genetic Analyses of a Key Food Tree Species in West Africa (Parkia biglobosa) to support Conservation and Nutrition-Sensitive Use of Forest Species The internship will be conducted within the framework of the project ADA-RESTORE (full title: Nutrition-sensitive forest restoration to en-hance the capacity of rural communities in Burkina Faso to adapt to change), funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation, coordinated by Bioversity International. The project started in mid-August 2016 and will end in mid-August 2019. The project is focused on strengthening forest restoration efforts in Burkina Faso, with a particular attention to the nutritional value of the indigenous species used. As indicated by the scientific literature, for-ests and woodlands have important biological and socio-economic roles, especially in arid lands. They serve as a buffer during drought-re-lated crises and offer food, fuel and fodder for communities. However, under severe pressure by overexploitation and climate change, wood-lands, tree savannas and steppes are degrading into wastelands, and can no longer provide these goods and services. the research will include: - the collection of A total of 20 trees per site are going to be sampled across 3 sites in Souther Burkina Faso (about 3 weeks in March/April 2018)- Understanding variation in nutritional properties of edible parts of P. biglobosa, to guide the selection of tree planting material. The genetic analyses will be conducted at an INRA la-boratory in

Burkina Faso, France

Alessandra Giuliani

Assessing the Potential of Various Land Management Approaches and Practices for Carbon Sequestration and Emission Reductions in a Remote Area in Northwestern Australia Kachana (http://www.kachana.com), a small private company/project led by two emigrated Swiss families and committed to restorative land care, manages 77’500 ha of land in a remote area (only accessible by aircraft, horseback or foot) approximately 120 km South-West of Kununurra WA, Australia (-16.44327, 127.78312). The objective of the pursued management approach (which is inspired by the holistic man-agement approach ideas of Alan Savory) is to stabilize the eroding re-source base (stop land degradation, in particular soil erosion, and im-prove water resources management) and to revitalize the landscape so that the area can meet human demands. Many of the implemented land management practices (such as preven-tion of bush fires, controlled herd management, erosion control or rain-water management) obviously have the potential to mitigate climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced car-bon sequestration. The objective of the Msc thesis is to identify on a scientifically sound basis the mitigation potential of various manage-ment practices in view of possibly becoming eligible to receive carbon abatement subsidies. The research work will involve a site visit and modeling of the effects of selected management practices on carbon se-questration and emission reductions. Certain supporting data for the thesis work (such as e.g. satellite images) is available within Kachana.

Kimberley, Northwestern

Australia

Jürgen Blaser, Christoph Studer


21

Quantifying the environmental footprint of dairy production and the potential for reducing it The global importance of dairy farming has grown for decades. Accord-ing to FAO statistics, the number of dairy cattle has increased from 0.9 billion in 1961 to 1.4 billion in 2011, global milk output has grown from 332 million tons to 711 million tons. Much of this growth has hap-pened in emerging coun-tries: the combined milk output of China, In-dia, Brazil and Mexico has grown from 29 million tons in 1961 to 205 million tons in 2011. And yet, demand outstrips production in many of these countries, e.g. Mexico, Pakistan and India. Meeting the demand for dairy products is thus a challenge in emerg-ing and developing economies. Dairy farms usually have a large material turnover: large quantities of feed, fertilizer, water and ener-gy are needed for produc-tion, and emissions of methane, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate and ni-trous oxide result from it. Analyses of dairy farm sustainability done with the RISE method (rise.hafl.bfh.ch) in the above-mentioned coun-tries have shown that there are major improvement potentials concern-ing the management of feed and manure flows. The pattern and magni-tude of environmental impacts strongly differs between pasture-based and feedlot-based dairy production. The significance of e.g. water and land use for dairy production strongly differs between densely- and sparsely-populated are-as (e.g. the Punjab vs southern Chile), and ac-cording to climate.

t.b.d. Jan Grenz

Food Systems, Switzerland Label Products from Agroforestry Systems In Switzerland, several food products that originate from agroforestry systems are marketed with a label (e.g. Hochstamm-Suisse, Posamenter etc.). There is no overview of the various label products, the label condi-tions, the advantages and disadvantages of agroforestry label produc-tion, the quantities produced, etc. Create an inventory of agroforestry related label production in Switzerland with an overview of label re-quirements, quantities produced, costs and prices (price difference to non-label products), etc. This overview should be a basis for a Europe-wide inventory and overview of agroforestry label products.


Insects as a Source of Functional Proteins for use in Food Industry: Screening of Potential Insects and Maggots Topic: screening of insects of a selected region towards their growth rate, nutrition and living conditions as well as their suitability as a source of functional proteins for use in food industry. This work may also comprise the setup of a system for breeding selected insects at the HAFL. Part of the work is lab based. Background: In general, using insects as a protein source may not only enlarge the group of functional proteins available for the food industry but also potentially improve the CO2-balance of human consumption of animal proteins as well as establish a new source of income for farmers in development countries. Note: The exact arrangement of the thesis depends on the interests and skills of the concerned student.

Switzerland Christoph Denkel


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Food Systems, International Ethnobotanical and Nutritional Analyses of Forest Species in West Africa (Parkia biglobosa) The research will be conducted within the framework of the project ADA-RESTORE (full title: Nutrition-sensitive forest restoration to en-hance the capacity of rural communities in Burkina Faso to adapt to change), funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation, coordinated by Bioversity International. The project started in mid-August 2016 and will end in mid-August 2019. The project is focused on strengthening forest restoration efforts in Burkina Faso, with a particular attention to the nutritional value of the indigenous species used. The student will integrate the nutritional anal-yses of pods and fruit pulp of P. biglobosa by carrying out the following research activities: a) an extensive literature review on the ethnobotany of the species. The review will include scientific as well as grey litera-ture from local universities, research institutions and NGOs in Burkina Faso; b) field interviews in the project sites. Both the ethnobotanical review and interviews will cover all uses of the tree (food, medicinal, artisanal, etc.) and harvesting, preservation, pro-cessing, preparation and consumption practices. During field work, special attention will be given to ethnic differences and preferences, gender aspects in the value chain of P. biglobosa (role of men and women in collection, processing, selling, etc) as well as dif-ferences in past and current availability / harvesting / processing / con-sumption patterns. Furthermore, the BSc student will try to assess, through field interviews, what is the likelihood of having a substitution of P. biglobosa with alter-native species or products in the preparation of food condiments. Over-exploitation of the species and forest habitat destruction are generating situations of local scarcity of P. biglobosa seeds. In addition, the prepa-ration of the sauce made from the fermented seeds (soumbala) takes time and young women may prefer alternative products. The use of al-ternative ingredients in the preparation of food condiments, or of alter-native spices, has implications with regard to the incentives to conserve the species.

Burkina Faso Alessandra Giuli-ani

Last Updated: 02.03.2018 (knl1)

List of Master’s Thesis Proposals - BFH-HAFL · List of Master’s Thesis Proposals ... In our...

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