Institut für Kulturpflanzenwissenschaften

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Grower perspectives on perennial wild plant mixtures for biogas production in Germany
(2024) Becker, David; Ilic, Anna-Maria; Reichardt, Franziska Julia; Hartung, Jens; Beck, janna; Jablonowski, Nicolai David; Lewin, Eva; von Cossel, Moritz
‘Perennial wild plant mixtures’ (WPM) cultivation is a novel approach to combine biomass provisioning for biogas production with biodiversity enhancement at field scale in Germany. But the methane yield is about 40% lower compared with silage maize. Therefore, the cultivation of WPM is incentivized with about 250–927 Euro per hectare and year. However, agronomic and best management practices of WPM cultivation are unclear, so that large parts of the yield potential of WPM are likely to remain untapped. Hence, this study aims to shed light on farmers’ current perspectives and experiences with WPM cultivation by carrying out a nationwide survey in 2021. The feasibility of inferential statistics was examined in detail, but was not possible due to an insufficient number of responses. Nevertheless, the descriptive analysis revealed valuable information on farmers’ experiences with and their motives for cultivating WPM such as biodiversity enhancement and landscape beauty. Generally, WPM were proven to be much less productive compared with common biogas crops such as maize. Nevertheless, 59% of the farmers cultivated WPM on less favorable soil, and 67% of the farmers used nitrogen fertilization rates of less than or equal to 50 kg ha−1, resulting in generally higher yields compared with results from unfertilized areas. However, while there is common agreement on the positive effects of WPM cultivation on agrobiodiversity, more agronomic research on best management practices is required to make WPM more competitive to common biogas crops without additional subsidies.
Absorption of¹⁵N enriched ammonia by winter wheat at different growth stages
(2025) Frößl, Jonas; Ruser, Reiner; Müller, Torsten; Frößl, Jonas; Institute of Crop Science, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics (340i), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Ruser, Reiner; Institute of Crop Science, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics (340i), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Müller, Torsten; Institute of Crop Science, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics (340i), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
BackgroundLoss of gaseous reactive nitrogen in the form of aerosols may impact human health, and its deposition leads to eutrophication and acidification of natural ecosystems. In order to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions, which are a main pathway of nitrogen loss to the environment, accurate monitoring and understanding of the factors involved is required.AimsAs information on the absorption of NH3 by wheat plants in central Europe is scarce, we conducted a field experiment to quantify NH3 absorption by a winter wheat canopy in May and June with each two emission scenarios (5 and 12 kg NH3‐N ha−1).MethodsTo induce NH3 emissions, a 15N enriched ammonium sulfate solution (pH 9) was applied in trays between the wheat rows.ResultsAbsorption of the volatilized NH3 of the aboveground plant biomass ranged between 23 and 181 mg NH3‐N m−2 (corresponding to 14.8% and 20.0% of the emitted NH3) and was significantly higher during the first sampling in May, when compared to the second sampling in June. A higher emission led to a higher absolute amount absorbed.ConclusionsThe results indicate that wheat will indeed absorb significant amounts of NH3 emitted at ground level. They will be useful for further improving NH3 emission factors and the understanding of the NH3 emission pathway.
An adapted indicator framework for evaluating the potential contribution of bioeconomy approaches to agricultural systems resilience
(2024) Lewandowski, Iris; von Cossel, Moritz; Winkler, Bastian; Bauerle, Andrea; Gaudet, Nicole; Kiesel, Andreas; Lewin, Eva; Magenau, Elena; Marting Vidaurre, Nirvana Angela; Müller, Benedikt; Schlecht, Valentin; Thumm, Ulrich; Trenkner, Marielle; Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo; Weickert, Sebastian; Weik, Jan; Reinmuth, Evelyn; Lewandowski, Iris; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; von Cossel, Moritz; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Winkler, Bastian; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Bauerle, Andrea; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Gaudet, Nicole; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Kiesel, Andreas; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Lewin, Eva; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Magenau, Elena; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Marting Vidaurre, Nirvana Angela; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Müller, Benedikt; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Schlecht, Valentin; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Thumm, Ulrich; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Trenkner, Marielle; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Vargas‐Carpintero, Ricardo; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Weickert, Sebastian; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Weik, Jan; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany; Reinmuth, Evelyn; Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, Stuttgart, Germany
This study reviews a variety of “bioeconomy approaches” (BAs) to assess their potential contribution to resilience in agricultural systems, focusing on benefits that can improve multi‐functionality regarding private and public goods. It is based on Meuwissen et al.'s framework to assess the resilience of farming systems. Drawing on literature and expert knowledge, this indicator framework is adapted to develop a new framework which is then applied to seven contrasting BAs (miscanthus, perennial flowering wild plant mixtures, permanent grassland, nutrient recycling, agrivoltaics, urban agriculture, and microalgae). The major outcomes are: 1) the extended indicator framework can help evaluate BAs for their potential to foster resilience in future agricultural systems, 2) all BAs are characterized by their ability to provide multiple private and public goods simultaneously, 3) the strongest contribution of BAs to public goods is their function in maintaining the good condition of natural resources and resource‐use efficiency, 4) all BAs can enhance resilience in agricultural systems by contributing diversity, multifunctionality, environmental sustainability, and autonomy, 5) the mitigation of potential drawbacks of BAs implementation requires ex‐ante assessment, favorable BAs combinations, and stakeholder involvement, 6) context‐specific analysis of each BAs is required to assess their qualitative and quantitative contribution to resilience.
In season estimation of economic optimum nitrogen rate with remote sensing multispectral indices and historical telematics field-operation data
(2025) Abdipourchenarestansofla, Morteza; Piepho, Hans-Peter; Abdipourchenarestansofla, Morteza; Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Piepho, Hans-Peter; Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Accurate estimation and spatial allocation of economic optimum nitrogen (N) rates (EONR) can support sustainable crop production systems by reducing chemical compounds to be applied to the ground while preserving the optimum yield and profitability Smart Farming (SF) techniques such as historical precision agriculture (PA) machinery data, satellite multispectral imagery, and on-machine nitrogen adjustment sensors can bring together state-of-the-art precision in determining EONR. The novelty of this study is in introducing an efficient optimization framework using SF technology to enable real-time and prescription based EONR application execution. An optimization strategy called response surface modelling (RSM) was implemented to support decision making by fusing multiple sources of information while keeping the underlying computation simple and interpretable. Here, a field of winter wheat with an area of 7 ha was used to prove the proposed concept of determining EONR for each location in the field using auxiliary variables called multispectral indices (MSIs) derived from Sentinel 2. Three different image acquisition dates before the actual N application were considered to find the best time combination of MSIs along with the best MSIs to model yield. The best MSIs were filtered out through three phases of feature selection using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Lasso regression, and model reduction of RSM. For the date 2020.03.25, 14 out of 21 MSIs exhibited a significant interaction with the N applied as determined through an on-machine N sensor. For dates 2020.03.30 and 2020.04.04, the numbers of significant indices were identified as 6 and 10, respectively. Some of the MSIs were no longer significant after five days of the growth period (5-day interval between Sentinel 2 revisits). The best model demonstrated an average prediction error of 14.5%. Utilizing the model’s coefficients, the EONR was computed to be between 43 kg/ha and 75 kg/ha for the target field. By incorporating MSIs into the fitted model for a given N range, it was demonstrated that the shape of the yield-N relation (RSM) varied due to field heterogeneity. The proposed analytical approach integrates farmer engagement by participatory annual post-mortem analysis. Using the determined RSM approach, retrospective assessment compares economically optimal N input, based on observed MSIs values to each location, with the actual applied rates.
Highlighting the potential of multilevel statistical models for analysis of individual agroforestry systems
(2023) Golicz, Karolina; Piepho, Hans-Peter; Minarsch, Eva-Maria L.; Niether, Wiebke; Große-Stoltenberg, André; Oldeland, Jens; Breuer, Lutz; Gattinger, Andreas; Jacobs, Suzanne; Golicz, Karolina; Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resources Management (ILR), Research Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition (iFZ), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Piepho, Hans-Peter; Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Minarsch, Eva-Maria L.; Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding II, Organic Farming, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Niether, Wiebke; Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding II, Organic Farming, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Große-Stoltenberg, André; Centre for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Oldeland, Jens; Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (IGDORE), Hamburg, Germany; Breuer, Lutz; Centre for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Gattinger, Andreas; Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding II, Organic Farming, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Jacobs, Suzanne; Centre for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
Agroforestry is a land-use system that combines arable and/or livestock management with tree cultivation, which has been shown to provide a wide range of socio-economic and ecological benefits. It is considered a promising strategy for enhancing resilience of agricultural systems that must remain productive despite increasing environmental and societal pressures. However, agroforestry systems pose a number of challenges for experimental research and scientific hypothesis testing because of their inherent spatiotemporal complexity. We reviewed current approaches to data analysis and sampling strategies of bio-physico-chemical indicators, including crop yield, in European temperate agroforestry systems to examine the existing statistical methods used in agroforestry experiments. We found multilevel models, which are commonly employed in ecology, to be underused and under-described in agroforestry system analysis. This Short Communication together with a companion R script are designed to act as an introduction to multilevel models and to promote their use in agroforestry research.
Carry‐over effect of leguminous winter cover crops and living mulches on winter wheat as a second main crop following white cabbage
(2024) Stein, Sophie; Zikeli, Sabine; Möller, Kurt; Stein, Sophie; Center for Organic Farming, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Zikeli, Sabine; Center for Organic Farming, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Möller, Kurt; Department of Fertilisation and Soil Matter Dynamics, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Background: The direct effect of winter cover crops (WCCs) or living mulches (LMs) on a first vegetable crop has already been investigated. However, little is known about the effect on growth and yield of a second cash crop in the rotation. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the carry‐over effect of legumes grown as WCC or LM on winter wheat as a second crop after cabbage, measured in yield and nitrogen release. Methods: Two field trials were carried out in Germany between 2019 and 2022. In the WCC trial, rye, rye with vetch, vetch, pea, and faba bean were used as WCC and compared to bare soil. The WCC biomass was incorporated before cabbage planting in late spring. For the LM trial, perennial ryegrass or white clover was used as LM during cabbage cultivation and compared to bare soil. The LM biomass was incorporated with the cabbage residues and compared to an early incorporation of LM biomass before cabbage planting. In both trials, winter wheat was sown in the fall as the second following main crop in the rotation. Results: Leguminous WCC species had significant higher wheat yield compared to non‐legumes but not compared to the control without WCC. Late incorporation of LM biomass resulted in increased wheat yield at 10.1–10.4 Mg ha −1 compared to an early incorporation before cabbage planting at 9.35 Mg ha −1 . Net N releases show that for WCC, the main effect of legume nitrogen fixation is achieved in the first crop cabbage immediately after incorporation of WCC biomass. In the case of leguminous LM, the effects of legume nitrogen fixation are of much higher relevance in the second main crop, winter wheat, due to LM biomass incorporation after cabbage cultivation. Conclusion: Therefore, we suggest to consider not only the direct but also the carry‐over effects of leguminous cover cropping in vegetable crop rotations.
Biostimulant and arbuscular mycorrhizae application on four major biomass crops as the base of phytomanagement strategies in metal-contaminated soils
(2024) Peroni, Pietro; Liu, Qiao; Lizarazu, Walter Zegada; Xue, Shuai; Yi, Zili; von Cossel, Moritz; Mastroberardino, Rossella; Papazoglou, Eleni G.; Monti, Andrea; Iqbal, Yasir; Peroni, Pietro; Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.P.); (R.M.); (A.M.); Liu, Qiao; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Q.L.); (S.X.); (Z.Y.); Lizarazu, Walter Zegada; Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.P.); (R.M.); (A.M.); Xue, Shuai; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Q.L.); (S.X.); (Z.Y.); Yi, Zili; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Q.L.); (S.X.); (Z.Y.); Von Cossel, Moritz; Department of Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr 23, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Mastroberardino, Rossella; Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.P.); (R.M.); (A.M.); Papazoglou, Eleni G.; Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;; Monti, Andrea; Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.P.); (R.M.); (A.M.); Iqbal, Yasir; College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (Q.L.); (S.X.); (Z.Y.); Latowski, Dariusz; Kumar, Adarsh
Using contaminated land to grow lignocellulosic crops can deliver biomass and, in the long term, improve soil quality. Biostimulants and microorganisms are nowadays an innovative approach to define appropriate phytomanagement strategies to promote plant growth and metal uptake. This study evaluated biostimulants and mycorrhizae application on biomass production and phytoextraction potential of four lignocellulosic crops grown under two metal-contaminated soils. Two greenhouse pot trials were setup to evaluate two annual species (sorghum, hemp) in Italy and two perennial ones (miscanthus, switchgrass) in China, under mycorrhizae (M), root (B2) and foliar (B1) biostimulants treatments, based on humic substances and protein hydrolysates, respectively, applied both alone and in combination (MB1, MB2). MB2 increased the shoot dry weight (DW) yield in hemp (1.9 times more), sorghum (3.6 times more) and miscanthus (tripled) with additional positive effects on sorghum and miscanthus Zn and Cd accumulation, respectively, but no effects on hemp metal accumulation. No treatment promoted switchgrass shoot DW, but M enhanced Cd and Cr shoot concentrations (+84%, 1.6 times more, respectively) and the phytoextraction efficiency. Root biostimulants and mycorrhizae were demonstrated to be more efficient inputs than foliar biostimulants to enhance plant development and productivity in order to design effective phytomanagement strategies in metal-contaminated soil.
Combination of silicate-based soil conditioners with plant growth-promoting microorganisms to improve drought stress resilience in potato
(2024) Mamun, Abdullah Al; Neumann, Günter; Moradtalab, Narges; Ahmed, Aneesh; Nawaz, Fahim; Tenbohlen, Timotheus; Feng, Jingyu; Zhang, Yongbin; Xie, Xiaochan; Zhifang, Li; Ludewig, Uwe; Bradáčová, Klára; Weinmann, Markus; Mamun, Abdullah Al; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.A.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.); (U.L.); (M.W.); Neumann, Günter; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.A.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.); (U.L.); (M.W.); Moradtalab, Narges; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.A.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.); (U.L.); (M.W.); Ahmed, Aneesh; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.A.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.); (U.L.); (M.W.); Nawaz, Fahim; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra 2901, Australia;; Tenbohlen, Timotheus; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.A.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.); (U.L.); (M.W.); Feng, Jingyu; Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University (CAU), Haidian District, Yuanmingyuanxilu 2, Beijing 100193, China; (J.F.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (L.Z.); Zhang, Yongbin; Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University (CAU), Haidian District, Yuanmingyuanxilu 2, Beijing 100193, China; (J.F.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (L.Z.); Xie, Xiaochan; Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University (CAU), Haidian District, Yuanmingyuanxilu 2, Beijing 100193, China; (J.F.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (L.Z.); Zhifang, Li; Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University (CAU), Haidian District, Yuanmingyuanxilu 2, Beijing 100193, China; (J.F.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (L.Z.); Ludewig, Uwe; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.A.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.); (U.L.); (M.W.); Bradáčová, Klára; Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;; Weinmann, Markus; Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.A.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.); (U.L.); (M.W.); Li, Huixin
Due to shallow root systems, potato is a particularly drought-sensitive crop. To counteract these limitations, the application of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) is discussed as a strategy to improve nutrient acquisition and biotic and abiotic stress resilience. However, initial root colonization by PGPMs, in particular, can be affected by stress factors that negatively impact root growth and activity or the survival of PGPMs in the rhizosphere. In this study, perspectives for the use of commercial silicate-based soil conditioners (SCs) supposed to improve soil water retention were investigated. The SC products were based on combinations with lignocellulose polysaccharides (Sanoplant® = SP) or polyacrylate (Geohumus® = GH). It was hypothesized that SC applications would support beneficial plant–inoculant interactions (arbuscular mycorrhiza, AM: Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL41833, and Pseudomonas brassicacearum 3Re2-7) on a silty loam soil–sand mixture under water-deficit conditions (6–12 weeks at 15–20% substrate water-holding capacity, WHC). Although no significant SC effects on WHC and total plant biomass were detectable, the SC-inoculant combinations increased the proportion of leaf biomass not affected by drought stress symptoms (chlorosis, necrosis) by 66% (SP) and 91% (GH). Accordingly, osmotic adjustment (proline, glycine betaine accumulation) and ROS detoxification (ascorbate peroxidase, total antioxidants) were increased. This was associated with elevated levels of phytohormones involved in stress adaptations (abscisic, jasmonic, salicylic acids, IAA) and reduced ROS (H2O2) accumulation in the leaf tissue. In contrast to GH, the SP treatments additionally stimulated AM root colonization. Finally, the SP-inoculant combination significantly increased tuber biomass (82%) under well-watered conditions, and a similar trend was observed under drought stress, reaching 81% of the well-watered control. The P status was sufficient for all treatments, and no treatment differences were observed for stress-protective nutrients, such as Zn, Mn, or Si. By contrast, GH treatments had negative effects on tuber biomass, associated with excess accumulation of Mn and Fe in the leaf tissue close to toxicity levels. The findings suggest that inoculation with the PGPMs in combination with SC products (SP) can promote physiological stress adaptations and AM colonization to improve potato tuber yield, independent of effects on soil water retention. However, this does not apply to SC products in general.
Bayesian‐optimized experimental designs for estimating the economic optimum nitrogen rate: a model‐averaging approach
(2025) Matavel, Custódio Efraim; Meyer‐Aurich, Andreas; Piepho, Hans‐Peter; Matavel, Custódio Efraim; Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany; Meyer‐Aurich, Andreas; Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany; Piepho, Hans‐Peter; Institute of Crop Science, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Field experiments play a crucial role in optimizing nutrient application strategies and determining the economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR), aiding stakeholders in agricultural decision‐making. These experiments tailor agricultural input management to maximize efficiency and sustainability, ultimately improving farm economics. However, the optimal setup of field experiments remains an ongoing debate, particularly regarding economic considerations such as the selection of treatment levels (design points), their spatial arrangement, and the number of replications required for statistical validity and cost‐effectiveness. This study optimizes field experiments for estimating the EONR using a model‐averaging approach within a Bayesian framework. We employed Bayesian inference and the No‐U‐turn sampler to integrate model averaging across multiple yield response models, improving robustness in EONR estimation. Stochastic optimization, specifically simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation, was used to optimize experimental designs, and their performance was evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations. Our results show that optimized experimental designs significantly improve the precision of EONR estimates. Designs incorporating higher number of nitrogen levels provided the best trade‐off between accuracy and efficiency, minimizing bias and mean squared error. Even with a fixed total number of plots (120), increasing the number of design points resulted in lower variance, demonstrating the efficiency of well‐structured experimental designs. This research lays the groundwork for future developments in experimental methodologies with wide‐ranging implications for agricultural economics and policymaking, ultimately supporting better‐informed decision‐making. Future work should integrate environmental constraints and account for real‐world variability in treatment replication to further refine experimental optimization strategies.
The effects of plant density and duration of vegetative growth phase on agronomic traits of medicinal cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.): a regression analysis
(2024) Schober, Torsten; Präger, Achim; Hartung, Jens; Graeff-Hönninger, Simone
Empirical data on the effect of plant density (PD) and length of the vegetative phase (DVP) on plant growth, yield, and cannabinoid concentration of medicinal cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) are still scarce, leading to a lack of specific cultivation recommendations. We conducted two greenhouse experiments to investigate the effect of PD in the range of 12–36 plants m-2 (D-trial) and DVP in the range of 1–4 weeks (V-trial) on plant morphology, biomass growth of individual plant organs, and CBD concentration of individual inflorescence fractions. Empirical models for the relationships between the investigated plant traits and PD/DVP were created using linear regression analysis preceded by a lack-of-fit test. An increase in PD led to a linear decrease in inflorescence yield per plant (p = 0.02), whereas a positive linear relationship was found for inflorescence yield (p = 0.0001) and CBD yield (p = 0.0002) per m2. Total area yields in the D-trial ranged from 119 to 247 g m-2 from lowest to highest PD. DVP showed a positive linear relationship with inflorescence yield on an individual plant (p = 0.0001) and area basis (p < 0.0001) along with most other relevant agronomic traits such as CBD production, plant size and lateral shoot length. Total area yields in the V-trial ranged from 295 to 571 g m-2 from lowest to highest DVP. The yield increase could be linked to the increased inflorescence number per plant rather than inflorescence size. In contrast to expectations, neither PD nor DVP had significant effects on the cannabinoid concentration gradient from upper to lower canopy layers. CBD concentrations in inflorescences from lower canopy layers were reduced by 23% in the V-trial and 46% in the D-trial. However, with increasing PD, the proportion of higher-concentrated inflorescence fractions from upper canopy layers increased from 46% to 68%, while an extension of DVP shifted this proportion only marginally from 45% to 50%. In the context of standardized production, we therefore advocate high-density production systems that increase the proportion of desired inflorescence fractions from upper canopy layers.
Enhancing chickpea yield through the application of sulfur and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria
(2025) Nabati, Jafar; Yousefi, Afsaneh; Hasanfard, Alireza; Nemati, Zahra; Kahrom, Nastaran; Malakshahi Kurdestani, Ali; Nabati, Jafar; Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Yousefi, Afsaneh; Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Hasanfard, Alireza; Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Nemati, Zahra; Department of Horticulture Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Kahrom, Nastaran; Department of Range Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran; Malakshahi Kurdestani, Ali; Institute of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Plant growth-promoting microorganisms can enhance sulfur uptake and boost crop production. This study was conducted to evaluate the changes in physiology, metabolism, and yield of chickpeas following the application of sulfur and two microbial consortia: (1) Thiobacillus sp., Bacillus subtilis , Paraburkholderia fungorum , and Paenibacillus sp.; and (2) Enterobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The soil amendment involving a combination of sulfur and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in any quantity had positive effects on the availability of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in the soil. A combination of 90% sulfur with Enterobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. resulted in a decrease in soil pH after harvesting in both years. Both years showed a strong correlation between soil pH and soil macronutrient concentration. In both years, the maximum grain yield was achieved through a combination of increased sulfur levels and SOB. The results reveal that sulfur application and SOB can increase nutrient availability, nutrient uptake, and yield of chickpea growth in calcareous soils.
Connecting variety trialling systems across two countries
(2025) Piepho, Hans‐Peter; Malik, Waqas Ahmed; Piepho, Hans‐Peter; Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Malik, Waqas Ahmed; Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
In Europe, before acceptance to a country's national list, crop variety candidates must undergo testing for value for cultivation and use (VCU) in multi‐environment trials. Once a variety is accepted to the national list of a country, it can be marketed in that county. Moreover, it may be marketed in other European countries as well, even if it has not been tested for VCU, and hence, there is no performance assessment in those other countries. This paper investigates how VCU trialling systems of two countries can be connected and integrated so that performance can be assessed for both countries without altering the capacity of the trialling systems. Our statistical calculations based on VCU trial data for maize from Germany and Poland highlight the benefit of a joint analysis of data from two countries. Moreover, we show how the efficiency of each country's VCU testing system can be improved—without altering the overall capacity of the systems in terms of the number of trials and the number of plots per trial—by ensuring that each variety is tested in both countries.
A review of the knowledge base for the development of natural ingredients value chains for a sustainable biobased economy in Colombia
(2023) Vargas-Carpintero, Ricardo; Romero-Perdomo, Felipe; Martínez, Juan F.; Lewandowski, Iris; Vargas-Carpintero, Ricardo; Department of Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Romero-Perdomo, Felipe; Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad EAN, Bogotá, Colombia; Martínez, Juan F.; Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Lewandowski, Iris; Department of Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Natural ingredients (NIs) from plant biodiversity represent a value creation strategy in the transition to a sustainable biobased economy, especially in biodiversity rich countries. A necessary action to achieve this purpose is to orientate research and strengthen the knowledge base of NIs following a value chain (VC) approach. Although the promotion of NIVCs has gained increasing attention in the bioeconomy, a description of the scientific progress, research advances and gaps towards their development is necessary. This review aimed to scrutinize the existing literature on NIVCs to determine its state of progress. Firstly, we explored the global diffusion of research on natural plant ingredients. Secondly, we examined the research landscape in Colombia, focusing on the cooperation between countries, economic sectors impacted, and plant species reported. Lastly, we selected the most reported plant species as a promising NI source in Colombia to assess the literature that constitute the knowledge base of this plant in relation to the VC building blocks: biomass production, biomass processing, product development, and transversal aspects such as sustainability and governance. We show that research on NIs has risen worldwide, with notable scientific output from China, India, and the United States. In Colombia, the interest in NIs from plant biodiversity has also gained importance in the research agenda. Its progress is based on extensive collaboration between institutions, mainly from Spain, the United States, and Brazil. Its research prospects include diverse applications in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. We identify Lippia origanoides as the most reported native plant in scientific literature in Colombia. Using this plant as case study, we provide an overview of the knowledge base of L. origanoides in relation to the VC. Our results indicate that most publications focus on product development, suggesting a lack of comprehensive coverage of the VC and potentially neglected aspects. Based on this, we describe the current and desired scenario of L. origanoides VCs, as well as needs and opportunities for their sustainable implementation in Colombia. This contributes to build research and development roadmaps of sustainable NIVCs from plant diversity supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Nonadditive gene expression contributing to heterosis in partially heterozygous maize hybrids is predominantly regulated from heterozygous regions
(2025) Pitz, Marion; Baldauf, Jutta A.; Piepho, Hans‐Peter; Hochholdinger, Frank; Pitz, Marion; Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Baldauf, Jutta A.; Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Piepho, Hans‐Peter; Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Hochholdinger, Frank; Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
Hybrids often perform better than their homozygous parents, a phenomenon that is commonly referred to as heterosis. Heterosis is widely utilized in modern agriculture, although its molecular basis is not very well understood. In this study, we backcrossed an intermated recombinant inbred line population of maize ( Zea mays L.) with its parental inbred lines B73 and Mo17. The resulting hybrids exhibited different degrees of heterozygosity and heterosis. We identified nonadditively expressed genes, which are expressed differently from their mid‐parental level. In addition, we surveyed their regulation by investigating expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). Nonadditively expressed genes explain up to 27% of heterotic variance in the backcross hybrids. Furthermore, nonadditively expressed genes are regulated almost exclusively from heterozygous regions of the genome. We observed that nonadditive expression patterns are distinctly regulated depending on the genetic origin of the higher expressed parent. As a consequence, these regulatory regimes lead to higher gene activity in most nonadditively expressed genes in the hybrids. We demonstrated that nonadditive expression patterns contribute to heterosis and their mode of regulation might translate phylogenetic distance into vigorous hybrids. Based on our results, we hypothesize that diverging regulatory preferences in inbred lines are beneficial for selecting parental combinations for hybrid breeding.
Subsurface drip irrigation reduces weed infestation and irrigation water use while increasing inflorescence and cannabinoid yield in an outdoor tunnel Cannabis sativa L. production system
(2025) Büser, Christian; Hartung, Jens; Graeff-Hönninger, Simone; Büser, Christian; Institute of Crop Science Dept. of Agronomy (340a), Stuttgart, Germany; Hartung, Jens; Institute of Crop Science Dept. of Biostatistics, Stuttgart, Germany; Graeff-Hönninger, Simone; Institute of Crop Science Dept. of Agronomy (340a), Stuttgart, Germany
Cannabis ( Cannabis sativa L.) has served as a valuable medicinal plant for thousands of years and is experiencing a resurgence in cultivation and research due to recent legal changes. However, the resource-intensive nature of cannabis cultivation, particularly water and energy demands, poses significant environmental challenges. Outdoor cultivation in a semi-controlled environment can reduce those energy demands but necessitates irrigation. Drip irrigation (DI) is the most commonly used irrigation method but is often criticized for its susceptibility to water losses through evaporation and the risk of surface runoff. Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) provides a sustainable solution by minimizing evaporation losses while maintaining or increasing yields, thereby enhancing water use efficiency. In this study, we compared the effects of DI and SDI on weed infestation, total water usage, inflorescence yield, and water use efficiency of three CBD-rich cannabis chemotype III genotypes (Kanada, Terra Italia, FED) in an outdoor foil tunnel cultivation system. SDI resulted in a reduction of irrigation water usage by 18.6% compared to DI. Remarkably, weed dry biomass was reduced by 93.2% in SDI. Concomitantly, inflorescence yield increased by 5% and CBD concentration by 9%. Overall, the water use efficiency of inflorescence yield and CBD concentration was significantly higher in SDI than in DI. Our results indicated that implementing SDI instead of DI can significantly decrease irrigation water use and reduce weed infestation while increasing inflorescence and CBD yield, thus reducing the environmental challenges associated with cannabis cultivation.
Sustainable growth of organic farming in the EU requires a rethink of nutrient supply
(2024) Reimer, Marie; Oelofse, Myles; Müller-Stöver, Dorette; Möller, Kurt; Bünemann, Else K.; Bianchi, Silvia; Vetemaa, Airi; Drexler, Dóra; Trugly, Bence; Raskin, Ben; Blogg, Hugh; Rasmussen, Anton; Verrastro, Vincenzo; Magid, Jakob; Reimer, Marie; Institute of Crop Science, Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 20, 77593, Stuttgart, Germany; Oelofse, Myles; Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Müller-Stöver, Dorette; Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Möller, Kurt; Institute of Crop Science, Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 20, 77593, Stuttgart, Germany; Bünemann, Else K.; Department of Soil Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Box 219, Ackerstrasse 113, 5070, Frick, Switzerland; Bianchi, Silvia; Department of Soil Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Box 219, Ackerstrasse 113, 5070, Frick, Switzerland; Vetemaa, Airi; Estonian Organic Farming Foundation (EOFF), Kungla 1a, 50403, Tartu, Estonia; Drexler, Dóra; Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Miklós Tér 1, 1033, Budapest, Hungary; Trugly, Bence; Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Miklós Tér 1, 1033, Budapest, Hungary; Raskin, Ben; Soil Association, Spear House, 51 Victoria Street, BS1 6AD, Bristol, UK; Blogg, Hugh; Soil Association, Spear House, 51 Victoria Street, BS1 6AD, Bristol, UK; Rasmussen, Anton; Innovation Centre for Organic Farming, Agro Food Park 26, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark; Verrastro, Vincenzo; Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Valenzano (IAM-B), Italy; Magid, Jakob; Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
The European Commission recently set a target of increasing the area of organic agriculture to 25% by 2030. To achieve this, it is imperative to understand current nutrient use patterns and identify sustainable nutrient supply opportunities. To that end, this study assessed the sustainability of the current nutrient origin and supply of 71 arable organic farms in 8 European regions. Deficient nutrient supply was found on 24%, 66%, and 56% of farms for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. On average, we show a moderate surplus for nitrogen (28 kg ha −1 ), while phosphorus and potassium balances were close to zero (− 1 and 2 kg ha −1 , respectively). Large variation between countries and farm types shows a divide between more intensive systems relying on external inputs, and less intensive systems facing nutrient deficits and lower outputs. We show, for the first time, the extent of current use of external input types, where conventional manures supplied 17–26% of external nutrients and inputs from non-agricultural origin supplied 31–41%. A large proportion of nutrient sources within the last group are materials derived from urban wastes. The sustainable expansion of the organic sector will require increased use of locally available recycled fertilizers from urban wastes, and acceptance of such sources by organic farmers is shown to be high, provided they are considered safe.
Impact of different storage conditions with combined use of ethylene blocker on ‘Shalimar’ apple variety
(2024) Khera, Kartik; Büchele, Felix; Wood, Rachael Maree; Thewes, Fabio Rodrigo; Wagner, Roger; Hagemann, Michael Helmut; Neuwald, Daniel Alexandre; Khera, Kartik; Lake of Constance Research Centre for Fruit Cultivation (KOB), Schuhmacherhof 6, Ravensburg, Germany; Büchele, Felix; Lake of Constance Research Centre for Fruit Cultivation (KOB), Schuhmacherhof 6, Ravensburg, Germany; Wood, Rachael Maree; Horticulture and Product Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Thewes, Fabio Rodrigo; University of Santa Maria, v. Roraima n 9702 1000 Cidade Universitaria, Bairro - Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Santa Maria, Brazil; Wagner, Roger; University of Santa Maria, v. Roraima n 9702 1000 Cidade Universitaria, Bairro - Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Santa Maria, Brazil; Hagemann, Michael Helmut; Department Production Systems of Horticultural Crops, University of Hohenheim, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany; Neuwald, Daniel Alexandre; Lake of Constance Research Centre for Fruit Cultivation (KOB), Schuhmacherhof 6, Ravensburg, Germany
This research investigates the impact of storage conditions on the quality and preservation of 'Shalimar' apples, a relatively new cultivar known for its resistance to apple scab and powdery mildew. The study explores the efficacy of different storage techniques such as regular atmosphere (RA), controlled atmosphere (CA), and dynamic controlled atmosphere with CO2 Monitoring (DCA-CD), as well as the integration of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at different storage temperatures (1 °C and 3 °C). Various fruit quality parameters were monitored under different storage conditions, including firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, background color, respiration, ethylene production, and volatile compounds. The results indicate that the controlled atmosphere (CA) at 1 °C emerges as an efficient method for long-term storage. However, it is noted that CA storage may impact the apple aroma, emphasizing the need for a balance between preservation and consumer acceptability. On the other hand, DCA-CD at variable temperatures (approximately 2.5 °C) offers a promising approach for maintaining fruit quality and a higher concentration of volatile compounds. Integrating 1-MCP enhances firmness, but its impact varies across storage conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) provides insights into the relationships between storage conditions, fruit quality, and volatile compounds. This study contributes valuable insights into optimizing storage strategies for ‘Shalimar’ apples, addressing sustainability and quality preservation in apple production.
Impact of calibration strategy and data on wheat simulation with the DSSAT‐Nwheat model
(2025) Shawon, Ashifur Rahman; Attia, Ahmed; Ko, Jonghan; Memic, Emir; Uptmoor, Ralf; Hackauf, Bernd; Feike, Til; Shawon, Ashifur Rahman; Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)–Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Kleinmachnow, Germany; Attia, Ahmed; Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)–Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Kleinmachnow, Germany; Ko, Jonghan; Department of Applied Plant Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Memic, Emir; Department of Agronomy, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Uptmoor, Ralf; Department of Agronomy, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Hackauf, Bernd; Institute for Breeding Research on Agricultural Crops, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)–Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Groß Lüsewitz, Germany; Feike, Til; Institute for Strategies and Technology Assessment, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)–Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Kleinmachnow, Germany
Cropping system models (CSMs) are valuable tools for analyzing genotype, environment, and management (G × E × M) interactions in crop production. To apply a CSM in a new region with specific soils, climate, and cultivars, proper calibration and evaluation are required. However, calibration methods vary widely, often depending on modelers' expertise and approach. This study compares three calibration strategies for the DSSAT‐Nwheat model using two datasets: one including yield components (1000‐kernel mass, ears per m 2 , grain number per m 2 ) alongside phenology and grain yield, and another excluding yield components. The datasets cover ∼100 site‐years of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) data from German pre‐registration trials and field experiments. The calibration approaches were (1) stepwise calibration of phenology, biomass, and yield, (2) simultaneous calibration of multiple genetic coefficients, and (3) a hybrid approach combining elements of both. The Time‐Series cultivar coefficient estimator tool was used for implementation. Including yield component data improved model accuracy, reducing root mean square error (RMSE) by up to 10% for key variables such as phenology (3.4–5.5 days). Future wheat yield projections under selected climate scenarios varied by strategy and dataset, ranging from 6376 to 7473 kg ha −1 in fertile, wet soils and 6108 to 6757 kg ha −1 in poorer, dry soils. These results highlight the impact of calibration strategy and dataset choice on model performance. Transparent calibration practices are essential for improving CSM reliability in regional agricultural analysis under diverse environmental conditions.
Chloride application enhances photosynthesis and facilitates nitrate translocation while driving chloride translocation into roots
(2025) Wei, Guanghui; Zhang, Xudong; Franzisky, Bastian L.; Geilfus, Christoph‐Martin; Zörb, Christian; Wei, Guanghui; Institute of Crop Science, Quality of Plant Products, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Zhang, Xudong; Institute of Crop Science, Quality of Plant Products, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Franzisky, Bastian L.; Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Geisenheim, Germany; Geilfus, Christoph‐Martin; Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Geisenheim, Germany; Zörb, Christian; Institute of Crop Science, Quality of Plant Products, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Chloride and nitrate are essential mineral elements for crop growth. Due to their similar physical and electrochemical properties, their uptake and translocation interact antagonistically. This suggests that applying chloride to the leaf canopy during the late grain‐filling stage of cereals might enhance nitrate use efficiency. Hence, it remains uncertain whether foliar‐applied chloride at the late growth stage stimulates nitrate translocation from mature to younger leaves. To explore this possibility, two contrasting faba bean varieties were grown in a climate‐controlled chamber. Nitrate concentrations of approximately 50 and 93 μg mg FW −1 , respectively, were established in leaves by depleting nitrogen in the rooting medium. Based on these two nitrate concentrations in mature leaves, chloride was applied to the leaf canopy. Measurements of biomass, photosynthesis, and nitrate and chloride concentrations in both young and mature leaves revealed that chloride foliar application raised nitrate levels in younger leaves from 7.1 to 9.5 μmol g FW −1 and boosted photosynthesis by approximately 35%. However, one of the two faba bean varieties did not respond significantly to the chloride foliar application. These findings indicate that chloride application facilitates nitrate translocation from mature to younger leaves, potentially improving grain nitrogen supply. As a result, nitrate use efficiency might be increased by chloride application during late growth stages, although this effect is genotype‐dependent.
A computer vision approach for quantifying leaf shape of maize (Zea mays L.) and simulating its impact on light interception
(2025) Otto, Dina; Munz, Sebastian; Memic, Emir; Hartung, Jens; Graeff-Hönninger, Simone; Otto, Dina; Institute of Crop Science, Agronomy Department, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Munz, Sebastian; Institute of Crop Science, Agronomy Department, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Memic, Emir; Institute of Crop Science, Agronomy Department, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Hartung, Jens; Department Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Systems, University of Applied Science, Freising, Germany; Graeff-Hönninger, Simone; Institute of Crop Science, Agronomy Department, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
The precise determination of leaf shape is crucial for the quantification of morphological variations between individual leaf ranks and cultivars and simulating their impact on light interception in functional-structural plant models (FSPMs). Standard manual measurements on destructively collected leaves are time-intensive and prone to errors, particularly in maize ( Zea mays L.), which has large, undulating leaves that are difficult to flatten. To overcome these limitations, this study presents a new camera method developed as an image-based computer vision approach method for maize leaf shape analysis. A field experiment was conducted with seven commonly used silage maize cultivars at the experimental station Heidfeldhof, University of Hohenheim, Germany, in 2022. To determine the dimensions of fully developed leaves per rank and cultivar, three destructive measurements were conducted until flowering. The new camera method employs a GoPro Hero8 Black camera, integrated within an LI-3100C Area Meter, to capture high-resolution videos (1920 × 1080 pixels, 60 fps). A semi-automated software facilitates object detection, contour extraction, and leaf width determination, including calibration for accuracy. Validation was performed using pixel-counting and contrast analysis, comparing results against standard manual measurements to assess accuracy and reliability. Leaf width functions were fitted to quantify leaf shape parameters. Statistical analysis comparing cultivars and leaf ranks identified significant differences in leaf shape parameters (p < 0.01) for term alpha and term a . Simulations within a FSPM demonstrated that variations in leaf shape can alter light interception by up to 7%, emphasizing the need for precise parameterization in crop growth models. The new camera method provides a basis for future studies investigating rank-dependent leaf shape effects, which can offer an accurate representation of the canopy in FSPMs and improve agricultural decision-making.

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