As global challenges like climate change and food security intensify, the need for innovative, resilient, and sustainable farming methods has never been more critical. The University of Bonn plays a pivotal role in achieving the objectives of the IntercropVALUES project, particularly by focusing on modeling intercropping performance.

The University of Bonn is leading the project´s efforts in advancing the understanding of intercropping systems through sophisticated modeling techniques. By using models to simulate various intercropping scenarios, their team aims to provide insights that can optimize crop performance under specific field conditions.

One of their objectives is to analyze trade-offs between different objectives, such as maximizing yield versus reducing fertilizer input and gaseous nitrogen emissions. By observing and modeling these trade-offs, they can offer valuable recommendations to farmers, helping them make informed decisions that balance economic viability with environmental sustainability.

The University of Bonn’s work in the project is not just about technical expertise; it also reflects the project’s emphasis on collaboration. IntercropValuES is a multidisciplinary and multi-actor initiative, bringing together scientists, farmers, and stakeholders from across the agri-food chain. Within this framework, the University of Bonn collaborates closely with other project partners to ensure that the modeling work is grounded in real-world conditions and addresses the practical needs of farmers.

In this video released by the PhenoRob cluster, a DFG-funded Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bonn. The team involved in the IntercropVALUES project explains their work and objectives: