The “Regeneratve Agricultural Technologies” Research Group aims to advance knowledge in the field of soil management by “Evaluating Regeneratve Agricultural Technologies as an alternative for adaption to changing climate and economy” It pursues innovative studies of the reduced, non inversion and even zero tillage technologies combined with cover crop production. We use an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to identify changes in physical, chemical and biological soil properties as well as to monitor climatic conditions within the crop and soil with regard to the efficiency of natural water resources.

In the last century, agricultural industrialisation has primarily aimed to increase productivity through chemical inputs and larger machinery. The progress in breeding and farm practices geared towards that ideal. This has come at an environmental cost that is no longer acceptable. As a consequence soil degradation became extensive, biodiversity, ecosystem service and resilience of soil got purer. In the research project the effect of Regenerative Agricultural technologies applying reduced or zero tillage while providing longer mulch cover and more living root systems in the soil due to cover crop production will be evaluated. During the research soil physical, chemical and biological properties will be evaluated as well as water regime and climate within the field. Productivity, physiological status (abiotic stress level) and yield quality will also be analysed and compared to conventionally managed fields. In addition the phytosanitary status will also be estimated. Based on the multidisciplinary approach, a complex compehensive research program providing many useful results can be achieved.

The project will enable us to emerge important generalizations across soil functions, ecosystem services, fertility, productivity and yield quality. By addressing fundamental theoretical concepts of productivity and conservation, we will advance our understanding of limitations and opportunities of different soil management strategies and we will significantly improve our ability to influence agricultural policy to respond properly to climatic, ecological and economical challenges.

Dr. Zoltán Tóth Institute of Agronomy Associate Professor Research keywords: regenerative agriculture, soil restoration, carbon sequestration, ecosystem service, resilience

Dr. Kincső Decsi Institute of Agronomy Associate Professor Research keywords: plant physiology, molecular genetics, abiotical and biotical stress factors, secondary biochemical pathways, biostimulants, nanoparticles

Prof. Dr. Sándor Keszthelyi Institute of Agronomy University Professor Research keywords: plant protection, arthropod pest of arable plant, chemical protection, ipm, pest identification, plant physiological stress

Dr. Szabina Simon Institute of Agronomy Assistant Lecturer Research keywords: remote sensing, agriculture, leaf litter decomposition, lake balaton, unmanned aerial vehicles

Dr. Katalin Somfalvi-Tóth Institute of Agronomy Assistant Professor Research keywords: modelling, agrometeorology, climatology, crop production, stress analysis