After nine years of catch crop research within CATCHY, the project has produced exciting and some unexpected results. However, some of them have also raised many new questions. We are at the beginning of a new perspective on intercropping. Catch crops are more than just a measure to reduce soil erosion and nutrient losses, they are also a multifunctional tool to positively influence processes in soils.  The CATCHY project aimed to investigate the effects of different catch crops on soil functions, microbial material cycles, plant characteristics and yield stability.

Findings of the research rroject are summarized in a comprehensive booklet with detailed process descriptions, results and recommendations for farmers. The BonaRes booklet is available in German when following this link:

www.bonares.de/services/outreach/broschueren

The podcast “Forschung aktuell” by Deutschlandfunk also discusses the positive climate impact of catch crops (in German). In an interview with Peter Breunig from the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, he explains why the cultivation of catch crops leads to a reduction in greenhouse gases and what other advantages the cultivation of catch crop mixtures has. You can listen to the podcast by following the link: www.deutschlandfunk.de/klimaschutz-weniger-treibhausgase-durch-zwischenfruechte-dlf-d510af33-100.html