@masterthesis{Kulms, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Kulms, Leander}, title = {Paludiculture and farming practices for carbon storage in peatlands - a case study at the lower Rhine}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Moors have fascinated and scared humanity for centuries. Recently, these wetlands are discussed about for their Climate Change mitigation potential by re-wetting efforts. Since most studies on the topic of potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction in Germany focus on large areas in the North and South of Germany, this study observes a smaller example area of organic soil in Kleve, North-Rhine Westphalia. It is analyzed in terms of suitability for paludiculture as well as for potential savings of GHG and a reduction of the Global Warming Potential (GWP). The study introduces a ranking system that allows an easy estimation of the suitability of fields, based on criteria that assign points from 1 to 4 per criteria. The total for each field is compared with one another. Emission values are based on the GEST-approach, developed by moor scientists in Greifswald, Germany. This study compares current field emissions in Kleve and compares them to theoretical agricultural cultivation scenarios that are simulated and projected onto said fields. The scenarios include the cultivation of Phragmites australis, a grazing system with Bulbalus arnee and the neglection of agriculture supplemented with photovoltaic power harvesting. The research highlights that maintaining high water levels is crucial for significant greenhouse gas emission savings. Water levels of around the soil surface level are assumed to have the highest potential for such savings. Phragmites australis cultivation and the grazing scenario demonstrate the highest potential for savings, reaching up to 2118.56 t CO2-equivalent per hectare annually. Although the findings of this study are promising, it is strongly recommended to update this study with newer findings in the future and to consider production-related emissions that extend the sole on-field emissions.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Chng2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Chng, Ci Ern Katelyn}, title = {Effects of Sewage Sludge Biochar as a Growing Media Component and Phosphate Fertiliser on the Cultivation of Potted Ornamental Plants}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22189}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {42}, year = {2025}, abstract = {There is increasing pressure from the German government on its citizens to reduce dependency on phosphate rock and peat, in agriculture and horticulture. This is due to the phosphate rock oligopoly with associated political instabilities, and the environmental consequences of peat harvesting. Past studies on soilless crop cultivation have shown promising outcomes for the phosphorus (P)-rich sewage sludge biochar (SSB) as an answer to these issues. However, SSB remains as one of the least studied biochar types in soilless ornamental cultivation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the viability of SSB as a P fertiliser and growing media component in pot cultivation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). The addition of SSB at a 10\% (v/v) rate to coco peat (SSB 10) was determined as the best composition. Although it did not outperform the control, SSB 10 plants were not significantly lower than the control plants in height, dry aboveground biomass, and number of poinsettia stems across all three species - except in poinsettia biomass. Other rates (5\%, 15\%, 20\%) had significantly lower values in more than one parameter. Physicochemical characterisation also revealed increased P with increasing SSB rates in the growing media. Contrary to other studies, the pH of all growing media did not exceed ideal growing media pH values (5.3-6.5), further solidifying SSB's viability as a growing media component. The reliability of our results could be improved by recording water uptake of the media, and selection of species with quantifiable aesthetics.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Li, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Li, Shiwei}, title = {Influence of long-term organic and conventional farming on soil microbial properties}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {In order to find out how different farming system influence microbial biomass and therefore influence the long-term soil fertility and soil quality, this study analyzed the impacts of conventional integrated and organic farming systems on soil microbiological parameters using soil samples from the DOK long-term field experiment (Switzerland). Farmyard manure fertilizer is applied to bio-dynamic (D), bio-organic (O) and conventional farming system (K) with two different intensities. Besides, there are a conventional mineral fertilizer received system (M) and an unfertilized control plot (U). The chloroform fumigation extraction (CFE) method and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test were applied for detection and quantification of soil microbial biomass along with some other tests in physical, chemical and biological aspects. Soil pH tends to increase by applying farmyard manure. Metabolic quotient (qCO 2 ) revealed a lower level in the manured system though there was no significant difference between conventional and organic system. On one hand, D treatment achieved the highest values regarding microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, and the highest gene copies number of detected microbial domains. On the other hand, higher concentration of microbial biomass sodium, potassium, manganese, silicon, nickel and zinc were found in M and K system. Contrary to expectation, the soil organic matter content between different treatments had only a little difference. In general, each tested soil quality parameter was affected by the type and quantity of fertilizer used to a different extent, among which the soil microbiological parameters showed more pronounced difference compared with soil physical parameter, pH and soil organic matter content. In short, organic farming system had greater potential to maintain soil fertility and improve soil quality than conventional farming system in the long term; while the comparison between two organic systems emphasized the beneficial influence from applying compost manure and bio-dynamic additives.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Voegerl, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {V{\"o}gerl, Jakob}, title = {Assessing the effect of N-fertilisation on biomass development and plant interactions in the ancient Milpa compared to pure stands and its potential to reduce fertiliser inputs in traditional small-scale farming}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-6214}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {55}, abstract = {Over the past years, nitrogen (N) fertilisation has been identified as an issue that has a major negative impact on the environment. Therefore, sustainable agricultural practices aim to reduce external fertiliser inputs and focus more on naturally available resources and sustainable cropping practices. One example of that is the ancient milpa polyculture which is practised by traditional small-scale farmers in Central America. It consists of climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris var. vulgaris), maize (Zea mays), and squash (Cucurbita moschata) that are said to represent a holistic symbiosis in which beans assume the task to accumulate additional nitrogen via N2-fixation and subsequently transfer it to its companions. The potential of intercropping, and thus nitrogen transfer to level out and reduce nitrogen fertiliser inputs compared to monocultures has not been assessed yet and little is known about the resulting practical implementation for small-scale farmers. Therefore, a pot trial with monoculture treatments (100 kg N/ha) of each crop and milpa treatments with varying levels of nitrogen fertilisation (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg N/ha) was established. The intercropped beans were labelled with the 15N isotope using the cotton wick method to track nitrogen transfer in the system. Further, the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) was used to determine the productivity of the system. Results showed that all polyculture treatments performed similarly or significantly better than the pure stands in terms of total dry matter content per pot. Milpas provided with 100 and 25\% of the recommended nitrogen rate were most productive and achieved a total LER of 1.25 and 1.30, respectively. Also, the non-fertilised milpa was still as productive as the respective plants grown in a monoculture. Due to external reasons, the importance of nitrogen transfer and the related microorganisms could not be evaluated. However, growing a milpa instead of monocultures enables farmers to greatly reduce N fertiliser inputs and provides higher yields in the growing season, while other intercropping benefits are also present. It further has the potential to maintain yields and enhance natural nutrient cycling even if no fertiliser is applied.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Kuenneke, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {K{\"u}nneke, Felix}, title = {The influence of tire wear particles (microplastic) on food security With a focus on agriculturally relevant plant species (Avena sativa L., Brassica napus L. \& Zea mays L.) and soil organisms (Aporrectodea caliginosa \& Eisenia andrei)}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Development and implementation of environmental assessment concepts must gain stronger positions in policy making. This thesis focuses on the influences of currently, widely unregulated microplastic tire wear particle emissions on food security. An overview of global differences in microplastic waste treatments is given. Changes in behavior, law-making and technical innovations are argued to be equally needed to stop the ongoing pollution to prevent negative impacts on ecosystem services as the foundations for food security. In an experimental set-up, three particle size ranges (<125,125-250, 250-500 μm) in three treatment concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 \%) with a negative control were applied to determine the influence of microplastic tire wear on three arable crop species and two earthworm species. Evenly, for all administrations, no significant effects could be observed on the organisms' height, biomass, RSR, or body tissue. Nevertheless, the results should not be interpreted as an all-clear signal, as the experiments observed only a few of the vast amounts of microplastic sinks. More data is needed as the EU Commission's recent "call to action" emphasizes. Determination of species resilience factors and traits shall be foci of future investigations to find cofactors for solution strategies. A more precise definition of microplastic and its additives classifications will certainly aid the consensus on priorities in research and consumers' clarity about biodegradability.}, language = {de} } @masterthesis{Brandt, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Brandt, Moritz Lasse}, title = {The fungal endophyte Metarhizium brunneum: Possible multifunctional plant promoter in sustainable agriculture}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-14648}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {106}, abstract = {The overuse of mineral fertilizers and chemical pesticides in the world's agricultural sectors continues to be exorbitant, and is associated with a number of serious consequences for the entire complex environment. The reasons for this include the steadily growing world population and the accompanying degradation of the soil. As an alternative to chemical agents, biological plant protection/strengthening stimulants based on effective microorganisms have become established in the last decades. Research in recent years has focused on entomopathogenic fungal endophytes. The fungal endophyte Metarhizium brunneum, has long been proving its value as a mycoinsecticide in crop protection and there are indications of various plant-strengthening properties. The aim of this thesis is therefore to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge about the endophyte M. brunneum and at the same time, based on the literature, to discuss its potential as an alternative multifunctional plant promoter for sustainable agriculture. A literature research method was used to conduct a quantitative analysis of the existing knowledge on M. brunneum. The information and data collected as a result were systematically categorized and presented. The analysis has shown that the generalist M. brunneum covers a wide host range, has the ability to transfer nutrients in exchange, activates or produces plant hormones, compensates for stressors, and has many possibilities for detection and commercialization. The discussion of these results has led to the evidence that the endophyte can indeed be used as a plant growth promoter. The work also points to gaps in knowledge in several areas and emphasizes that further studies are needed.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Stublla, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Stublla, Arlind}, title = {Nitrogen fixation of Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea), Vicia sativa (common vetch) and Phaseolus vulgaris (common beans)}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {45}, abstract = {Current agricultural practices depend heavily on inorganic and organic fertilizer use. These fertilizers not only can cost a lot of money, but also impose major environmental and health risks for the farmers that apply it. A solution to this problem, is the use of legume`s BNF (biological nitrogen fixation) to ecologically and inexpensively increase the amount of nitrogen (N) in the soil and the crops grown by the farmers. The aim of this study is to investigate this ability in three plants: Lathyrus odoratus (sweet peas), Vicia sativa (common vetch) and Phaseolus vulgaris (common beans) with a greater focus on Lathyrus ssp. The plants were grown in the Rhine-Waal University`s greenhouse, where two treatments were applied: one treatment with no additional N added to the soil and the other treatment with 20 kg/ha N. The soil was a mixture of agricultural soil and quartz sand. To detect the BNF (\%NDFA and mg NDFA), the 15N isotope dilution method was used. This method requires the application of 15N enriched fertilizer on both nitrogen fixer crop and a control crop (Secale cereale). As such for each plant species five pots with 4 plants (later thinned out to 3) and one pot for the control crop per treatment were planted. The plants were supported with sticks and ropes to properly allow them to grow. Phaseolus vulgaris was harvested with flowers and beans present, while Lathyrus odoratus and Vicia sativa showed no signs of flowers buds. All plant species had a good amount of \%NDFA (nitrogen derived from atmosphere) with Phaseolus vulgaris achieving the highest amount of 71.31\% for the 0N treatment and Lathyrus odoratus, 35.01\% for the 20N treatment. The most amount of mg N derived from atmosphere (mg NDFA) was collected from Phaseolus vulgaris (33.464 and 27.858 mg NDFA for 0N and 20N treatment respectively). When investigated for correlation between several factors affecting BNF, length and nodule size had a positive significant relationship with BNF with a Spearman`s rho value of 0.69 and 0.39 respectively for the 0N treatment. Although Lathyrus odoratus had the lowest performance from all plant species, it has been suggested that this may be due the plant being in the initial stages of growth. Lathyrus odoratus will require field experiments to properly quantify the amount of BNF (kg/ha) and to assess the adaptability of the crop in field environments}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Brender, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Brender, Nadja}, title = {Effects of Simulated Drought on Microbial Activity in Biologically and Conventionally managed Soils}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Increasing droughts and intensified agricultural management cause stress and disturbance on agricultural soil, but their effects on soil microbial activity are not fully known yet. This thesis studied the effects of induced short-term drought in two contrasting agricultural management systems, namely biodynamic (BioDyn) and conventional (ConMin), on microbial activity. The soil samples taken from the DOK long-term trial were analysed using MicroResp™, fluorometric enzyme assays and disease suppression bioassays. Soil basal- and multiple substrate-induced respiration (MSIR), microbial functional diversity, extracellular enzymatic activity (EEA) and soil suppressiveness against Pythium ultimum (Pu) were evaluated as indicators for microbial activity. Drought increased basal respiration but had no effects on other parameters. Conventional farming decreased EEA involved in carbon (C)- and nitrogen (N)-cycling, while it increased phosphorus (P)-cycling. No significant effects on the interaction between farming system and drought were found. The results indicate that organic farming has, to some extent, positive effects on microbial activity while drought does not decrease activity but induces stress in microorganisms.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Kouis, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Kouis, Zacharias}, title = {Photovoltaic power potential in Cyprus and how the synergies observed in an Agrivoltaic system affect the efficiency of food and energy production}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-15707}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {72}, abstract = {Cyprus plans to drastically increase its share of RES grid penetration from 16.7\% in 2020 to 22.9\% in 2030 by taking advantage of the sun's energy abundance in the region and the favorable climatic conditions available. In this study, the solar potential of Cyprus through PV technology will be assessed and quantified with the use of PVGIS tool on three different levels: theoretical, practical and economical, while spatial representation of the region's potential will allow for better comprehension of the concept. Land use constraints being a major limitation for the implementations of such concepts can be avoided with the dual use of land in a scheme known as Agrivoltaics. The coexistence of crop and energy production can give rise to synergies that affect the efficiency of such schemes. This paper using a qualitative approach will investigate and analyse these possible synergies and will identify barriers that might arouse. Results demonstrate yearly GHI and DNI values of 1963.62 kWh/m2 and 2201.61 kWh/m2 respectively, while yearly PVOUT accounts for 1828.75 kWh/kWp with a seasonality index of 1.4 and LCOE value of €0.053/kWh, evidencing undoubtedly the resource's potential in the region. Within an agrivoltaic system nine categories of synergies where identified indicating an overall positive effect in the efficiency of food-energy nexus. The limpid representation of the PV energy resource potential in Cyprus and the comprehensive description of the arousing synergies can propel further exploitation of the agrivoltaic concept within the region.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Islam, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Islam, Md Ariful}, title = {Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plant growth, yield, and plant-parasitic nematode control in organic tomato production: A field study and a systematic review}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {The symbiotic relationship between plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is widely known. However, the effect of AMF on plant growth and overall yield, together with plant physiology and soil metabolism under inappropriate field conditions, shows ambiguous conclusions. Moreover, AMF in organic farming systems may be less effective because organic farming excludes most biocides and water-soluble fertilizers and generally have more diversified rotations. AMF can be used as a natural tool to reduce the effect of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) as well. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of AMF on plant growth, yield, and PPN in organic tomato production. The study consists of a field study and a systematic review. A renowned tomato variety and a mixture of AMF inoculum were used in an organic greenhouse with a controlled irrigation system for the field experiment. In addition, a Systematic Literature Review using the PRISMA framework was conducted to investigate the effect of AMF on the PPN population. For the simplicity of this review, PPN Pratylenchus spp. (PS) was only included, as AMF inoculated plants exhibit better tolerance under PS pressure. Results showed no significant increase in overall tomato production in response to AMF application. However, a positive correlation was found between AMF and PS population densities, as most studies indicated no effect or decrease in the PS population. Different AMF and PS interaction results indicate the involvement of different cultivars, soil characteristics, temperature, and various AMF and crop species. The mechanisms involved in these interactions are reviewed and could be an object for further study.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Coort, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Coort, Katharina}, title = {Rhizosphere and endophytic colonization of cover crops by entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Species of the entomopathogenic fungal genus Metarhizium (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) are pathogenic to many arthropods, a trait that is utilized in agricultural pest control. Next to their pathogenic lifestyle, many Metarhizium species show plant root association. Due to the potential to improve efficiency in pest management by increasing abundance and persistence in the soil, and positively influence plant development by facilitating nutrient uptake as well as biotic and abiotic stress tolerance (e.g., droughts and diseases), interactions of EPF with plant roots represent valuable characteristics. EPF species Metarhizium brunneum is known for its virulence against wireworms, a major insect pest for example in potato farming, and has shown its root associating abilities before. To investigate its potential in cover crop applications, a recent approach to improve field efficiency in wireworm control, this experiment studied its root associations with seven different cover crop species. In a greenhouse pot trial, one-week-old seedlings were inoculated with M. brunneum isolate Cb 15-ǀǀǀ followed by bulk soil, rhizosphere, and root sampling 8 weeks later, and plating them onto semi selective nutrient agar. Bulk soil and rhizosphere populations were assessed by CFU counting while endophytic root colonization was determined by identification of colonies growing from root cut surfaces. Rhizosphere populations were on average 54 \% higher than bulk soil ii populations, indicating a substantial root association. Endophytic root colonization was observed with 4 out of 7 species. Amongst them were the two Brassicaceae species Raphanus sativus and Sinapis alba as well as grass species Lolium multiflorum which showed the overall highest root associations with M. brunneum. Rhizosphere populations of S. alba were noticeably lower than for all other species while still showing one of the highest internal root colonization rates which potentially originates from species-specific allelochemicals in the rhizosphere. There was a significant negative correlation between Metarhizium populations in the bulk soil and endophytic root colonization, which was interpreted with care considering some analytical constraints. Results from this experiment give insight into root associations of M. brunneum with cover crops and suggest suitable species for further investigation. Deeper understanding of complex interactions which influence plant-fungus relationships (e.g., competition with other soil microbes or the impact of agricultural practices), could improve the efficiency of corresponding products and facilitate additional applications and benefits (e.g. improved nutrient uptake and disease resistance) by utilizing EPF root associations.}, language = {en} } @misc{Vahrenhorst, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Vahrenhorst, Nele Sarah}, title = {How to initiate transformative research on permaculture in the Lower Rhine valley? A framework developed based on the analysis of previous experiences}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {As climate change continues to have negative effects on agriculture, the European Commission calls for sustainable farming approaches as solutions to challenges associated with climate change and therefore propose living labs as a transformative, transdisciplinary and participatory research mode in order to enforce the resilience of farming systems. Permaculture is considered as an approach for the living lab at the Lower Rhine as it aims at integrating sustainable management practices and ethical principles to provide the framework for a holistic approach that could provide an alternative to current management practices and their negative effects on the region. The thesis at hand aims at establishing a living lab framework that allows involvement of regional stakeholders from a range of sectors in a regional network that is part of a trinity of projects that additionally include an on-site test area and a digital knowledge platform. By performing literature research and interviews with regional primary producers and experts of the field, the thesis proceeds to place the permaculture living lab in the currently available context of living lab categorizations and provides a detailed framework with step-by-step instructions to follow as well as a selection of aspects to keep in mind in order to initiate transformative research on permaculture in the form of a living lab in the Lower Rhine region. Apart from the needs of regional primary producers, existing networks and organizations relevant for the living lab are identified, as well as successfully implemented living labs in Zurich, Lisbon, Bern and New York whose objectives align at least partially with those of the future permaculture living lab that can provide experience and suggestions for the planning process.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Ruemmele, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {R{\"u}mmele, Yvonne}, title = {Advantages and disadvantages of mulching in market garden systems}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-17025}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {54}, abstract = {The need for sustainable and resilient food production is constantly increasing. Methods such as cover cropping, the use of mulches and non- or minimal tillage are recommended in large-scale agriculture, yet are not typically found in standard versions of market gardening, as developed by J.M. Fortier. In order to redesign the market gardening system towards more sustainability, the advantages and disadvantages of mulching, possible allelopathic effects from cover crops and mulches, and a possible on-site production of transfer and insitu mulch, were investigated. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out and afterwards a market garden rotation including cover crops was designed. The review results suggested that positive (crop-promoting) as well as negative (crop- and weed-reducing) allelopathy from cover crops exist and are includable into the system as a form of integrated weed management system. It was found that the advantages of mulching outweigh the disadvantages and that it is possible to redesign the market garden system towards more sustainability.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Ziriko2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Ziriko, Ponsiano}, title = {Provenance influence on African Baobab (Adansonia digitata) mycorrhization potential.}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, year = {2025}, abstract = {African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) tree parts are mostly harvested for nourishment and economic purposes. However, the products are only extracted from the wild and are threatened by depletion which necessitates research into the species domestication and cultivation. Mycorrhization involves promoting foreign and native mycorrhiza linkages to improve the roots' efficiency in nutrients and moisture acquisition. While origin can impact the development of A. digitata, its impact on the species mycorrhization potential is not well understood, and was investigated in this thesis. A. digitata plants were grown from seeds of semi-arid, sub-humid and humid zone origins of Benin inside a controlled climate chamber. The seedlings from each origin received native soil, commercial mycorrhiza fungi (alternative) and control treatments. Growth parameters were determined before treatments application and at termination. Models combining the effects of treatment, zone origin, unique tree characteristics and block arrangement were used for statistics. Only seedlings of the humid zone origin had significantly higher initial leaf count than counterparts from other origins. Insignificant differences among origins and treatments were observed for all the other parameters. Inconsistent significant interaction of treatment and origins was observed for final leaf count, stem diameter, root collar diameter, fresh taproot and dry lateral root weights. The results indicated A. digitata seedlings' ability to show morphological similarities when grown under uniform conditions irrespective of the genetic variations which might exist among seedlings. These growth trends were not 1 affected by the presence of commercial and native microbes. Inconsistent interaction effects warrant further investigation to ascertain specific individual tree seedlings which might have been significantly impacted by treatments.}, language = {en} }