On the origin and meaning of the German word Luft and some meteorological terms concerning atmospheric water, especially fog

The English and French word “air” is derived from the Latin aer, which comes from the Greek άήρ. In contrast, the German word “Luft” is a common Proto-Germanic word; in Old English “ lift” and “ lyft”. The word Luft (also Danish, Swedish and Norwegian) is associated with brightness; the German Licht (light), an air (in an atmospheric sense) without fog or clouds. Air and water were originally “elements” in ancient Greek and were transmutable; they represented two kinds of the “ layer of mist” (atmosphere). Dark or thick air was mist or cloud, hiding the gods (who lived in the upper air or sky; the aether). Different terms are presented that describe fog and clouds in connection with the history of the process of understanding. Finally, the word Luft (air) as a term for gaseous chemical compounds (“ kinds of gases”) is discussed. In addition to the German, all terms are given in Greek, Latin, English and French

Strukturen landwirtschaftlicher Biogasproduktion im ökologischen Landbau in Deutschland

The relevance of biogas on organic farms is increasing. To analyse the structures, development and importance of biogas production in the organic sector, telephone-based and face-to-face interviews have been carried out on more than 80 plant managers. Today at least 120 biogas plants with an electrical power of 15-20 MWel are installed. Since 2005 the number of biogas plants has increased by about 1/3, the electrical power by about 64%. Most of the plants are located on forage cropping farms, but at currently more and more so-called biogas farms have come into existence. The main reasons for acquiring biogas – beside generation income from electricity sales - are positive effects on crop production, upgrading of organic fertilis-ers and a sensible use of grass/clover and grassland. The acquisition of substrates and the use of maize have a great importance in organic farming

Vergleich von Nutzungsoptionen extensiven Ökogrünlands – Eine stochastische Risikoanalyse

As agri-environmental schemes often do not provide sufficient financial compensa-tion for an environmentally sound management of semi-natural grasslands, this study intended to identify ecologically and economically sustainable grassland management options, as well as their respective risk potentials. Economic and risk analyses of organic bio-energy, animal husbandry and landscape maintenance systems indicate, that the newly developed IFBB-System (Integrated Generation of Solid Fuel and Biogas from Biomass) as an add-on system to a customary biogas plant exhibits the most risk-stable and economically exquisite land use system. The regarded animal husbandry system relies on optimal framework conditions, while landscape maintenance systems below the line are costly preservation measures, displaying a low risk potential, however

BIOGASPRODUKTION IM ÖKOLOGISCHEN LANDBAU – CHANCEN UND HERAUSFORDERUNGEN AUS BETRIEBSWIRTSCHAFTLICHER SICHT –

Viele ökologisch wirtschaftende Betriebe sehen in der Biogaserzeugung Chancen für positive Einkommenseffekte. Kritische Stimmen weisen aber auch auf die Probleme hin, die eine wirtschaftlich sinnvolle Biogasproduktion in Frage stellen. Analysen zur Wirtschaftlichkeit zeigen, dass der Betriebszweig Biogas positive Kapitalrenditen erwirtschaften kann, jedoch sehr sensitiv auf Änderungen der Rahmenbedingungen reagiert und mit einem hohen Risiko verbunden ist. Im Ökolandbau gibt es spezifische fördernde und hemmende Argumente gegenüber der Biogaserzeugung, sie ist aber auch im Ökolandbau realisierbar. Pro und Contra decken eine weite Spanne von Argumenten ab. Die elektrische Leistung neuer Anlagen ist unwesentlich geringer als in konventionellen Biogasanlagen. Die Rohstoffbasis sind häufig organische Dünger, NaWaRo werden zunehmend eingesetzt. Innerbetriebliche Leistungen sind ein wichtiges Element und müssen sachgerecht in die Kosten-Leistungsrechnung integriert werden. Wärmenutzungskonzepte für externen Wärmeverkauf und angepasste Anlagetypen sind zu entwickeln

Zugpferdeeinsatz in der Landwirtschaft: Motivation, Arbeitszeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit

In recent years a growing interest in using draft horses for farm work in Germany and Europe can be observed. However, precise data concerning the performance of modern horse-drawn technology are currently rarely available. In a field study labor time requirements were measured on four farms and one market garden with regular use of draft horses. In addition, farm managers were interviewed in order to learn about their intentions to use draft horses nowadays. On the basis of the gathered data, area performance (ha/h) and total labor time requirements (AKh/ha) of several field procedures were processed. A comparison with current tractor data shows that although the tractor performs better in all field procedures, there are merely little differences in crop cultivation such as pasture or weed harrowing. Considering all arising costs the use of draft horses can, under certain conditions, even achieve a better profitability than the use of a comparable tractor

Flächenleistung und Arbeitserledigungskosten im Dammkultursystem im Ver-gleich zu einem optimierten Pflugsystem im ökologischen Landbau

Cultivation methods in organic farming are controversial discussed as the traditional ploughing system faces a variety of disadvantages, especially with regard to soil con-servation. To address these problems a mound cultivation system has been devel-oped. This paper presents a case study (on-farm-research) combined with expert interviews and economic modelling results. The aims of the study are to identify the most important cost driver, to calculate the cost of mound cultivation with regard to energy consumption and labour costs and to formulate conditions where this system is economically viable. Experience from on-farm-research and modelling show that the system is in particular suitable for large farms where the field labour organisation is a challenge. Mound cultivation means less time needs, less energy consumption, better soil conservation (erosion), and better conditions for catch crops

On the Economics of Organic Grassland and Alternative Bio-energy Systems – A Risk Modelling Approach

Organic farming enterprises manage their grasslands mostly extensively, often participating in nature preservation schemes. On extensive or semi-natural grassland sites, the profitability of grassland utilisation with customary processing procedures like dairy or suckler cow farming is often realized insufficiently, however. As the global demand for sustainable energy supplies increases, the newly developed IFBB-technique (Integrated Generation of Solid Fuel and Biogas from Biomass) could exhibit an alternative grassland utilisation by using plant cover from extensive grasslands for the generation of renewable energies whilst preserving valuable grassland habitats, without competing against land for food production. A survey amongst farmers in the low mountain range of Vogelsberg, Germany, identified general frameworks of extensive grassland management as well as incentives and objections for an implementation of the IFBB technology at single farm level. Calculations of processing values of grassland in different procedures of animal husbandry, landscape maintenance and bio-energy production indicate that the utilisation of extensively managed grassland in alternative bio-energy systems could exhibit the most favourable land use option for organic semi-natural grassland management. These results are verified by a risk modelling approach

Energie vom extensiven Grünland? - Alternative Bioenergiesysteme im Öko-Landbau

Ökologische wirtschaftende Betriebe bewirtschaften zumeist extensives Grünland und nehmen in diesem Zusammenhang oft an Agrarumweltprogrammen teil. Auf extensiven Grünlandstandorten ist die Wirtschaftlichkeit herkömmlicher Produktionsverfahren wie Milchvieh- oder Mutterkuhhaltung jedoch oft nur unzureichend gegeben. Das neu entwickelte IFBB-Verfahren (Integrierte Festbrennstoff- und Biogasproduktion aus Biomasse) könnte eine alternative Nutzung des Extensivgrünlands für die Erzeugung erneuerbarer Energien aus extensivem Grünaufwuchs darstellen. Eine Expertenbefragung unter Landwirten im Vogelsbergkreis, Hessen, konnte Rahmenbedingungen des extensiven Grünlandmanagements sowie Vor- und Nachteile der Einführung des IFBB-Verfahrens auf einzelbetrieblicher Ebene identifizieren. Auf der Grundlage der ermittelten Daten deutet die Berechnung von Veredelungswerten von je zwei Tierhaltungs-, Bioenergie- und Landschaftspflegeverfahren an, dass extensives Grünland neben den Landschaftspflegeverfahren besonders wirtschaftlich in alternativen Bioenergieverfahren eingesetzt werden kann

Fairness and satisfaction in business relationships: results of a survey among Swiss organic farmers and buyers

This paper presents results of a standardized online survey among Suisse organic farmers and their buyers on fairness and satisfaction in business relations. A majority of participating Suisse organic farmers and buyers are satisfied with their business relationships. Farmers not only expect their buyers to pay fair prices but also to act consistently, be transparent and invest in good personal relations. Buyers expect their agricultural suppliers to provide high quality products, be reliable and transparent while fair prices are mentioned less frequently. Especially regarding perceived fair payments by business partners, this slightly differing perspective between farmers and buyers can also be observed. Presented measurement items of an adapted organizational justice scale in agricultural buyer supplier relationships can be used for further analysis

Faire Abnehmer-Lieferantenbeziehungen im Schweizer Bio-landbau: Erwartungen und Zufriedenheit der Handelspartner

This paper presents first results of a standardized online survey among Suisse organic farmers and their buyers on business relations. Participating organic farmers not only expect their buyers to pay fair prices but also to act consistently, be transparent and invest in good personal relations. Buyers expect their agricultural suppliers to provide high product quality products, be reliable and transparent while fair prices are mentioned less frequently. Many of the statements given by both farmers and buyers reflect aspects of the organizational justice theory as well as a related Bio Suisse code of conduct. A majority of Suisse organic farmers and buyers are satisfied with their business relationships