Gladbacherhof

The teaching and research unit Gladbacherhof at the Villmar site primarily serves research and teaching in the field of organic farming. It covers 100 ha arable land and 60 ha permant grassland. Its task is the production of seeds of all important cereals, seed potato production and animal feed in a way that is as environmentally and resource-friendly as possible. This requires management that is more strongly based on the internal nutrient cycles on the farm and uses self-regulating forces on the farm as far as possible. This includes the preservation and creation of a richly structured cultural landscape with its ecologically valuable animal and plant communities.

90 cows are held as well as own calf and heifer rearing is pursued. The female calves are reared for breeding and fattening and the males are sold to the mast. In addition, 100 laying hens live on the domain. Among other things, the scientists deal with issues of crop rotation and soil cultivation, the availability of phosphorus in the soil, the effect of biogas manure on soil, plant and environment, and the health and performance of dairy cows in organic farming.