Fields of Activity

Our research and policy advice focuses on the topic of "Climate change mitigation measures in agriculture". We analyze and evaluate which climate change mitigation measures in agriculture are efficient and effective as well as the significance of peat soils and humus formation for climate change objectives. The following central research and consultancy areas are established at the institute:

Emission inventories

Scientific accounting for climate change mitigation and air pollution control

Gaseous nitrogen emissions

We measure, analyze and model how nitrogen emissions in agriculture that have an impact on the climate and the environment are produced and released. The focus here is on reducing emissions of nitrous oxide and ammonia.

Soil organic matter

We measure, analyze and model how site characteristics, agricultural land use and management measures affect the quantity and properties of soil organic matter. Another research focus is on the nationwide soil monitoring.

Peatland research

We measure, analyze and model greenhouse gas emissions from differently used peat soils in open land and evaluate the impact of location, hydrology and climate protection measures.

The organisation chart shows our four central areas of research and scientific policy advice as well as our analytical and administrative service groups with contact persons. — Organisation chart of the Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture

Each of these four central research and consultancy areas is subdivided into thematic focuses. In addition, there are the methodologically designated working areas Monitoring Network for greenhouse gases ICOS and Modelling, Regionalization, Data Science, which work across different thematic areas, as well as the laboratories and the secretariat as central service units.

Research Infrastructure for Greenhouse Gas Monitoring – ICOS

We coordinate the German contribution to the European monitoring network for greenhouse gases ICOS (Integrated Caron Observation System). The methodological focus is on micrometeorological measurement procedures.

Regionalization, Modelling, Data Science

We model and regionalize climate-impacting emissions from soils and changes in soil carbon stocks. Influences of climate, soil properties, land management, land use and policy measures on climate-impacting processes in soils are evaluated.