Ralf Bloch

Ralf Bloch is a Professor at Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, specializing in Agroecology and Sustainable Cropping Systems. He leads the MSc program in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems and directs the Teaching and Research Station Wilmersdorf.

• Education: Diplom in Landscape Use & Conservation (1998-2003), PhD in Ecological Agricultural Sciences (2016)

His research focuses on climate change adaptation in organic agriculture, agroforestry systems, digital knowledge systems (DAKIS2), and innovative soil management practices. He emphasizes participatory methods, ecosystem service provision, and sustainable intensification strategies.

Recent publications highlight climate-resilient legume systems, robotic weed control in organic sugar beet cultivation, and digital decision support tools for multifunctional landscapes. Key sub-fields include agroforestry education, nitrogen dynamics, and semi-arid forage crop analysis.

• Scientific Awards: Forschungsstadt Müncheberg Förderpreis (2016), Johannes Schubert Preis (2003)

Bloch coordinates long-term projects like KARO (2024-2027) and Ackerbau(m) (2017-present), a real-world laboratory for agroforestry systems. He collaborates with institutions such as ZALF and ZHAW, integrating digitalization with ecological practices.