Agriculture

History of the Agricultural Center Limburgerhof

At BASF we have been supporting food production and farmers for more than 110 years. Explore the milestones of our history.

Fertilizer and Nitrogen Milestones

Nitrogen from the factory on the field. In order to put this revolutionary development to the test in practice, BASF opened a research site in Limburgerhof in 1914. The rest is history and a success story. The Agricultural Research Station dedicated all its attention to this innovative technology and stimulated the development of the entire company. Today, it is a modern research center, operating as the Agricultural Center Limburgerhof.

1914

Gamechanger

More food for the world’s population
With ammonia synthesis, BASF creates the basis for the industrial production of mineral fertilizers – and thus for higher yields.

1927

World premiere

Easy to spread and full of nutrients
BASF launches Nitrophoska, the first homogeneous compound fertilizer.

Today

Highest efficiency

Less emissions, more yield
BASF promotes nitrogen management with its Vizura^® and Limus^® stabilizers.

Crop Protection Milestones

End of the 1940s

Groundbreaking

New approach in the fields

BASF initiates the era of chemical crop protection with the herbicide U46.

1974

International

Entering new markets
The selective herbicide Basagran^® is also effective in rice and soybeans. The growth regulator Pix^® scores in cotton – and promotes the development of BASF’s agricultural division in the USA.

1993 - today

Successful

30 excellent years!

Our solutions and products such as fungicides, herbicides and insecticides are in great demand among farmers.

Seeds & Traits Milestones

1992

All clear!

Securing the future, even with traditional breeding

The Clearfield^®production system combines herbicides with herbicide-tolerant seeds – for corn, oilseed rape and sunflowers, for example.

1995

Strong, stronger, Stoneville

What genetic engineering can do
Stoneville^® introduces BXN, the world’s first genetically modified cotton variety resistant to the herbicide bromoxynil.

Since 2018

Supreme seeds!

Expanding the product portfolio

BASF establishes a new global business for seeds and traits with brands such as Nunhems^® (vegetables), InVigor^®(canola), Credenz^®(soybeans) as well as FiberMax^® and Stoneville^®(cotton).

Digital Milestones

2000

Simply digital

Welcome to the digital future

xarvio^® Digital Farming Solutions help to manage fields more efficiently and sustainably. Just as it should be: very simple.

2017

This can be managed

Solutions - smart and solid
Farmers can optimize their crop production with xarvio^® FIELD MANAGER – reliably and efficiently.

2023

(Almost) incredibly ingenious!

Precision through cooperation

Detect weeds in milliseconds and treat them efficiently and precisely at once – ONE SMART SPRAY takes weed control to a new level. The smart solution is the result of a joint venture with Bosch. Two experienced global players for maximum precision and efficiency!

Holistic Solutions in Focus

In the 21 century

A changing world

From a single product to a complete solution

Climate change, changing consumer behavior, increased regulatory pressure: BASF no longer just focuses on products, but develops first integrated solutions to grow crops more sustainably and successful.

2013

Thinking further and broader

Protect and revitalize
The products of the AgCelence^®umbrella brand combine effective plant protection with improved plant physiology. The benefits: plants are healthier, stronger and more stress-resistant.

Today

Solutions fit for the future

Much more than crop protection

BASF Agricultural Solutions is a leader in seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control, sustainability models and digital farming.