The projects we support are
our windows to the world.

The projects we support are
our windows to the world.

What We Support

Project Insights

The goal of our public relations work is to make our current activities and exemplary projects more visible. That’s why the people and initiatives that we support take center stage, both in our print publications and on our website. Lighthouse projects both large and small are given a special place.

Here, we provide short updates that reveal current happenings among our projects. In addition, we present in-depth reports and interviews that create a vivid picture of the initiatives that our foundation is privileged to enable and support.

To make this possible, our public relations team visits many of the projects together with the responsible project managers and gets to know the organizations and people on location.

We hope that these reports, in text and image, help to orient engaged individuals regarding possible support from the Software AG Foundation (SAGST) – and encourage them to tread new paths.

Project Partner Earthworm: Bioland Research Project "VermiSoilBiome"

A handful of compost
Photo: C. Fischer

One-sided agricultural land use is leading to a dramatic decline in the fertile humus layer worldwide. Recent findings on the central role of the soil microbiome and its countless microorganisms have increased the demand for microbially effective fertilizers. This is precisely where the three-year research project launched by the Bioland Foundation in September 2024 comes in. In cooperation with the Helmholtz Center Munich and the TUM School of Life Sciences in Weihenstephan, it is investigating how vermicompost can contribute to the careful use of the soil microbiome. The aim is to develop inexpensive yet highly effective methods for natural plant strengthening that also contribute to humus formation.

In contrast to conventional thermal composting processes, vermicomposting uses compost worms to decompose organic materials. This eliminates the need for expensive and labor-intensive processes such as turning the rotting material. Instead, the worms work their way through the substrate in layers, leaving behind a particularly humus-rich compost. This method is not only suitable for farms, but can also be used in small balcony systems or large, automated compost systems.

"Earthworms have been doing their work in natural cycles for 200 million years - more efficiently and sustainably than any industrial process," explains SAGST project manager Anne Bresser. "Our project aims to show how vermicompost can be used as a sustainable method of soil improvement worldwide. Because we need a more resilient agriculture that relies on the strength of nature instead of being dependent on industrial preparations."

Studies are currently underway on five organic farms in Germany, including the biodynamic Schönberghof farm in Rosenfeld (Zollernalb district). As part of the study, the microbial composition of vermicompost is being analyzed and compared with other compost. This will be followed by container trials in the greenhouse to determine the optimal forms of application for the barley crop. In a final step, field trials will test the long-term effects on soil fertility. All trial phases should be completed by summer 2027 - with the aim of providing practical solutions for farmers.


A pilot project at the Arlesheim Clinic shows that many medical treatments do not necessarily have to take place in hospital, but can also be carried out at home - with considerable added value, and not just in medical terms. The Arlesheim "Hospital at Home" model is now to be incorporated into standard care in the Baselland region.


The Dummersdorfer Ufer nature reserve offers a diverse habitat for numerous rare plant and animal species. This historic cultural landscape near Lübeck is also home to the "Bergwichtel" nature kindergarten , whose nature education concept has been promoting meaningful activities in a strong community for many years.


Manfred Klett, co-founder of the Dottenfelderhof in Bad Vilbel and one of the outstanding pioneers of the biodynamic movement, passed away on April 2 at the age of 91. Together with his family and the international Demeter community, the Software AG Foundation (SAGST) mourns the loss of an inspiring pioneer whose work is also closely associated with SAGST.


A reliable legal framework for state and independent schools is essential for equal opportunities and democratic education. The Institut für Bildungsrecht und Bildungsforschung e. V. (IfBB) carries out groundbreaking fundamental work in this field.