LEVA research unit: Legumes, Crop Ecophysiology, Agroecology - L'ESA, Ecole Supérieure d'Agricultures basée à Angers

The program

RESEARCH TOPICS TEAM AND ORGANISATION FACILITIES KEY WORDS

With a strong background in agronomy, plant ecophysiology, soil biology and statistics, the multi-disciplinary team develops research questions in the field of agro-ecology. In a context of climate change and ecological intensification, LEVA is interested in the management of innovative and productive cropping systems, in particular to improve nitrogen autonomy and reduce dependence on herbicides.

The lecturer-researchers of the team:

are particularly interested in the study of biological processes that would improve the agronomic and environmental performances of innovative cropping systems that are less dependent on nitrogen fertilisers and herbicides.
whose work on the design and management of annual legume crop associations is recognised at the international level, pay particular attention to the competitive and complementary interactions between species as regards the acquisition of nitrogen and light, atmospheric nitrogen fixation, rhizodeposition and nitrogen transfers within intercrops in order to improve the management of nitrogen resources at the level of the field, of farm and within rotation, as well as weed control.
are also interested in the interactions between plants and soil organisms to improve crop performance, quality of organic matter and soil fertility.
in collaboration with other teams, study the technical lock-in and the conditions for the adoption of these innovations within their farm (socio-technical system).

LEVA is developing a soil biological activity indicator, the LEVAbag. In particular, it is a means of diagnosing the ability of organic matter to degrade in agricultural soils. Contact : LEVAbag@groupe-esa.com

The program

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