The program
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
A multi-disciplinary team with expertise in:
- Agronomy of a plot of land and of a cropping system, Agro-ecology, Functional ecology (pedofauna, plant ecology), Plant physiology, Statistics;
- Measurement of nitrogen streams in the atmosphere-plant-soil continuum (atmospheric nitrogen fixation and rhizodeposition), isotopic methods, monitoring of root growth, etc.
To carry out its research, LEVA performs experiments in climate chambers, in a greenhouse and in the field, as well as using modelling. In particular, it adapts models according to the conduct of legume associations. It participates in the development of methods and tools for evaluating innovations (multi-criteria analysis, life cycle analyses and soil biological activity indicators).
The LEVA research unit has among others at its disposal:
- a greenhouse and two climate chambers
- a lorry fitted out as a laboratory and equipment for taking measurements on site and taking samples in plots of land with contrasting agronomic conditions, at the sites of its technical partners and farmers
- equipment for taking soil samples
- a near infrared Fourrier transform spectrometer
- an oximeter
- a nitrogen residue analysis system (continuous flow)
- a fibre analyser
- a crushing chain
- incubators
- a threshing machine
LEVA is present on two sites: at ESA (55 rue Rabelais, Angers) and on the Plant Campus (42 rue Georges Morel, Beaucouzé).
Field crops and seed crops with high added value (carrot – fescue, etc.), All types of agriculture (conventional – organic, etc.), nitrogen rhizodeposition, legume association, etc.
Consultancy Services
LEVA’s scientific and technical expertise is in agro-ecological innovation in the area of cropping systems in the context of an agriculture combining productivity and high environmental value:
- Interest of legumes for low input cropping systems;
- Introduction of new crops into agro-systems;
- Multi-criteria evaluation of innovative cropping systems (agronomic, environmental and socio-economic);
- Measurement of biological fixation and nitrogenous rhizodeposition by crops;
- Characterisation of biological activity of soil;
- Support methodology for innovation and identification of the levers for optimising cropping systems; and
- Transfer to teaching and to the profession.
Study programmes
The lecturer-researchers of the LEVA are very much involved in education at the master’s level, in particular the training of the ESA engineers (Plant Production and Agro-ecology Major), European AgroEcos Master and the Master 2 BioVIGPA research.
The LEVA research unit is the host laboratory for the doctoral school VENAM (Végétal, Environnement, Nutrition, Agroalimentaire, Mer (Plant, Environment, Nutrition, Food Processing, Sea)).
The Unit can accommodate interns at the end of engineering studies or Master 2.
Partners
- Transatlantic: University of Saskatoon (Canada).
- Principal partners in Europe: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), James Hutton Institute (UK), University de Novi Sad (SR).
- In France: UMR 211 Agronomie, UMR 1347 Agroécologie, UMR 1248 AGIR, UMR 1345 IRHS, UMR 950 EVA, UR P3F, UMR 6230 CEISAM, UMR Eco&Sols, UMR 1349 IGEPP, ISARA Lyon.
- Timac Agro, Bejo Production, Terrena, Abbottagra, CAPL.
- Member of the Innovative Cropping Systems Mixed Technological Unit
- Terres Inovia, Chambers of Agricultures, Thorigné d’Anjou experimental farm, FNAMS, ITAB, OFSV, Arvalis – the French arable crops R&D institute.
- BASE network.
- Pôle Agronomique Ouest (Western Agronomic Cluster), ́ Végépolys and Valorial Competitive Clusters.