Basic knowledge of Enology

main objectives

Crop experiments are crucial for the design of innovative cropping systems and agroecological practices in order to guide the transition of agricultural systems towards a higher sustainability and resilience. This transition also involves changes in experimental conditions (higher uncertainties, complexity of agroecosystems) and methods (the need for local references, adaptative management, participatory approaches, multi-actor approaches…). Different types of experiments (factorial, system experiments, field networks…) (Lechenet et al., 2017) have to be combined and used in interaction with other non-experimental approaches (co-design workshops, empirical knowledge…) (Catalogna et al., 2018). Many agronomists are involved either in designing and/or conducting crop experiments, interpreting their results or converting the results into decision tools, models and technical guides for farmers and advisers. The course teaches the theory and skills involved in crop experiments to prepare future agronomists to initiate and contribute to an experimental approach at different steps. Emphasis is on acquiring advanced skills in designing an appropriate experimental approach in response to a given question while taking into account different objectives and constraints, understanding the different types of experiments (interests, limits), analyzing different experimental designs, using spatial statistics to analyze and manage spatial heterogeneity, using experimental data to build a decision tool.

general content

Six main topics are studied:,• Framework and different steps of an experimental approach (research questions, state of the art, hypothesis…),• Different experimental approaches: factorial experiments, system experiments, field networks,• Experimental designs: randomized block design, split plots, criss cross,..,• Spatial heterogeneity, spatial statistics,• Use of experimental data to build and adapt decision tools and models,• Use of empirical and expert knowledge in connection with non-experimental approaches to design innovations,

pedagogy

• Lectures,• Visits of experimental platforms,• Conferences,• Computer practical work,• Illustrations of experimental works from the research activities carried out by lecturers and phD students from ESA-INRAE research units,• External experts on experimental approaches from various research units and technical institutes,• Project-based learning is central in this unit, putting lessons directly into practice. Students (groups of 4-6) propose and discuss experimental approaches for a multi-actor research-development project in response to an existing scope of work for the design of innovative crop systems.,

evaluation

Written exam on experimental methods,Written report on the proposal (framework) and oral defense ,

Bibliography

Lechenet, M., Deytieux, V., Antichi, D., Aubertot, J., Barberi, P., Bertrand, M., Cellier, V., Charles, R., Colnenne-david, C., Dachbrodt-saaydeh, S., Debaeke, P., Dore, T., Farcy, P., Fernandez-quintanilla, C., Grandeau, G., Hawes, C., Jouy, L., Justes, E., Kierzek, R., Kudsk, P., Ram, J., Mazzoncini, M., Melander, B., Messean, A., Moonen, A., Newton, A.C., Nolot, J., Panozzo, S., Retaureau, P., Sattin, M., Schwarz, J., Toque, C., Vasileiadis, V.P., Munier-jolain, N., 2017. Diversity of methodologies to experiment Integrated Pest Management in arable cropping systems : Analysis and reflections based on a European network. Eur. J. Agron. 83, 86–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2016.09.012,,Catalogna, M., Dubois, M. & Navarrete, M. Diversity of experimentation by farmers engaged in agroecology. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 38, 50 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-018-0526-2,,