ropical and Mediterranean Cropping System Functioning and Management
he unit generates knowledge and tools for use in assessing, steering and developing cropping systems. It is particularly interested in integrated input management and in using the biodiversity of cultivated species to ensure consistent agronomic performance in terms of both yields and quality, while keeping environmental risks (water pollution, erosion, biodiversity degradation) to a minimum
Its studies cover cropping systems based on herbaceous and woody perennial crops (banana in the former case and grape vines, timber trees, palms and rubber in the latter). They centre on comparing monoculture and intercropping systems: relay crops, intercrops and agroforestry. Research is also under way on annual crop-based systems, using agroecological techniques in establishing crop management sequences involving very low use of chemical inputs.