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| 2. |
- Chongtham Iman, Raj, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring the inner workings of design-support experiments: Lessons from 11 multi-actor experimental networks for intercrop design
- 2023
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Ingår i: European Journal of Agronomy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1161-0301 .- 1873-7331. ; 144
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- New forms of field experimentation are currently emerging to support transitions towards sustainable agricul-ture, including "multi-actor experimental networks" (MAENs). Both in public policy and in academic research, such networks are increasingly presented as a promising approach for fostering sustainable farming system design. Many studies have inventoried, categorized and compared experimental processes to discuss them in relation to contemporary issues. However, to our knowledge, these studies have not considered how MAENs can be implemented, nor their various contributions to sustainable farming systems design. The present work therefore explores the mechanisms whereby MAENs, depending on the way they are managed, support partic-ipatory design processes. Drawing on concepts from the design sciences, we studied 11 MAENs established across Europe to support intercrop (IC) design for field crops. Data on the characteristics of these 11 MAENs and their contributions to IC design were collected through individual and group interviews with the network pilots, and the study of individual MAEN documents. The analysis provides three types of results. First, we identify nine generative functions, that is, various processes through which experiments contribute to IC design, including: (i) finding one best option or highlighting contrasts between different ICs; (ii) highlighting the conditions that must be met for an IC to achieve certain effects; (iii) discovering new ICs or properties of ICs; and (iv) supporting the emergence/continuation of collective action for IC design. Second, we highlight different ways to manage MAENs, in other words ways to manage several experiments (in space and time) with a view to supporting participatory IC design. We show that this involves (i) coordinating several objects under design within a network of experiments, (ii) managing the coexistence of experiments guided by different logics in the same geographical area, and (iii) developing interactions between the experiments at a given point in time and over time to support IC design. Third, based on the previous results, we show consistency between the various con-tributions of MAENs to IC design and the different ways in which the pilots managed them, and we highlight three strategies for managing MAENs to support IC design: MAENs supporting (i) R&D-led design; (ii) farmer-led design; and (iii) distributed design. All these results provide mechanisms, points of reference, MAEN types and characteristics to inspire and foster the reflexivity of R&D actors interested in developing such participatory networks in the future.
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| 3. |
- Dhamala, Nawa Raj, et al.
(författare)
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Intercropping of oat and pea to address field-scale soil heterogeneity
- 2021
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Ingår i: Aspects of Applied Biology. - 0265-1491. ; 146, s. 275-280
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Growing grain legumes is challenging due to a high spatial and temporal variability in yield caused by various biotic and abiotic factors, which may be compensated and/or minimised by intercropping (IC) with cereals. However, little is known about the effect of field-scale soil spatial variability on competitive interactions between the IC components, resource use and crop yield performance. A field experiment was conducted to determine how intercropping (IC) of oat (Avena sativa L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) affects crop yield, and balances the field-scale heterogeneity in soil conditions compared to sole crops (SCs). The soil parameters and crop yields varied considerably across the field. The oat-pea IC showed less field-scale variability in yield and suppressed weeds more strongly than pea SC. The study will provide an important insight into how IC can address the issue of crop yield variability and weed growth arising from the variable soil conditions.
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| 4. |
- Jensen, Erik Steen, et al.
(författare)
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Diversifying European agricultural systems by intercropping grain legumes and cereals
- 2020
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Ingår i: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES. - : PONTIFICIA UNIV CATOLICA CHILE. - 2452-5731. ; 47:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- E.S. Jensen, I.R. Chongtham, N.R. Dhamala, C. Rodriguez, N. Carton, and G. Carlsson.2020. Diversifying European agricultural systems by intercropping grain legumesand cereals. Int. J. Agric. Nat. Resour. 174-186. Cropping system diversification is akey factor in developing more sustainable cropping and food systems. The agroecologicalpractice of intercropping, meaning the simultaneous cultivation of two or more species inthe same field, has recently gained renewed interest as a means of ecological intensificationin European agricultural research. We discuss some recent research developments regarding1) intercropping for ecological intensification in agroecological and conventional croppingsystems, 2) studies on nitrogen resource use by cereal-grain legume intercropping cultivation,3) the role of intercropping in the management of biotic stressors, especially weeds, and 4)intercropping as a means of creating cropping systems that are more resilient to the abioticand biotic stress associated with climate change. Finally, we propose methods for the greateradoption of intercropping in European agriculture by unlocking farming systems from upstreamand downstream barriers, with the aim of developing more sustainable agricultural and foodsystems.
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| 5. |
- Barrios Latorre, Alejandro, et al.
(författare)
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Perspectives on agroecological transition: the case of Guacheta municipality, Colombia
- 2023
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Ingår i: Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2168-3565 .- 2168-3573. ; 47, s. 382-412
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Specialization of agriculture in the Colombian Andes has increased smallholder vulnerability to climate change and global price fluctuations and has also affected the socio-economic and environmental conditions. Promoting sustainable agriculture in the region requires a holistic understanding of complex agroecosystems. This study identifies and analyzes the main challenges for agriculture and possibilities for agroecological transition of small-scale farms in Guacheta, Colombia. Using the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), 10 elements of agroecology and core performance criteria were evaluated on seven farms. Several key actors were then interviewed, to triangulate data and understand current challenges and possible future pathways. It was found that drier climate and variations in rainfall patterns pose major challenges to current production systems. Limited possibilities for participation in land governance, lack of interest in agriculture among young people, and lack of access to markets hinder the development of sustainable agriculture. Current specialized practices in dairy and potato production are associated with reduced agricultural biodiversity and dependency on agrochemicals, leading to weak synergies and low profitability within agroecosystems. Implementation of agroecological principles and practices such as crop and income diversification and promoting joint action in agricultural development could help overcome sustainability issues in Guacheta.
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| 7. |
- Chongtham Iman, Raj, et al.
(författare)
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Factors influencing crop rotation strategies on organic farms with different time periods since conversion to organic production
- 2017
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Ingår i: Biological Agriculture and Horticulture. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0144-8765 .- 2165-0616. ; 33, s. 14-27
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Productive crop rotations are central to the success of organic production systems. The selection and sequence of crops are determined by a combination of agronomic and economic factors as well as the principles and standards of organic farming. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen organic farmers in Central-east Sweden to explore the factors that influence the design of crop rotations and the trade-offs between these factors, taking into account the length of time since conversion to organic production. We discerned three crop rotation strategies: strict, flexible and liberal, based on how crop(s) are repeated over time. A major trade-off for arable farmers was between perennial leys to provide nitrogen and control weeds, and the use of more inputs such as purchased nutrients and mechanical weed control to allow continuous cereal production. Critical considerations for livestock farmers were the length of ley for feed production and weed control, cost of re-seeding leys and decisions about whether to grow crops to feed animals or cereals to sell. Farmers practicing organic for a long time (more than 10years) often had flexible rotations to adapt to changing conditions, but they generally included leys and a selection of annual crops in line with the principles of crop rotation and organic farming. Recently converted organic farmers usually concentrated on controlling weeds and producing sufficient livestock feed by following strict crop rotations. We conclude that farm type and experience strongly influenced rotation strategies and that weed management and market prices were the most important influences.
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| 8. |
- Chongtham Iman, Raj
(författare)
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Identification and description of relationships between actors involved in crop diversification experiences across Europe
- 2023
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Ingår i: Agronomy for Sustainable Development. - 1774-0746 .- 1773-0155. ; 43
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Agriculture can benefit from crop diversification to facilitate its transition to more sustainable agrifood systems. However, these practices remain rare in Europe. One major barrier is the existence of sociotechnical lock-ins. To clarify the dynamics at work, we analyzed the relationships between actors involved in 23 crop diversification experiences across 11 European countries. The novelty of this paper lies in the systemic analysis of the network of actors involved in crop diversification experiences. Using data from qualitative interviews and cognitive mapping approaches, we identify and describe the role of actors and the key relationships in crop diversification and detect relationships that are currently missing. Our study shows that in the different European countries, similar relationships act as levers or barriers to crop diversification, with farmers and researchers playing a crucial role. The most important cognitive factors that influence the choice of farmers to diversify are environmental and health concerns and the desire to make profit and innovate. We relate the cognitive factors to organizational, technical, economic, and political factors and suggest levers for crop diversification based on successful crop diversification experiences.
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| 9. |
- Chongtham Iman, Raj, et al.
(författare)
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Translating the multi-actor approach to research into practice using a workshop approach focusing on species mixtures
- 2021
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Ingår i: Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering. - 2095-7505 .- 2095-977X. ; 8, s. 460-473
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The EIP-Agri multiactor approach was exemplified during a 3-day workshop with 63 project participants from the EU H2020 funded project "Redesigning European cropping systems based on species MIXtures". The objective was to share firsthand experience of participatory research among researchers who were mostly not familiar with this approach. Workshop participants were divided into smaller multidisciplinary groups and given the opportunity to interact with representatives from eight actor positions in the value chain of the agrifood cooperative Terrena located in Western France. The four stages of the workshop were: (1) key actor interviews, (2) sharing proposed solutions for overcoming barriers, and (3) developing possible interdisciplinary concepts. Expressions of frustration were recorded serving both as a motivation for group members to become more aware of the scientific concerns and practices of their colleagues, as well as a recognition that some researchers have better skills integrating qualitative approaches than others. Nevertheless, the workshop format was an effective way to gain a common understanding of the pertinent issues that need to be addressed to meet overall multiactor-approach objectives. Working with the actor networks was identified and emphasized as a means to overcome existing barriers between academia and practice in order to coproduce a shared vision of the benefits of species mixture benefits. (C) The Author(s) 2021. Published by Higher Education Press.
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| 10. |
- Chongtham Iman, Raj
(författare)
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Understanding crop and farm management : links to farm characteristics, productivity, biodiversity, marketing channels and perceptions of climate change
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Agriculture faces challenges in meeting rising demand for food, feed, fibre and fuel while coping with pressure from globalisation, limited natural resources and climate change. Farmers will choose management practices based on their goals and available resources and these practices will influence farm performance. The aim of this thesis was to understand farmers’ crop and farm management practices and their links to farm(er) characteristics, productivity, biodiversity, marketing channels and perceptions of climate change. Specific objectives were to i) identify factors influencing crop choice and crop rotations on organic farms, ii) evaluate effects of management practices on barley performance indicators, iii) investigate farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change, and iv) explore linkages between marketing channels, farm characteristics and biodiversity. Information from semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire, barley growth and yield indicators and biodiversity records were used. In total, 31 farms (9 conventional, 22 organic) were studied in the Uppland province in Sweden. Crop choice and rotation on organic farms were mainly determined by price, need for feed, traditions, biophysical factors and environmental concerns. Arable farmers often grew cereals for their profitability, and their crop choices resulted in rotations that required intensive management to maintain high yields. Barley grain yield was significantly higher on conventional than organic farms, suggesting that chemical fertilisers and herbicides are more effective than organic manures or good crop rotations. Several older farmers (>50 years) perceived a change in climate that they associated with longer growing seasons, extreme weather events and more pests and weeds. To deal with weather variability and climate change, organic farmers tended to use proactive approaches such as crop rotation and diversification, while many conventional farmers shifted sowing and harvesting time and used more crop protection. Farmers sold their products through local, distant and a combination of marketing channels. Farmers selling locally tended to have smaller farms with higher biodiversity than farmers using distant marketing channels. This thesis demonstrates that management practices are often influenced by farmers’ goals, experience and farm characteristics. Combining qualitative and quantitative research contributes to better understanding of management practices and their links with farm characteristics, crop yield, climate change adaptation, marketing and farm biodiversity. This knowledge will be useful in regional policies, farm advisory and training.
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