Fundamentals of agroecology

After defining intensive agriculture and analyzing its risks and benefits, this module will enable students to reflect on the various possible avenues for developing agriculture using an agroecological approach. Examples such as biopesticides, ecological intensification, and soil management will be explored. A visit to a company working towards sustainable agriculture is also organized. The site visited varies from year to year depending on student preferences and company availability. Examples of visits made as part of this module include Bayer, Vilmorin, Geves, CTIFL, and sudExpé.

Licensed.

Students will be asked to present a project or business plan that develops innovative proposals to change farming practices or any other use of plant products in order to reduce environmental impact.

Knowledge

• Understanding the basics of intensive agriculture: its strengths and weaknesses
• Understanding the basics of levers that can be used in agroecology
• Understanding the basics and benefits of growing plants in contaminated environments  

Know-how

• Knowing how to read and understand a scientific article and a meta-analysis

Interpersonal skills

• Developing an entrepreneurial spirit in the field of agroecology.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 7.5

            TD: 9

            Land: 3

 Fundamentals of Plant Physiology