Moving towards sustainable agriculture: agroecology

How does agroecology work? 

Although there are numerous techniques and approaches in agroecology, two practices are particularly favored by farmers transitioning to this system and looking to adopt more sustainable cultivation methods. 

Agroecology and organic farming 

Organic farming is now formalized by strict and institutionalized standards. Among the commitments presented, notable ones include the ban on the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs, as well as the requirement to limit the use of inputs in crops. 

Agroecology and Permaculture 

Permaculture is based on using plants according to their natural properties to interact with cultivated varieties and complement them. This method helps limit the invasion of certain pests and ensures essential nutrients for the healthy growth of crops. 

The same principle applies when integrating trees with crops or livestock. This practice is known as agroforestry. 

What is an agroecological practice? 

Unlike organic farming, the techniques recommended in agroecology do not yet have official specifications in France. Nonetheless, this method of more rational cultivation is based on several fundamental principles. Here, we present some of the recommended agroecological practices and systems. 

1/ Limit Soil Erosion

• Plant covers – Whether sown or spontaneous, cover crops ensure the soil is not left bare after harvesting and plowing. This practice offers many advantages, such as the addition of organic matter, preservation of nutrients, and biodiversity conservation. 
• Grassing the row or inter-row – Permanent grassing of plots and crops improves the soil’s structure and bearing capacity. 

2/ Improve Soil Fertility

• Lengthening crop rotation – Unlike monoculture, diversifying rotation interferes with pest cycles and reduces the need for inputs.  
• Use of biostimulants  –  These organic and innovative solutions  promote plant growth and enhance the soil’s biological activity for better yield. 

3/ Preserve Water Resources

• Mulching – According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), mulching involves covering arable land with plants to increase soil organism activity. 
• Dry summer crop cultivation – By conducting semi-early crops, it is easier to utilize water reserves to ensure harvest yields. 

4/ Promote Genetic Diversity

• Self-production of farmers‘ seeds – Within an agroecological farm, producingfarmers‘ seeds helps maintain cultivated biodiversity. 
• Companion plants or associated crops – This principle of permaculture involves planting varieties that interact positively with each other to enhance yield quality and repel certain pests without using pesticides. 

5/ Adapt to climate change

• Diversification of cultivated varieties and species: As climate adaptation requires the development of biodiversity, agroecology promotes the establishment of heterogeneous crops within the same farm. 
• The use of biostimulants to combat abiotic stress : Climate change severely impacts plants by subjecting them to various abiotic stresses, including thermal stress, water stress, soil salinity, and nutrient deficiencies. Agriculture aligned with current ecological challenges therefore aims to combat abiotic stress  in a natural and effective way. Biostimulants effectively fulfill this role by making crops more resistant and resilient to climate fluctuations. 

6/ Reduce the use of phytosanitary products

• Limiting the use of pesticides: Synthetic chemical products have harmful effects on the environment when used excessively.  
• The use of alternative solutions : More environmentally friendly, biocontrol solutions  based on natural active ingredients improve crop quality and optimize agricultural yields. These solutions are particularly effective in limiting the use of phytosanitary products. 

These agricultural practices perfectly align with the goals of agroecology in France and worldwide, aiming to achieve food stability while fully engaging in an environmental preservation approach. 

With a comprehensive approach and the scientific knowledge we now have about nature and its functions, the challenge of respecting natural ecosystems, engaging in sustainable development practices, and considering the social and economic dimensions inherent to agriculture, now seems more accessible and achievable than ever.