Research Projects
Each year, IRDA's R&D Team conducts more than one hundred research projects in sustainable agriculture. What's more, IRDA is working with Quebec's key agricultural stakeholders to find concrete solutions.
Île d’Orléans farmers rally to tackle water shortage
This project aims to explore and experiment new approaches and ways to preserve, develop, and enhance the MRC’s bio-food sector, and reduce or eliminate the water deficit on the island.
Researchers: Carl Boivin Stéphane Godbout
Improving potato crop water-use efficiency by developing a deeper understanding of cultivars
The selection of a cultivar should be an essential element in any sound irrigation management strategy. This project aims to optimize water use in potato farming.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Improving potato crop water-use efficiency through cropping system modifications
Modifying the cropping system design is an effective way to improve potato crop water-use efficiency and, thereby, lessen the risk of crops experiencing water stress.
Researchers: Carl Boivin Luc Belzile
Developing an organic farming protocol for young vegetable shoots: a multidisciplinary approach
This project will help lead to the development of an organic farming system to grow baby greens.
Researchers: Caroline Côté Annabelle Firlej Carl Boivin Maryse Leblanc
Quantitative and qualitative water management in crops
Designing and teaching a course for agricultural consultants.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Québec-wide potassium fertilization trial on fresh cucumber under fertigation
This project was aimed at determining potassium doses (5 doses) to apply before planting on nitrogen-fertigated cucumber crops grown on plastic mulch.
Researcher: Christine Landry
A study on the relationship between thermal imaging data collected by drone and agrometerological indicators of water stress in potato crops
The aim of this project was to study the relationship between thermal imaging data collected by drone and agrometerological indicators of water stress in potato crops.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Potato fertigation using a drip irrigation system
The aim of this project was to leverage the efficiency of drip irrigation and splitting nitrogen inputs into multiple applications to reduce total nitrogen inputs per unit produced and provide better economic and environmental alternatives to conventional irrigation.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Impact of irrigation system management and cultivar on nitrogen use by potatoes under commercial production conditions
The goal of this project was to measure the impact of irrigation management on nitrogen uptake and available soil nitrogen on several cultivars under commercial production conditions.
Researcher: Christine Landry
Cost-effectiveness of irrigation on Québec potato farms
The aim of this project is to evaluate this aspect of potato production economics to assist producers and their advisors.
Researcher: Luc Belzile
Optimizing methods of installing and maintaining commercial paper mulch
The purpose of the project was to develop techniques and tools for maintaining paper mulch during crop growth.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Control measures to reduce clogging in a St. Lawrence River water treatment process using slow sand filtration
To manage clogging risks, the project automated pumping based on water turbidity and cover the filter to prevent light from entering the water and thus reduce algal bloom.
Researcher: Caroline Côté
Improve the efficiency of water use in different potato cultivars
The aim of the project was to measure the performance and water requirements of eight potato cultivars under commercial production conditions.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Improving irrigation management with accurate measurements of effective precipitation
The project consisted of manufacturing and testing a portable rain simulator to estimate, under various conditions, what proportion of irrigation water a crop is able to use.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
Developing decision support tools for integrated potato irrigation management
The aim of this project was to set up a support service to equip producers and others in the industry to improve their irrigation management.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
The solutions developed by IRDA aim to...
Ensure the sustainability
and quality of soil, water, and air
Protect the health and well-being
of local communities by improving the quality of crop and livestock production, with an emphasis on animal welfare
Safeguard the economic viability
of crop and livestock production