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.

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Results for
2017 • Market gardening

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

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Carl Boivin
2017-2018 • Fruit production

Analyzing sap flow to assess water absorption dynamics in apple trees

The hypothesis was that it should be possible to measure sap flow in apple trees and correlate it with soil water conditions and the weather.

Researcher: Carl Boivin

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Carl Boivin
2017-2018 • Market gardening

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

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Carl Boivin
2016-2018 • Market gardening

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

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Christine Landry
2017-2019 • Market gardening

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

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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

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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

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Caroline Côté

Banded controlled-release and conventional fertilizer in horticultural production under plastic mulch

The aim of this project was to field-test sound irrigation practices and band application of various types of fertilizers at ridging time to eliminate fertigation and increase the efficiency of fertilizer and water use under plastic mulch.

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Carl Boivin
Christine Landry

Irrigation roadshow: characterize, analyze, optimize, and raise awareness

The goal of this project was to develop an “irrigation roadshow” for eight farming regions in Québec.

Researcher: Carl Boivin

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Carl Boivin
2016-2018 • Market gardening

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

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Carl Boivin
2015-2019 • Fruit production

Sound water management for lowbush blueberries under fluctuating and changing climatic conditions

Using sound irrigation management to control frost and water stress in lowbush blueberry helps stabilize yield while minimizing environmental impacts.

Researcher: Carl Boivin

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Carl Boivin
2016-2017 • Market gardening

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

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Carl Boivin
2015-2017 • Fruit production

Effects of various irrigation strategies on nutrient uptake in organically grown June-bearing strawberries grown in beds covered with black plastic mulch

The project was conducted at IRDA’S Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform. Strawberries (Cleary cultivar) were produced in beds covered with black plastic mulch.

Researcher: Carl Boivin

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Carl Boivin
2015-2018

Managing subsurface drainage water to optimize crop productivity, nutrient use, and water availability under current and future climatic conditions

The purpose of the project was to assess the benefits of controlled farm drainage under current and future climatic conditions to meet the water needs of field crops and rural communities while reducing nitrogen and phosphorus flows into watercourses.

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Aubert Michaud, retraité
Marc-Olivier Gasser
2015-2017 • Market gardening

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

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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

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