The objective of the first phase of the project was to select a legume species for intercropping with broccoli at the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform. The legume was chosen based on its ability to suppress crop pests, mainly insects and weeds, and encourage natural enemies, especially carabid beetles and parasitoids that attack caterpillar pests of crops in the cabbage family. For the second phase, plots with broccoli alone or planted with the selected intercrop have been set up. The cropping systems used are designed to minimize competition with the main crop. Soil tests are being conducted on certain aspects of soil quality in connection with the use of a legume intercrop. A technical and economic analysis will look at profitability thresholds calculated in terms of additional yields required to recover the cost of inputs and cultural operations associated with using legume intercrops.
From 2015 to 2019
Project duration
Market gardening
Activity areas
Pest, weed, and disease control, Organic farming
Services
The results of this project will help in the fight to control organic crop pests.
Growing Forward 2 | Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec - Innov'Action Programme | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Club Bio-Action | Pleine-Terre | Coopérative des agriculteurs de proximité écologique
The purpose of the project was to develop techniques and tools for maintaining paper mulch during crop growth.
Researcher: Carl Boivin
There is a great need to test green manure as a main source of nitrogen for potatoes as they help to maintain soil quality and control weeds.
Researcher: Christine Landry
A series of herbicides has been tested along the edge of the plastic mulch.
Researcher: Maryse Leblanc