Montpellier research INRA

Sat 28^th Oct

Sat had a long drive to north of montpellier to visit the INRA Vezenobres research site and to meet Fabien Liagre of AGROOF which was fab. v interesting long term agroforestry research with poplar and alley crops of cereals. Adjacent a farmer has adapted his agroforestry and used the trees as supports for overhead irrigation for organic vegetable production in the alleys between the trees....very novel!

Had a great lunch with Fabien Ligare at the medieval city of Vezenobres where they were having a 'festival of the fig' so had lunch with fig aperitif, fig and meat stew, fig desert and of course van rouge (but no figs!). we discussed research and technology transfer to farmers, farmer led research and policy in depth....seems there are many things we can collaborate on and look forward to developing a relationship.

Sat afternoon travelled towards montpellier and met Liddie Durfour from INRA at the Restinclieres research site, the main agroforestry research site in France, looked at the tree rows and species and controls with woodland. the impressive work is all the comparative analysis and modelling but also the root work with huge soil pits to measure root extension and growth as influenced by agroforestry. fantastic. These show that not only do trees in agroforestry root differently by putting roots down deeper (and thus more able to withstand wind/drought pressure) but that tree root paterns are modified by the alley cropping and root sytems can be up to 30% more extensive than under forestry conditions = more carbon!

After visiting the two research site made a quick stop at Montepllier to look at tye ‘Agro voltaic’ research – basically a framework which allows crops to be grown underneath and tractors/combines to be use beneath – fitted with different densities of PV panels to capture sun and generate electricity…two crops in one!. At a 50% density covering with PV panels little effect on crop performance put additional income from generation…..watch EDF Whitehall farm is gearing up!

Sat evening travled for 2.5 hrs by road to nr Carcassone to meet Francior Gardeley De Sous at his Massion du Mazzy. arrived late at 8pm in the dark but treated to a loveley supper and discussed agroforestry till started to nod off!....good sleep.