Field Station for Agroecological Research and Education

CREATING KNOWLEDGE

Field station for agroecological research

CREATING KNOWLEDGE

Field station for agroecological research

Research in Agroecology

The internationally accepted definition (FAO 2018) defines Agroecology as “a scientific discipline, a set of practices and a social movement. As a science, it studies how different components of the agroecosystem interact. As a set of practices, it seeks sustainable farming systems that optimize and stabilize yields. As a social movement, it pursues multifunctional roles for agriculture, promotes social justice, nurtures identity and culture, and strengthens the economic viability of rural areas.”

Agroecology is an integrative approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems.

An Ecosystem full of Questions

The Palacio Viejo de Las Corchuelas estate harbours an established agroforestry ecosystem (i.e. the dehesa), where human interventions have reached an equilibrium with wild fauna and flora. This makes this agrosilvopastoral system the perfect setting to study both ecological and social processes from very different perspectives.

Given the longevity of this perennial ecosystem, we especially promote long-term studies.

An Ecosystem full of Questions

The Palacio Viejo de Las Corchuelas estate harbours an established agroforestry ecosystem (i.e. the dehesa), where human interventions have reached an equilibrium with wild fauna and flora.

This makes this agrosilvopastoral system the perfect setting to study both ecological and social processes from very different perspectives.

Given the longevity of this perennial ecosystem, we especially promote long-term studies.

Common garden

At the Aprisco de Las Corchuelas we have at your disposal a unique common garden facility consisting of 30 raised beds harbouring 10 m2 each, divided into ten 1 m2 plots or fourty 0.25 m2 plots, whatever the requirements are. The facility therefore allows to run very large experiments or several experiments running in parallel. It further includes a fully automated sprinkler irrigation system which maintains soil moisture conditions within user-defined thresholds. A range of field and lab equipment for environmental and plant-based measurements is also available at the research station for measurements on-site.

Outreach

Scientific knowledge about how to achieve local produce from sustainable production systems has only significant impact if the knowledge is shared with the whole community. We therefore treat the dissemination of the results of our studies with priority and consider outreach an integral part of the research process. For now we provide:

  • Permanent exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • International knowledge exchange
  • Presentations
  • Documentaries
  • Social networking

Outreach

Scientific knowledge about how to achieve local produce from sustainable production systems has only significant impact if the knowledge is shared with the whole community. We therefore treat the dissemination of the results of our studies with priority and consider outreach an integral part of the research process. For now we provide:

  • Permanent exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • International knowledge exchange
  • Presentations
  • Documentaries
  • Social networking