Research lines

Concentration Area:

AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The research conducted within the Program is distributed across

FOUR LINES OF RESEARCH, as follows:

Fundamentals of Agroecology

· Theories in Agroecology (scientific discipline, technical practice, social movement).
· Fundamentals of Ecology applied to agroecological systems (Structure and functioning).
· Designs and models of Agroecological production.
· Research Models in Agroecology.
· Evaluation Systems for Agroecological processes.
· Mechanization in the implementation and management of agroecosystems.

Ecological Soil Management

· Overcoming soil limitations for agroecological production.
· Development of Biological Inputs.
· Optimization of microbial processes.
· Traditional knowledge and pedology.
· Information technology applied to soil management.
· Use of rock dust.
· Green manure; Organic fertilization; Intercropping and Polycultures.
· Water management in the soil-plant system.

Health of Agroecological Systems

· Plant and animal health.
· Pathogen-host relationship cycle.
· Potential use of bioactive plants in the redesign of agroecosystems. Identification of bioactive plants.
· Agricultural and livestock homeopathy.
· Environmental, social and economic aspects of ecological phytosanitary management in sustainable agroecosystems.
· Physical and cultural methods for the prevention and control of phytophagous insects and pathogens.
· Pest insect-host relationships.
· Ecological principles for the management and monitoring of undesirable populations in agroecosystems.
· Allelopathy and alternative insecticides of plant, mineral and inorganic origin.
· Environmental manipulation in agroecological crops.
· Trophobiosis.

Society, Development and Food Security

· Agroecological extension or communication.
· Methods of social research in agroecology.
· Social technologies and Solidarity economy.
· Rural education.
· Safety culture and appreciation of life.
· Rural development.
· Non-conventional food plants.
· Promotion of regional cuisine and local food.
· Food security.