8 priority studies selected in consultation with local farmers — two complementary axes spanning water efficiency and soil-crop productivity.
Two Complementary Research Topics
8 priority studies selected in consultation with local producers
Maximise the kg produced / m³ of water ratio · 4 studies
Minimal irrigation with capacitive probes under controlled water stress. Target: –30% water use with no impact on fruit size or commercial yield.
Comparison of daily vs. spaced irrigation with a fixed water dose. Agroecological approach using compost as the sole fertiliser. Root quality and yield assessment.
Optimisation for very short-cycle crops (45 days) with high water requirements. Automatic irrigation triggering via tensiometer readings in subhumid zones.
Full technico-economic analysis comparing the drip kit system against alternate furrow irrigation. Cost-benefit analysis from the smallholder farmer perspective.
Agronomic optimisation and soil sustainability · 4 studies
Combined fertilisation, earthing-up and irrigation to maximise production of certified healthy seed potatoes. Primary sites: Analamanga & Talata Volonondry.
Optimal sowing dates and weed management to stabilise production under variable rainfall. Trial replicated across multiple sites for robust statistical comparison.
Comparative evaluation: water deficit vs. nutritional deficiency vs. phytosanitary stress. Site: Ambalamahasoa (Amoron'ny Mania). Identifies the primary cause of early leaf drying.
Randomised complete block design to measure water competition between plants and optimise the agronomic performance of green bean under minimal irrigation.