Scaling up from plant-plant interactions to field and farm
Soilborne pathogens and microbial interactions in mixed cropping systems
Researcher
Margherita Berri
PhD candidate
Wageningen University & Research
I earned my bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Milan, where I developed a keen interest in crop techniques, agronomy and disease management. During my master's in Plant Sciences at Wageningen University, and also thanks to my thesis at the Phytopathology Laboratory, I deepened my interest in phytopathology, along with related fields such as biological control and soil suppressiveness. Becoming part of CropMix is a great opportunity to finally combine my passion for microorganisms with a broader agricultural perspective. I am glad to work within a dense community of researchers and PhD students who are combining their knowledge to collectively understand the intricate ecological and social interactions that emerge from intercropping.
Research project
Project: 1.1.2. Soilborne pathogens and microbial interactions in mixed cropping systems
In my research, I want to investigate how crop diversity in time and space affects the risk of soil-borne disease outbreaks and soil functional biodiversity. I also aim to include the study of roots, examining how different root traits and exudates can influence the presence of diverse microbial communities. Beyond the acquisition of scientific knowledge, I hope that my project will be able to translate it into practical insights to support a more ecology-based agriculture.
Among the main goals of my research, there are the aims of identifying crop combinations and belowground plant traits that are beneficial for soil-borne disease suppression and to assess the impact of crop rotations on pathogen presence in the field.
Related projects
- Soil food web and nutrient cycling > Franklin Harris
- Modelling key belowground ecological processes in crop mixtures > Kostas Kypros
Results and news
More information and news on this project will follow.
Researchers involved
- Liesje Mommer
- Jasper van Ruijven
- Gerlinde B. de Deyn
- Marie J. Zwetsloot
Related research
Other research from work package 1
Our work packages
This work package focuses on above-ground and below-ground interactions. We look at the interactions between plants, crops, insects and other species living in the field and the differences between strip cropping and monocultures.
Work package 2 looks at the economic feasibility of investments for farmers to switch to more crop-diverse systems, such as strip farming, and what factors influence their willingness to engage in ecologically sound farming.
We want to identify different transition pathways applicable to different situations. Think of farmers with wide strips and long value chains, but also farmers with narrow strips marketing in a short chain. Or perhaps very different cropping systems that use crop diversity, such as agroforestry. We also look at what consumers and other stakeholders think and their role in the transition to more sustainable agriculture.
