Researcher
Amandrie Louw
PhD candidate
Wageningen University & Research
Growing up in a small farming community has fostered my fascination with the processes that drive plant growth and development. My scientific journey started in South Africa, where I obtained my BSc and MSc in agricultural science from the University of Stellenbosch. During my studies, I was introduced to topics such as crop production, crop protection, and breeding, which further fueled my interest in plant sciences. As a driven and creative scientist, I aspire to contribute to the development of diversified farming systems. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, listening to music, and being with my family. I am excited to be part of CropMix and transitioning farming systems towards the future.
Research project
Project: 1.2.1. Sustainable weed control strategies: Harnessing the power of crop diversification
Crop diversification provides more sustainable weed management strategies. However, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding how different diversification practices impact weed species and community composition. This is especially relevant for strip cultivation, which has the potential for widespread implementation in European farming. Thus, my PhD research aims to shed light on the intricate interactions of weed management within organic farming systems, determining their contributions to weed control and increasing sustainability.
Related projects
- Resistance to herbivores and pathogens > Andi Dirham Nasruddin
- Effects of plant diversity on biocontrol > Gabriele Bolletta
- Optimizing microclimate-informed intercropping systems for sustainable agriculture > Ana Ferreira Ernst
Results and news
More information and news on this project will follow.
Researchers involved
- Niels Anten
- Lammert Bastiaans
- Merel Hofmeijer
Related research
- Resistance to herbivores and pathogens
- Effects of plant diversity on biocontrol
- Optimising micro-climated informed intercropping systems
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.
