Experimental Platform for Agroecology in Hansbeke

The Experimental Platform for Agroecology in Hansbeke (PPAE Hansbeke) is a collaboration between ILVO, organic farmer Felix de Bousies (farm PHAE) and agricultural consultant and researcher Alain Peeters (RHEA). Together they generate and share expertise on the application of agroecological principles in practice.

More about the Platform

The platform will:

  • conduct research on agroecological techniques in a farm context. The effect of these techniques on soil fertility and crop yield will be monitored without losing sight of the revenue model.
  • optimizing agroecological techniques based on scientific observations in practical situations.
  • contributing to the development and dissemination of new and existing knowledge on agroecological applications and as a result stimulate the implementation of these applications.

Research themes

Soil monitoring

soil quality

How much carbon are we sequestering in the soil? How can we maximize nutrient recirculation and utilization? How do we promote life in the soil?

On-farm composting

farm compost pile

Applying compost to the field is an important tool to improve overall soil quality.

Reduced tillage

field with reduced tillage and tractor at the end of the row

A system of reduced tillage that respects the natural stratification of the soil fits into the agroecological approach of the trial platform.

Circular livestock farming

Grass clover

Agroecology aims to achieve sustainable circular livestock farming, a circular livestock farming form, in which fodder supply and manure disposal remain strongly soil-bound and as local as possible.

Agroforestry

Cherry trees between grain fields

Agroforestry is an integrated land use management where trees or shrubs are combined with an agricultural crop or livestock on the same land.