From Trials to Solutions: “Les Rencontres Végétales” serving the crops of tomorrow

These field days constituted a major highlight for sharing and exchanging ideas on the challenges currently faced by farms: climate change, economic constraints, societal expectations, and the adaptation of cultural practices. The objective was to present concrete solutions to secure technical choices while maintaining the performance of production systems.

Seven technical workshops at the heart of the event

The program revolved around seven workshops led by experts from Eureden’s agronomy department. Each theme aimed to provide technical benchmarks and adaptation pathways that can be deployed directly on farms.

• CHN Tool and Nitrogen Management: Nitrogen fertilization management for soft wheat was presented through the CHN tool. This solution, developed using real-time satellite imagery analyzed by Arvalis and Airbus, allows inputs to be adjusted to the actual needs of the crop. Following ten years of agronomic validation, Eureden shared the results achieved with this tool, which helps optimize yields while streamlining nitrogen inputs.

• Impact of Cover Crops: This workshop addressed the role of cover crops within crop rotations. Discussions were supported by the initial results obtained through geostatistics to better understand their impact on soil structure, health, and fertility. The observations presented highlighted the value of cover crops in preserving the agronomic potential of Breton soils.

• Weed Control in Straw Cereals: Facing the rise of grass weed challenges in fields, the agronomy teams presented various approaches to ensure sustainable weed control in straw cereals. Discussions focused on combining available agronomic and technical levers as well as integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to maintain clean fields over the long term. Special attention was dedicated to the issue of resistant ryegrass.

• Best Sowing Practices: The workshop dedicated to sowing highlighted the importance of establishment quality in crop success. Discussions notably covered the links between sowing precision, weed management, and crop performance. It was also emphasized that future solutions introduced over the coming years will require greater rigor in their timing and positioning than currently available solutions.

• Sprayer Optimization: This practical workshop focused on nozzle selection and sprayer adjustments. Participants also benefited from a refresher on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and best practices to ensure user safety. The Easyconnect system was presented as a solution that allows products to be introduced into the sprayer while limiting operator contact.

• Disease Management Strategies: Discussions focused on methods to adapt crop protection to changing disease pressures. Experts presented various levers that can be mobilized to manage resistance phenomena and secure yields: selecting more disease-tolerant varieties, lengthening crop rotations, and using decision-support tools. The goal is to apply fungicide treatments only when necessary and in accordance with that year’s specific context.

• Genetic Progress in Cereals: This session allowed for the presentation of new crop varieties expected for this coming autumn. To illustrate the progress achieved through genetic selection, a comparison was drawn between varieties cultivated forty years ago and those available today. This comparison highlighted the gains achieved in terms of performance and resilience.

From trials to solutions

“Les Rencontres Végétales” illustrate Eureden’s approach to transforming agronomic trial results into concrete solutions for its members. Conducted under the specific conditions of the Breton region, the trials presented provide benchmarks tailored to local challenges. By bringing together farmers, technicians, and experts around these experimental plots, Eureden confirms its commitment to supporting farms in evolving their practices and in building efficient, resilient, and sustainable cropping systems.