Our research focuses on sustainable cultivation of plants for food, feed, energy, and fibre
We aim to contribute to the cropping systems of the future, where higher quality and yields are combined with better use of ecosystem services and minimal negative impact on the environment.
Our courses cover the biology and ecology of plants
You will gain knowledge about how production methods and cropping systems affect yield, quality, and the environment, knowledge that is essential for designing sustainable farming systems. We teach courses within SLU’s bachelor’s and master’s programmes, offer undergraduate courses, and provide postgraduate studies.
A Department at the forefront of crop production research
The Department of Crop Production Ecology conducts research, teaching, and collaboration to support the agriculture of the future. As part of SLU’s internationally leading research community, we are a force in the transition to both productive and climate-smart farming. Through our research, collaboration, and education, we contribute to sustainable development.
News
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New high-tech tools can optimize grass harvest
A new research project integrate advanced technologies to optimize the forage production of harvested grass fields. The first goal is a satellite-assisted tool for forage yield, quality and harvest predictions. -
Agroforestry on sloping lands: A sustainable way forward
Farming on slopes feeds nearly a billion people, but often leads to soil erosion and degradation. A new PhD thesis from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) suggests intercropping trees, crops, and grasses as a sustainable solution.
Research projects
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HeRo - Healthy Roots: Development of tools for the selection of robust cultivars in Swedish plant breeding, with focus on the root system
The aim of the project is to identify characteristics of plant root systems that can be used as a tool by plant breeders to select crop-resilient varieties, and to evaluate these traits from a cropping systems perspective. We identify genetic markers associated with these traits. -
CyberGrass 2.0: Innovative tools for farmers to optimize the management of harvested grasslands
CyberGrass 2.0 aims to improve the accuracy and integration of advanced technologies to optimise yield and quality of silage from harvested grass fields. -
Facilitating reduced- and no-tillage organic grain legume production systems through integration of cover crop mulch for weed control
The aim of this research project is the development, testing and dissemination of weed management strategies for reduced- and no-tillage organic grain legume production. -
Boost Nordic Biogas
Cross-Border Collaboration to Improve the Circular Biogas Economy. -
Evaluation of yellow lucerne as a forage crop for northern Sweden
Red clover is important but short-lived in northern Sweden. Yellow and hybrid lucerne are now being tested as possible alternatives – more resistant to cold, drought and difficult soils. The goal is to find new, sustainable legumes that can meet the future challenges of northern Swedish agriculture.
Research groups
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Short rotation forestry
Fast-growing deciduous tree species can be used to replace fossil fuels and to diminish human impact on the climate. Our research contributes to a more efficient and environmentally sustainable cultivation of tree plantations for bio-energy purposes. -
Plant ecology - Crop production in relation to genotype and environment
We conduct research to develop and identify crops and crop mixtures that efficiently utilize the available resources by collaboration with microbes and resistance against diseases, pests and extreme weather conditions that are becoming more common due to climate change. -
Crop production specialized in forage
The overall aim of the research group is to create knowledge that promotes sustainable and competitive agricultural systems that are based on forages, like leys, pastures and whole-crops, and ensures the supply of environmentally sustainable food from ruminants. -
Cropping systems
Our research contributes to the development of sustainable and ethical cropping systems. To achieve that goal, our team employ various interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches from the crop level to the food system scale.