Resilience to be strengthened in organic greenhouse cultivation

– Here in Sweden, for example, it may be that we grow relatively few crops in our greenhouses, which can have a negative impact on the number of pests and soil-borne diseases. Another aspect is that we are still in the habituation phase of all organic cultivation having to take place directly in the ground, which can have a major impact on soil health. It is therefore important that we find new alternative crops that can help cultivation become more resilient, says Anna Karin Rosberg, researcher at the Department of Biosystems and Technology.

Diversity as a tool

The focus is on diversity in cultivation through so-called 'Agroecological Service Crops', plants that improve soil health, benefit beneficial organisms and strengthen biological control.

– The challenge is not just to grow organically, but to get the cultivation system to function stably over time. In greenhouses, a disturbance can quickly have consequences for both harvests and finances. Therefore, we need to build in biological functions that make the system less vulnerable, says Beatrix Alsanius, Professor at the same department.

Collaborating in lab environment

The research project runs the laboratory network 'Living Labs' in different European climates, from the Mediterranean to Sweden, where growers and researchers together test new systems in practice. The goal is to reduce dependence on external inputs by introducing plants that can positively affect the amount of ecosystem services in the greenhouse, and at the same time increase the economic resilience of greenhouse production. 

The research project is funded by the European Agroecology Partnership and will in the coming years produce concrete recommendations for growers and decision-makers throughout Europe.

Read more on the project website.