EXPAND YOUR NOWLEDGE IN AGRONOMY AND AGROECOLOGY

Soil fertility rests on three complementary pillars: physical fertility (texture, structure, porosity, water-holding capacity), chemical fertility (pH, CEC, mineral composition and saturation rate, diversity of mineral elements), and biological fertility (microbial activity, soil fauna, living biomass, functional organic matter). These components interact with one another. The most effective levers for sustainably improving soil fertility include: regular and substantial organic matter inputs, cover cropping, reduced tillage, adapting mineral fertilisation practices, reducing pesticide use, and developing innovative cultural practices. Improving soil fertility is a long-term process spanning several years, requiring a rigorous and active approach.

Carrying out a soil analysis begins with collecting a soil sample using a rigorous and careful procedure. Once the analysis is received, its interpretation involves understanding the values of indicators belonging to five major categories: particle size and texture, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, pH and acid-base status, and macro- and microelements. Correct interpretation of the whole determines the quality of the cultural practices to be implemented (including phosphorus-potassium and calcium-magnesium amendments). TERREOM's training course provides the necessary methods and knowledge.

Agroecology mobilises natural ecological processes to design productive, resilient, and input-efficient farming systems. Its pillars include: permanent soil cover (cover crops, straw), diversification of cropping sequences (long rotations incorporating legumes, spring and winter crops), reduction of soil tillage (or even conservation agriculture), and the development of soil life as the engine of fertility. Agroecology is a new approach to progress: well-designed systems show that the reduction in operating costs offsets the slight yield decrease sometimes observed during the early years of transition.

The choice of a cover crop depends, among other factors, on the primary objective and the following crop. For trapping residual mineral nitrogen, species with strong aerial development are preferred, such as oats, forage sorghum, or phacelia. For nitrogen input, the focus is on legumes (notably vetch, clover, and field beans). For structural improvement, forage radishes and turnips provide effective root decompaction. Multi-species mixes are generally more versatile and resilient than a single species. Sowing date, water availability, and the planned termination method are all constraints to integrate from the outset. TERREOM publishes detailed articles by crop (maize, sunflower, soybean) on La Minute Agro.

Plant mineral nutrition depends on root absorption of ions in soil solution and on exchanges with the clay-humus complex (CHC). Soil pH and redox potential are the most influential parameters on element availability: for pH, the availability of macro- and microelements is at its maximum across the broad range of 6.2–6.8. Below pH 5.5, aluminium and manganese become soluble and toxic; phosphorus and molybdenum become fixed. Above pH 7.5, iron, manganese, and zinc are blocked. Redox potential also interacts with nutrition: in an anoxic soil, the mobilisation of iron and manganese can cause significant toxicities, independently of pH.

Yes. TERREOM is a Qualiopi-certified training organisation, ensuring the quality of its pedagogical processes according to the National Quality Framework criteria. Training courses are eligible for VIVEA funding for farm operators and their spouses, and for OPCO funding for other professional statuses. They are delivered via webinar or in person, in the southern Landes or across France, under the "Near You" delivery model. To find available dates in your region, visit the training page or contact TERREOM directly.