Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Plant Sciences, Crop Husbandry and Environment (ILVO)

The Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Plant Sciences, Crop Husbandry and Environment (ILVO, www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be) performs scientific research on the performance of agricultural and horticultural crops as influenced by fertilizer use and soil management with respect to yield, soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency and carbon sequestration. The aim is to improve the yield and crop quality in a sustainable way. There is experience and research in small-scale on-farm composting and in compost application in agriculture and horticulture.

ILVO runs a project "Nitrogen utilization and crop quality as influenced by soil conditions" (2008-2013). Soil conditions are investigated as decisive factor for improvement of crop and environmental quality. The influence of reduced tillage on soil conditions and the effect of bio-stimulants on decomposition of organic residues are two research topics of this project that are related to this proposal.

ILVO is experienced in standardized greenhouse and field trials and is equipped with a BELAC accredited lab (EN ISO/IEC 17025).

Scientists involved

• Koen Willekens (ILVO)
• Bert Van Gils (ILVO)
• Lieven Delanote (inagro vzw)
• Annelies Beeckman (inagro vzw)