PRR Project

Summary

The new CITAB’s Strategic Programme will comprise an R&D Group on “ Resiliency & valorization of agrarian value chains ” which includes research topics aiming at a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to main Portuguese crops in co-creation processes with end-users to effectively develop practical knowledge. The agroecological transition of both conventional and organic farming systems is a key challenge for the agrarian value chains. Development and use of innovative cultural practices, selection and improvement of crop genetic resources, implement crop protection measures grounded on nature-based solutions and promote the circular economy of organic wastes (agricultural, forestry, livestock and food) are research topics where CITAB has extensive experience and which need to continue to be deepened in alignment with the rationale and ambition defined by the European Green Deal and other associated strategic initiatives. The Assistant Researcher (AR) will develop research within the following tasks : 1. Environmentally sustainable cropping practices. The study of solutions to increase the resiliency and adaptability of the agroecosystems will be advanced to mitigate the negative impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses and ensure the long-term viability of crop production. The use of environmentally sustainable practices will be addressed to face the increasing concern in agriculture regarding water management, adopting precision technologies, like smart irrigation, will increase plant water-use efficiency, produce healthier crops and larger yields, and will help growers to manage this vital resource more effectively. Concerning pests and diseases, the AR will contribute to the development of approaches involving innovative and sustainable solutions, such as the application of biopesticides and biostimulants, the use of beneficial insects and microbes, genetically resistant varieties, and precision monitoring systems. The R&I activities will be conducted in close cooperation with researchers from the CITAB’s T&I Group “ Technological innovations to support agrarian value chains “ with the use of drones, artificial intelligence, big data, IoT, satellites, among others, to obtain smart-farming solutions. 2. Soil health and management. Ensuring healthy soil is crucial to long-term agroecosystem sustainability. Organic matter, nutrient cycling, efficient crop water absorption, and soil biota support optimal plant growth, improve crop yields, and enhance food quality. Studies will be developed on nature-based solutions like crop rotation, intercropping (e.g., with legumes), cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter addition, to promote soil health by maintaining its structure, fertility and biodiversity, while increasing carbon sequestration and reducing ammonia and GHG emissions. The use of bioremediate agro-industrial wastes, additives during manure storage and green manures to improve soil fertility and health, in a circular economy of organic wastes is also of pivotal importance for today´s agriculture. 3. Capacity building and knowledge transfer. All the produced information will be regularly transferred to stakeholders following a quintuple helix approach. Capacity-building actions will be organised, along with the delivery of white papers and technical-scientific reports. Internationalization and proactive identification of funding opportunities will also be a main pillar to warrant the long-term sustainability of this line of research.The Researcher’s scientific profile should cumulatively comprise the following skills, duly demonstrated through scientific production and previous experience in R&D projects: Agronomic practices research; Soil impact research; Water and irrigation research; Organic wastes and manure treatment and agronomic recycling; Statistical analysis applied to Agrarian Sciences; Preparation of project proposals; Engagement in capacity building actions with stakeholders; English proficiency.The activities in the tasks described above by enhancing ecosystem health, reducing vulnerability to biotic and abiotic factors, lowering the input of resources and reducing costs, are vital for the long-term sustainability and success of agrarian value chains. With the new solutions, stakeholders can navigate challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-changing agricultural landscape