Research of Plant Production Systems

At the Plant Production Systems group, we believe that creating a fairer and more environmentally friendly world requires transformational change of our agricultural production and food systems, not just small, step-by-step improvements. No single model or approach exists for developing a sustainable production systems fits everywhere, nor can we achieve meaningful changes in production systems if we study them in isolation. We explore how farming systems function and how they can be made more sustainable and productive. We also look at how insights from individual fields can be scaled up to entire farms, regions, and even the global level. To achieve this, we combine data from experiments, surveys and databases with modelling approaches such as crop and livestock simulations, bio-economic optimisation and statistical analysis.

Because our research questions involve both nature and people, our approach is strongly interdisciplinary. While our roots lie in the natural sciences, we work closely with researchers in the social sciences, such as economics, rural sociology and communication. This way, we can contribute to the development of diverse, productive and resource-use efficient farming systems that produce the food required to feed the planet. Amd, at the same time, providing farmers and other agricultural sector stakeholders with decent (living) incomes, dignity, and the freedom to operate. While highlighting externalities and trade-offs – and sometimes demystifying misconceptions – in farming system functioning and development, our work aims to contribute to the efficient use of resources, more equitable opportunities for people, and more positive outcomes for nature, including more biodiversity and cleaner water.

Our research and teaching approach is rooted in the tradition of C.T. de Wit, combining empirical knowledge and production ecological theory with understanding of farming systems derived from surveys and databases.

Methodology development and application are central to understanding current systems and design of new production systems that contribute to addressing societal problems of global significance. Various modelling approaches based on simulation of crop and animal production, bio-economic optimisation and statistical techniques are key (http://models.pps.wur.nl/). The societal issues require analysis at multiple levels, and a key research issue is scaling from the field to farm, region and the global level. The group also works on analytical and explorative methods to assess the scope for intensifying or improving current systems.

An interdisciplinary approach is central, as the issues deal with complex human systems. With the Animal Production Systems group, we have established the Wageningen Centre for Agro-ecology and Systems Analysis. Qualitative analytical social science contributes to scenarios for future studies and examines the role of models in communication and co-learning with stakeholders. Our focus lies firmly in the natural sciences but close collaboration with groups from social sciences (e.g. economics, rural sociology, communication science) furthers integrated assessment methods.

We play a leadership role in developing and executing major collaborative programmes, and disseminating the knowledge generated. 

• CocoaSoils
• Ground Zero
• SustainPalm
• GYGA
• FOSTA-Onehealth
• NATAE
• Space2Place
• 1000Farms