Dr. Martine Dorais and her team will examine plant-based fertilizers, biochar and intercropping as alternative amendments and crop management strategies in organic greenhouse agroecosystems. They aim to improve nutrient use efficiency, soil health, carbon sequestration, and crop productivity while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Research Objectives
- Analyse the impact of a plant-based fertilization compared to animal-based fertilization on the taxonomic and functional composition of the soil microbial community, GHG emissions, carbon sequestration, nutrient use efficiency, soil and plant health, and crop productivity to propose the best sustainable fertilization management strategy
- Evaluate the impact of biochar amendment on GHG emissions, nutrient losses, function of microbial communities, nutrient availability, carbon sequestration, productivity and profitability
- Evaluate the effect of intercropping strategies on soil and plant health, nutrient availability, GHG emissions and carbon sequestration.
Progress and Results
Research Update (March 2026)
KEY TAKEAWAYS (PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS)
- Preliminary results at L’Abri Végétal showed that replacing feather meal with alfalfa meal to supply up to 25% of available nitrogen did not reduce tomato yield.
- At GenV, on-going multi-cycle trials are assessing how different biochar application rates (0–15% v/v) affect soil health, greenhouse gas emissions and crop performance in cucumber and pepper production systems.
- At the Institut national d’agriculture biologique (INAB), intercropping trials are underway to identify the best-performing cover crops in tomato greenhouse production systems.
Research Update (March 2025)
KEY TAKEAWAYS (PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS)
- Preliminary results indicate that partial substitution of animal-based fertilizers with plant-based fertilizers is possible when total N application rates are adjusted according to mineralization rates.
- Partial substitution of animal-based with plant-based fertilization also reduced N losses as volatilized ammonia and nitrous oxide.
Additional Links and Resources
Poster (Jun 2025) Biochar et Bacillus sp. en culture serricole : vers un substrat vivant optimisé pour le concombre (French only)
Poster (Oct 2025) Enhancing Ecosystem Services of Organic Greenhouse Agroecosystems Using Plant-Based Fertilizers
Video FR (Mar 2024) Trials on organic fertilization in a greenhouse (French dialogue)
Background Information
From the research activity proposal:
Agriculture, and particularly fertilizer management, is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, causing dramatic climate disruption and water pollution. Finding and implementing green and innovative methods to minimize the environmental footprint of agroecosystems is a major, but essential challenge. Organic greenhouse farming enables the year-round production of food in a controlled environment at a high level of yield (+10 to 40 times compared with field) without the addition of synthetic inputs, thus offering a strong potential to intensify agricultural production in a sustainable way, while contributing to food autonomy. However, challenges related to inefficient management of organic fertilizers and associated unbalanced or/and excessive fertilization need to be resolved as they constitute a major barrier to the sector development and farm profitability. In addition, the expansion of organically grown arable land surfaces (+19% in 2020) coupled with a decrease in livestock production suggests supply issues for animal-based fertilizers. These current/future constraints require an overhaul of present fertilization strategies.
This project intends to evaluate the potential of plant-based fertilization, biochar amendments and intercropping as alternative amendments and crop management strategies to improve nutrient use efficiency, soil health and biodiversity, crop resilience and productivity of organic greenhouse agroecosystems.
Specifically, this project aims to:
(1) characterize the impact of a plant-based fertilization compared to animal-based fertilization on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, nutrient use efficiency, soil and plant health, and crop productivity to propose the best sustainable fertilization management strategy;
(2) characterize the taxonomic and functional shift in microbial communities associated with changes in the fertilization regime and evaluate its impact on soil and plant health, nutrient availability and productivity;
(3) evaluate the impact of using biochar to reduce GHG emissions and nutrient losses, promote beneficial microbial communities, nutrient availability and productivity; and
(4) evaluate the effect of intercropping strategies on soil and plant health, nutrient availability, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration.
Greenhouse trials will be conducted in a certified organic mineral soil located at the Institut National d’Agriculture Biologique (Cégep de Victoriaville) and at two organic commercial farms.
The large team assembled for this project is composed of scientists, professionals, and industry partners with varied and complementary skills, ensuring the broad scope of the results and the applicability and rapid transferability of the results to the organic sector. Results, which will also be applicable for field horticulture, will contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of greenhouse production, while increasing plant resilience to climate change through improved soil and plant health.
Contributing Partners
Meet the Research Team
Dr. Martine Dorais
Dr. Martine Dorais is a professor in the Department of Plant Science in the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Université Laval. She specialises in greenhouse crop physiology and organic horticulture. She also holds the research chair in organic greenhouse horticulture and controlled environments. Her research interests include development of sustainable production systems for horticultural plants and better understanding of the effect of environmental conditions and cultural practices on production and product quality.
Activity 12 Research Team
Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
Jacynthe Dessureault-Rompré | Université Laval |
Adam Barrada | Université Laval |
Kari Dunfield | University of Guelph |
Aimé Messiga | AAFC-Agassiz |
Richard Hogue | IRDA |
Normand Poniewiera | CETAB+ |
We asked Dr. Dorais
What got you interested in this research project?
To enhance the fertilization management and agronomic performance of organic vegetable greenhouse crops, while minimizing their environmental impact, we propose the use of plant-derived nitrogen sources, such as nitrogen-fixing plant species, and biochar. This approach not only contributes to carbon sequestration and reduces nutrient leaching but also creates a favorable environment for beneficial microorganisms.
Where is your research taking place?
At L’Abri végétal, Compton, QC and Cultures Gen V at Saint-Clotilde de Châteauguay, QC and Laval University.
What drew you to organic agriculture research?
To assist the Canadian organic industry in developing sustainable greenhouse growing systems, and mitigate the risks associated with this mode of production by providing innovative tools and key knowledge to organic growers. To help organic greenhouse growers address climate change challenges and contribute to several UN Sustainable Development Goals. To promote the conversion from conventional to organic farming, thereby increasing the availability and accessibility of organic fruits and vegetables for all Canadians. Unlike conventional farming, organic growers have access to very few tools and indicators for better soil or growing medium management, which is crucial for soil and plant health, and impacts both the environmental sustainability and economic profitability of horticultural businesses.
How are you encouraging or training the next generation of scientists?
By providing opportunities for students to interact with producers, experts, and industry stakeholders, either directly through on-site experimentations at commercial sites or through visits, meeting days and discussions; by conducting collaborative research projects with numerous multidisciplinary partners; by supporting student participation in scientific events or research internships; by inviting experts and producers in my courses to share their knowledge and experience with students; by sharing my enthusiasm, knowledge, and national and international network of contacts; and by offering students as many diverse opportunities as possible.
Outside of your research pursuits, what is an activity you enjoy doing in your free time?
Forest hikes and participation in local cultural activities.
