What does it take to connect scientific research with everyday farming? In the Czech Republic, soil scientist Petra Hanáková Bečvářová works at this intersection: coordinating living labs, collecting data under extreme weather conditions, and building long-term trust with farmers.
In this interview, she shares insights from field trials, highlights the power of small successes, and explains why it is important to strengthen the connection between research and practice.
PH: “My name is Petra Hanakova Becvarova, and I am a researcher focused on soil science at Agritec Plant Research s.r.o., a private research organisation based in Šumperk, Czech Republic. My role in the LEGUMINOSE project can be divided into two main areas. The first is research-focused: I oversee soil and biomass sampling, prepare and process samples for laboratory analysis, and evaluate results. The second part involves working directly with farmers: coordinating the living labs, collecting samples in the field and sharing results through dissemination activities.”
Looking back…
PH: “One key part of my work has been building and maintaining a stable network of cooperating farmers (living labs). This includes communicating with them from the very first step and maintaining relationships on an ongoing basis; building trust in cooperation with the research sector where many agricultural techniques are still being tested; and discussing with farmers about their problems and how intercropping could help address these challenges.
The second key part of my work has been the Czech research field trial: Together with my colleagues we managed all soil and biomass sampling, as well as assessments of pest and diseases across many observation points. Despite a difficult season with extreme rainfall followed by drought, we successfully analysed a large number of biomass and soil samples across different growth stages.”
…and ahead
PH: “Currently, I am working on processing the various data collected from both the research field trial and the living labs, to get some answers to our research questions. It is a large and complex dataset that needs to be analysed using robust methods –but choosing the right method is a challenge in itself.
I am looking forward to our upcoming workshops and other outreach activities planned for a wide range of farmers and other key stakeholders. These communication and dissemination activities are a great opportunity to establish relationships and listen to the needs of practitioners and how they could be solved by the research sector.”
From challenges…
PH: “One of the biggest challenges is definitely the weather, which varies every year. Last year, the harvest time was heavily influenced by rain and wind. Many crops, especially fodder pea, could not be harvested at all (plants fell to ground and began to mould; many pods burst and the grains fell out). To obtain at least a small sample of grain for qualitative analysis, we had to harvest plots manually. It took a lot of effort to collect just 200 g of grain from the whole 0.12 ha plot.
Processing and evaluating of the huge dataset from our research field trial is also challenging. Another major personal challenge for me is evaluating all the data from the living labs and forming comprehensive and understandable results for farmers. In this case, I expect very interesting results because we are working with a wide range of crop combinations, different variants of crop (spring/winter crops) and different crop cultivars. On some farms, we have also incorporated treatment with seed incrustation to evaluate its impact on plant health and yields.”
…to proud moments
PH: “I try to celebrate every small success. Last year was particularly difficult for field peas: Many fields were severely infested with insect pests and diseases. It was very difficult to achieve a harvest on many farms and many trials were mulched without any yield. That season was marked by erratic rainfall and rapid and abrupt shifts between dry and wet periods – a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common with climate change.
Despite these challenges in the last season, some farmers had one of their best intercropping (or field pea) harvests in years – depending on the region. That was a proud moment for me, because it showed just how much the outcome depends on seasonal conditions – and that intercropping as a cultivation technique can work very well when conditions are right.”
The value of intercropping
PH: “From my point of view, intercropping is important and interesting because it helps protect the soil surface from drying out, which is especially relevant in the context of water and wind erosion. It also helps retain water in the soil and supports or even increases the availability of nitrogen (legume plants make nitrogen available for cereals). Intercropping also supports the soil microbiome and suppresses pest infestation. I believe research must continue to strengthen the importance of intercropping in relation to the benefits of this practice, especially with regards to the economic aspects of the practice.”
Bridging research and practice
PH: “I believe we must continue to strengthen the connection between the research sector and agricultural practise, and keep improving communication with farmers (knowledge transfer). The research sector should listen more closely to and consider the needs of practitioners, and find compromise solutions that are sustainable not only environmentally, but also from an economic and social point of view).”
Petra’s work illustrates the balancing act between scientific rigour and real-world complexity. From managing unpredictable weather to processing huge datasets, her role in LEGUMINOSE shows how research can stay grounded in practice — especially when shaped by close collaboration with farmers.