What does it take to coordinate a project that spans countries, climates, and disciplines? As the coordinator of LEGUMINOSE, Shamina Imran Pathan combines scientific expertise with a commitment to real-world impact. From leading soil analyses across Europe to working closely with partners on stakeholder engagement, her role bridges research and practice.
In this interview, she reflects on the challenges of lab work, the promise of intercropping for soil biodiversity and beyond, and the importance of listening — both to farmers and to the soil itself.
SIP: “I am Shamina, a senior researcher at the University of Florence (UNIFI). I serve as the coordinator of the LEGUMINOSE project and lead the UNIFI research team working on the project. Our team comprises seven members: Prof. Dr. Giacomo Pietamellara, Dr. Paola Arfaioli (technician), Dr. Angela Roccotelli and Dr. Ahmed Sharaf (postdoctoral researchers), Gemma Mrachetti (research assistant), Riccardo Picone (PhD student) and myself.
Our team coordinates the Italian research field trials, conducting soil and plant sampling, and performing subsequent laboratory analyses. These include soil physico-chemical and biological properties, as well as plant nutrients and yields. Additionally, we perform the soil biochemical and microbial analyses for the LEGUMINOSE field trials in Spain, Germany, and Denmark. Furthermore, we are supporting the Egyptian living labs and collaborating with our Italian partner Cosimo Righini from CIA Toscana on the Italian living labs.”
Looking back...
SIP: “Over the past three years, we have led the Italian research field trials and collected soil and plant samples. We are currently performing laboratory analyses on all samples gathered from the Italian, German, Danish, and Spanish field trials – most of which are nearly complete. Additionally, we have contributed key datasets to support modelling efforts for the intercropping decision support system, currently being developed by our Austrian partners. .
Beyond the lab and field work, we have shared our findings at scientific conferences and collaborated closely with our Italian partner CIA Toscana to organise stakeholder engagement events like field days and workshops.
One recent highlight is the publication of a review paper in the journal Plant and Soil, led by our PhD student Riccardo Picone.”
...and ahead
SIP: “We are currently collecting and analysing data, which we will form the basis of scientific publications, as well as communication and dissemination materials for stakeholders. I look forward to using these outputs to help close the knowledge gap around intercropping.”
From challenges…
SIP: “As wet lab scientists working with complex soil systems, one of the main challenges has been lab analysis. For instance, well-established experimental protocols sometimes fail when applied to different soil types because of inherent soil heterogeneity. This not only affects protocol performance but also creates high variability among replicate samples, making statistical analysis both essential and demanding. That said, these challenges are also among the most rewarding aspects of the work, as they constantly push us to refine our skills and deepen our understanding.
Another major challenge in agricultural research is the unpredictability of the climate, which can significantly hinder plant growth. In our Italian living labs, we encountered such climate-related issues and addressed them by selecting more resilient intercrop mixtures and incorporating forage legumes to enhance system resilience.”
…to surprises
SIP: “The most insightful result for me is the strong impact intercropping has on soil biota. It significantly enhances soil functionality and health, while reducing the need for external inputs such as nitrogen fertilisers – which is key for sustainable agricultural production.
I was also positively surprised by the strong positive response from farmers, who expressed curiosity and openness to trying intercropping on their own farms as part of the LEGUMINOSE living labs. This shows that with the right approach, it is possible to overcome cultural and traditional barriers and encourage the adoption of effective and sustainable management practices.”
The value of intercropping
SIP: “Higher agrobiodiversity is key to transforming agriculture toward more resilient, productive, and sustainable systems. Intercropping – growing two or more crops together in close proximity – is one effective strategy to increase this diversity.
Legume-cereal intercropping in particular offers multiple benefits: Legumes improve nitrogen availability through biological nitrogen fixation, boosting overall crop yield and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers.
Additionally, this practice enhances belowground biodiversity by increasing the chemical diversity of root exudates, which provides a more varied food source for soil microbes. This stimulates a more functional and active soil microbial community. The result is better nutrient cycling, improved soil health and reduced need for external inputs – all contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural production.”
Whether working with soil microbes or navigating complex field conditions, Shamina’s approach to coordination is rooted in curiosity, rigour, and connection. Her reflections highlight how scientific research, when paired with farmer engagement and adaptability, can help pave the way for more resilient and sustainable farming systems.