How we contribute to advance science and innovation
Natural resources & agricultural management
Natural resource management and agriculture face a pressing challenge as resources become scarcer and farming practices need to adapt more sustainably. As populations grow and urbanization expands, demands on water, land, and energy escalate, placing strain on ecosystems and exacerbating environmental degradation. Concurrently, climate change is intensifying, disrupting traditional agricultural models and heightening the vulnerability of food systems. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that prioritizes sustainable resource management practices.
DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE BIOMETHANATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
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In 2023, the Ferme du Faascht, in the Greater Region opened a horticultural greenhouse and a biomethanisation site, to which LIST contributed in order to develop biological methanisation to convert CO2 from biogas into biomethane. This process, patented by LIST, makes it possible to store and manage green electricity, tackling the intermittent nature of renewable energies. By injecting the biomethane produced into the natural gas network, Ferme du Faascht is making progress in the storage of renewable energy, which is equivalent to several months' electricity consumption in the EU.
As part of the e-MC2 project, supported by Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), LIST researchers explored digestate fractionation and refining techniques, yielding valuable products like compost and formulated fertilisers. This collaboration represents a leap towards circular and sustainable agriculture, embodying LIST’s commitment to technological advancement and environmental stewardship.
Contact: Sébastien Lemaigre
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EXPLORING FUNGUS RESISTANT GRAPEVINE CULTIVARS
LIST researchers at the Institut Viti-Vinicole are studying fungus-resistant grapevine varieties known as PIWI cultivars, which reduce the need for chemical treatments in vineyards. These cultivars, resistant to major fungal diseases, offer a sustainable solution for grape growers, minimizing pesticide usage and promoting climate resilience. Additionally, they enhance biodiversity in vineyards by reducing chemical inputs, fostering a more balanced ecosystem.
LIST’s expertise in viticulture aims to overcome market barriers and promote the adoption of PIWI cultivars, contributing to climate mitigation
in agriculture.
Contact: Daniel Molitor
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UNVEILING NANOPARTICLES SET TO REDEFINE AGRITECH
LIST researchers from the Plant Molecular Farming group collaborated with SiSaf Ltd on a study titled «Nanoporous Quercetin-Loaded Silicon-Stabilized Hybrid Lipid Nanoparticles Alleviate Salt Stress in Tomato Plants.» Funded by FNR’s BRIDGES project Sapphyre, the research explored the effectiveness of SiSaf’s silicon-based hybrid lipid nanoparticles in delivering quercetin, an antioxidant, to plants.
This innovative approach aims to protect plants from stress, with promising results observed in tomato plants. The nanoparticles, biocompatible and non-toxic, dissolve over time, releasing their cargo and silicic acid without harming the plant. This technology could revolutionize agricultural practices, offering a sustainable solution for crop protection and growth.
Contact: Gea GUERRIERO
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HIGHLIGHTING ALARMING DECLINE IN EUROPEAN GRASSLAND BUTTERFLY NUMBER
A report co-authored by LIST researchers reveals a concerning decline in the number of grassland butterflies across Europe. The European
Grassland Butterfly Indicator, compiled by Butterfly Conservation Europe, highlights a 36% decrease in butterfly abundance since 1990. LIST has been instrumental in coordinating butterfly monitoring programs in Luxembourg, involving citizen participation to collect standardized data.
Factors contributing to this decline include intensified farming, land abandonment, and climate change-induced heatwaves and droughts. However, there is optimism as the indicator is set to be integrated into the EU’s forthcoming Nature Restoration Law, signalling a commitment to reversing the trend and restoring balance to ecosystems.
More about the report.
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PREDICTING MEGAFLOODS
A study, led by LIST, analyzed historical flood data across Europe, revealing that mega floods haven’t changed significantly over time.
By examining over 8,000 gauging stations spanning two centuries, the research proposes an international approach to predict floods by categorizing rivers based on shared characteristics. This method, using data from similar basins, could anticipate disasters like the 2021 Rhine basin flood.
LIST’s researchers emphasized the need for cross-border cooperation to enhance flood prevention, urging a shift from national to continental risk assessments. Future plans involve using accumulated knowledge to project river responses to climate change in Luxembourg and delving into natural archives for millennia-spanning insights. LIST’s approach aims for informed decisions in infrastructure protection amidst evolving environmental challenges.
More about the report.
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