Impacts of the plot structure on the functioning of farms in bocage regions

Abstract

It is necessary to understand the limits and performances of agricultural techniques, as well as their adaptability and behaviour in the field to ease the dialogue between farmers and their organizations on the topic of management of rural lands. The « Fédération nationale des coopératives d'utilisation de matériels agricoles », in the framework of the « Fonds de gestion de l'espace rural » chose to study the relations between agricultural work conditions and the characteristics of mixed woodland and pastureland type of landscapes, often the subject of discussions, through a new topic: agricultural mechanization and work. This approach at various levels of spatial analysis (plot, farm, landscape) has enabled us to highlight various aspects of farming logics. Through the recording of working times, and through surveys conducted on farmers' practices and choices of production localization within the plot, we have favoured the study in real conditions. However, the modelling proved to be necessary to highlight the impact of some parameters, such as distance. The analyses do not provide standards, but elements of sensibilization of local actors to the question of land improvement integrating farming systems and their evolution for a lasting land management.