A French hydrologist’s research for sustainable agriculture

•Career contributions of Chantal Gascuel-Odoux in hydrology, soil science and agronomy.•Influence of soil and subsoil properties on hydrological processes.•Water, solute and particulate transfer at the catchment scale.•Design of integrated approaches to landscapes and territorial management.•Contributions to public policies and public debate. Here we highlight the career contributions of Chantal Gascuel-Odoux in hydrology, soil science and agronomy. These contributions are divided into four main categories: i) Influence of soil and subsoil properties on hydrological processes; ii) Water, solute and particulate transfer at the catchment scale; iii) Design of integrated approaches to landscapes and territorial management; iv) Contributions to public policies and public debates. We conclude by emphasising Chantal’s human qualities, which we particularly appreciate as former mentees.