Dr. Debasis Mitra’s Post

"Understanding the environmental load and possible mitigation and resilience measures requires a multi-scale integrative framework of the complex systems involved. Since the conventional load is estimated to impose social and ecological state shift by the middle of this century,1,23 the offsetting and recovery of material cycles and biodiversity with a proper evaluation regime is the baseline task. This includes foresight toward sustainable intensification in food production, including a shift of culture and food systems to a vegetarian diet with respect to forest protection;24,25 the amelioration of inappropriate production and distribution;26 the enhancement of local production in urban agriculture;27 the search for ecologically and nutritionally sound alternative diets such as insect food;28 the diverse tailoring of small-scale agriculture for resource-poor farmers;29 and the planned management of fishery resources based on the functional capacity of ecosystems.30 Moreover, the measures should incorporate the resolution of both environmental and health risks beyond mitigation so as to achieve a net positive impact and compensate for the population increase and social inequality.6,9,20 The integrated approach is also crucial in light of climate change. Agriculture, forestry, and other land use related to food production account for 25% of global human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.31 The countries most vulnerable to climate change are also more likely to foster social corruption,32 hunger,33 and biodiversity hotspots, especially in coastal areas.34 Primary food production in these countries is supported mainly by small-scale, family-owned farms, which occupy about 87% of the world’s agricultural land.35 Globally, small and medium farms produce up to 77% of major commodities and nutrients.36 These problems are clearly out of the reach of conventional food production optimization techniques such as precision agriculture, which is based on the business-as-usual scenario and R&D investment policy in developed countries. ... Since it is qualitatively based a priori on the negative impact on the environment, the scaling-out of monoculture solutions cannot neutralize the adverse ecological effect in the context of increasing world population and the anticipated global collapse of ecosystems.39 Even leading-edge agricultural technologies such as genetically modified crop production cannot ensure secure and sufficient biodiversity for essential regulation services, which has been exclusively nurtured by the natural vegetation holding an astronomical number of active genetic resources. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the open field rather entail a potential risk of gene diversity homogenization through crossing with wild relatives and interspecific gene transfer as a generic mechanism of genome evolution." https://lnkd.in/gh2X7zsg

🌱 Organic Farming Boosts Soil Health and Microbial Life A recent study published in Plants, People, Planet confirms that organic farming practices significantly enhance soil health, microbial diversity, and crop pathogen resistance. Researchers found that organic methods, free from chemical-intensive inputs, foster healthier microbiota, particularly in crops like winter wheat. Key findings include: • Higher microbial diversity in organic fields, especially by May during crop development. • Improved soil properties such as carbon, nitrogen, and organic matter content. • Increased resistance to pathogens linked to microbial richness. This research underscores the importance of organic farming in promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience. It’s a powerful reminder of the potential of nature-based solutions to reshape our food systems for a healthier planet. #OrganicFarming #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth #Biodiversity

The Buzz on Insect Frass: A Secret Weapon for Thriving Plants 🦗🐛 With the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show done for another year, we here at edibl haven't stopped buzzing with excitement about how our small but mighty insects are helping in contributing to your show stopping blooms and immaculate landscapes 🌿🌾🌻 Did you know that insect frass, the seemingly innocuous byproduct of munching insects, is actually a treasure trove of benefits for your plants? Research published by Oxford Academia, highlights the benefits of insect frass towards supporting a more sustainable method of farming. The study states "Using insect frass fertiliser as an alternative source of nutrients would alleviate the dependence on mineral and synthetic fertilisers and potentially reduce costs of agricultural production. Additionally, the reuse of organic byproducts as insect feed contributes to a circular economy." The benefits go beyond simple nutrient delivery. The study also said "Mixtures of insect frass and synthetic N–P–K fertilizers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) have been demonstrated to enhance soil fertility, plant biomass, and nutrient uptake to similar levels of synthetic fertilisers (Houben et al. 2020, Tanga et al. 2022). Moreover, as a disruptive, yet still emerging technology, the use of insect frass is promising and aligns with global initiatives to promote more efficient food systems and sustainable intensification in agriculture." Ready to unlock the power of insects? Follow edibl for more 🦗 #insects #insectfrass #plantgrowth #sustainablegardening https://lnkd.in/dkEjSv-a

I am delighted to share that our article, titled “Climate Change Consequences on the MENA Countries’ Productive Capacity, Legumes, and the Major Food Consumption Diets”, has been accepted at the ICARDA conference and is now available as a poster. In this paper, the impact of climate change on the production capacity of MENA countries was discussed. The results showed that exposure of MENA countries to non-consumption of whole grains and legumes is the most important factor in reducing their production capacity. On the other hand, the most important factor to deal with the negative effects of climate change on food security is improving the quality of governance of MENA countries. This study was carried out in collaboration with Seyed Hamid Ahmadi and is now available on the #ICARDA website. Finally, we thank ICARDA; International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas , and Krishna Devkota for holding this conference and trying to improve food security in the MENA region.

💡 Insights from the Field: Biochar in Olives, Vineyards, and Tomatoes 🍅 The following study examines the impacts of biochar, compost, and biochar-compost blends on olive groves, greenhouse-grown tomatoes, crop rotations, and vineyards across various European regions. These findings not only validate the benefits of biochar for soil health and crop yields, but also underscore the importance of charging biochar with compost prior to application to maximize results in agricultural contexts. Key Research Discoveries 🌿 Soil Fertility: All amendments increased long lasting soil organic carbon, with biochar leading the charge with a 36% increase. Compost and biochar-blended compost also enhanced nutrient cycling and microbial activity, promoting soil fertility. 🌾 Crop Yield and Quality: No negative effects were observed on crop yield or crop quality. Biochar-blended compost even showed positive impacts on crop yield and fruit quality in vineyards and greenhouse tomato cultivation. ✅ Pure Biochar Results: No substantial impacts were noted from the application of pure biochar on soil health, crop quality, or crop yield. This reaffirms the understanding that biochar acts as a habitat for existing bio-nutrients and soil organisms, rather than a direct supplier of nutrients. Pre-charging biochar before application yields optimal results. We encourage you to dive into this study, add it to your library, and share it with your community to spread awareness of biochar's successes in agriculture! https://lnkd.in/gay9ee5Z #biochar #compost #regenerativeagriculture #soilhealth #regeneration

“THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: MYCORRHIZA IN FOCUS” 🔬 Current Trends: Sustainable agriculture is gaining momentum globally, driven by the urgent need to reduce environmental impact and enhance food security. Farmers and researchers alike are turning to natural solutions to promote soil health and crop productivity. Mycorrhiza, a beneficial fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with plant roots, is at the forefront of this movement. It Enhance Nutrient Uptake, improve Soil Structure and resistance power against drought, pests, and diseases. 📈 Research Findings: A study published in the Journal of Applied Soil Ecology found that crops treated with mycorrhizal fungi experienced a 20-30% increase in yield compared to untreated crops. (Link: https://lnkd.in/duhWg2De) Research from the Current Research in Microbial Sciences highlights that biofertilizers, including mycorrhizae, can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by up to 50%, contributing to a significant reduction in agricultural pollution. https://lnkd.in/dD567eUy 🔮 Predictions for the Future: Widespread Adoption: As awareness of the benefits grows, we anticipate a significant increase in the adoption of mycorrhiza and biofertilizers worldwide. Technological Advancements: Continued research and technological advancements will lead to the development of more effective and specialized biofertilizers tailored to different crops and soil types. Sustainable Practices: The shift towards organic and sustainable farming practices will become more pronounced, with mycorrhiza playing a crucial role in achieving long-term agricultural sustainability. At AGRILOGY BIOSCIENCE PVT LTD, we are proud to be at the forefront of this agricultural revolution, providing innovative mycorrhizal and biofertilizer solutions that help farmers cultivate healthier, more resilient crops while preserving our planet for future generations. 🌍 Join us in embracing the future of sustainable agriculture. Let's grow together! 🌿 #SustainableAgriculture #Mycorrhiza #Biofertilizers #SoilHealth #FutureFarming #Innovation #AgricultureRevolution #SustainableAgriculture #MycorrhizaMagic #BiofertilizerRevolution #SoilHealth #FutureFarming #GreenAgriculture #PlantHealth #AgInnovation #EcoFriendlyFarming #SustainableGrowth #AgTech #FarmToFuture #HealthySoil #OrganicFarming #ClimateSmartAg #AgricultureTrends #SoilScience #PlantNutrition #AgResearch #FarmingSustainability Website: https://agrilogy.in/ Email: info@agrilogy.in WhatsApp: +918141400755

It's been nearly a month since we hosted the 3rd annual Soil Health Forum here at Bona Gård, Munsö Sweden. Attended by conventional, organic, conservation and regenerative farmers alike, the salient conversations pivoted around the practical elements of design, innovation and execution of best soil care practices. We hosted Joel Williams of Integrated soils, Sarah Singla (famous for her 10% SOM) through cover cropping, George Sly of Horizon drills, and Josef Appel, the innovative Swedish farmer. The takeaway for me pivoted around cover cropping, this almost seems like a lost art, to the detriment of our soils and farms. As I'm sure the most of you know, diverse cover crops, deliver a whole host of benefits to our soils and ecosystems, contributing vastly to the improved capacity of soil carbon cycling, improving soil porosity whilst mobilising and delivering bioavailable nutrition to plants whilst also suppressing pathogens. I don't think I could ever over emphasise how vital cover cropping is to the restoration of our soils. Mastering the art of farming, we must acquire a significant volume of knowledge, everything from biophysics, systems dynamics, economics, soil science, chemistry, mechanics and machine operation, plant physiology and a whole host more. I think it's this complex nature of farming, which has led us to a specialist driven approach which doesn't readily harmonise with a generalists profession such as farming. The conference is aimed to equip farmers with powerful tools and knowledge that can be applied at scale to tired, agricultural soils. Bona Gård is a working example of how we can accelerate and mediate in this process. I presented and instructed farmers on the ins and outs of production and application of Compost Extracts, discussing their remarkable capacity to inoculate soils and more specifically the spermosphere of seeds (an important microbial habitat that contributes to the plant-microbe interactions, suppressing soil pathogens whilst improving seedling vigour). Compost extracts are considered the low hanging fruit, and the biggest bang for the buck for farmers to adopt into their working models. In summary, it was a pleasure to attend, and to work with other professionals in their field (no pun intended), who aim to move the industry from our heavy handed approach to soil care that ensures their productivity increases through time and space. When our baseline moves from seeing soil as a static medium to a process oriented, dynamic, living, breathing medium, requiring consistent flows of sunlight energy, and minimal disturbance only then can we build "real" fertility, and adjust our management practices accordingly. The conference was aimed at achieving this as quickly as possible. The hunger for information was tangible, and it was a real pleasure to participate. Thanks to Cilla Kristoffersson, Adam Gierrta and all the crew who made the event possible.

Climate proofing crops - what scientists say based on evidence-based research (and what actually indigenous traditional farmers for generations have practiced for thousands of years.) The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) "warns that more than 90% of Earth’s soils are at risk of becoming degraded by 2050; this could lead to a rise in famine." The primary driver of this is industrial agriculture which "usually relies on fertilizers, pesticides and mechanical equipment to produce high-yielding monocultures — single crops such as maize (corn) or wheat." The situation is getting worse due to climate change related issues... Scientists say things can be improved by boosting the "soil microbiome" — that is, its microbial community present in the soil. By improving soil health "crops can be made more resilient to drought and extreme weather." Adapting #regenerativeagriculture practices is showing positive results. The general goal of regenerative agriculture is to rebuild healthy soil. That starts with increasing the proportion of organic matter — including living roots and manure — to feed the soil microbiome and recycle nutrients for plants. Some methods used by farmers that are showing significant positive results are: #covercropping - One practice that is considered regenerative is cover cropping: planting species that typically won’t be harvested. "Researchers polled roughly 700 farmers, and found an average 9.6% greater maize yield and 11.6% greater soya bean yield during the drought on fields in which cover crops had been grown." #croprotation is generally understoid as "rotating different crops, including cover crops, on the same field over time, or by planting several crops on the same field at the same time"..."Swapping out crops, rather than growing the same monoculture on the same field for years on end, can improve soil health without sacrificing productivity," Rich Smith, an agricultural ecologist at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. "A review of 20 studies that analysed the effects of crop rotation on soil life found that rotating various species increased the amount of microorganisms in soil by about 15% compared with monoculture fields, and boosted microbial diversity by more than 3%." The conclusion: soil health is important to enrich biodiversity in our #foodsystems and biodiverse farms are a critical to improve #foodsecurity. #whatiamreading #foodforthought #learningfocus #farmimprovement #climatechange #climateresilience #climateresilientagriculture

"Much of the existing literature focuses on the direct effects of GM crop adoption on agricultural outcomes and, to a lesser extent, its implications for the environment and human health. Recent studies employing causal inference methods have contributed to our understanding of the combined direct and indirect impacts of GM crop adoption through environmental management changes, including effects on yields, deforestation, biodiversity, and human health. Their findings paint a nuanced picture of GM crop adoption, with mostly positive impacts on yields and mixed effects on pesticide use, biodiversity, deforestation, and human health. These studies also find negative health effects from increased glyphosate use, possibly counteracted by reduced toxicity of insecticide applications due to the adoption of insect-resistant GM crops. However, the few studies that evaluate long-term consequences suggest that short-term benefits may decrease if pest resistance is not well managed. In addition, new results show that GM crop adoption increases deforestation locally, in contrast to previous studies that found a land-sparing global effect of GM crop adoption. Lastly, the evidence for the impacts of GM crop adoption on biodiversity is mixed. For example, a recent study found that although the overall impact of GM crops on bird diversity is small, the overall effect is composed of positive effects on insectivorous species and negative effects on plant and seed-eating species. While these studies greatly advance our understanding of the direct and indirect environmental effects of GM crops, they still do not fully assess the spillover effects on areas and regions that have not adopted GM crops" https://lnkd.in/d4z2PvEV

Organic farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural processes and inputs, avoiding synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It emphasizes sustainable practices that promote ecological balance, biodiversity, and soil health. This farming approach nurtures the land, water, and air, fostering a harmonious relationship between nature and agriculture. #GeneralAgriculture