Dr. Debasis Mitra’s Post

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

🌱 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

"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

"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

“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 was my privilege to host the international workshop on Food and Agriculture System, Health, and Cultural - Natural Heritage in Delta Regions - An Giang University (agu.edu.vn), An Giang University, 19-21 May 2024 On May 20, 2024, Institute for Climate Change, An Giang University, VNU-HCM, hosted an International Workshop on Food & Agriculture Systems, Health, and Cultural-Natural Heritage in Delta Regions. This event is part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded Living Delta Hub project. The workshop provided a platform for project scientists to share research results and receive feedback from relevant agencies, organizations, and beneficiaries. Participants included Professor Andy Large, Project Director from Newcastle University, UK; Prof. Vo Tong Xuan, Honorary Rector of Nam Can Tho University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kien, Project Head at the Institute for Climate Change; Dr. Huynh Kim Dinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cooperative Economy and Rural Development, and Deputy Chief of the Mekong Delta Rural Agriculture Coordination Office; along with representatives from businesses and managers in agriculture, health, and heritage in the Mekong Delta. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Thang, President of An Giang University, announced that the "Delta Research" project, approved by VNU-HCM and An Giang University, is being implemented by the university's Institute for Climate Change. The five-year project (2019-2024) focuses on major deltas: the Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta (Vietnam), and the Sundarbans Delta (Bangladesh and India), aiming to ensure their safety and future amid climate change. He also highlighted the project's role in expanding international cooperation with Newcastle University, UK. The project has achieved significant results, including surveying socio-cultural changes in the Mekong Delta, studying socio-economic interactions, implementing organic farming models in Nui To (Tri Ton, An Giang) and Vinh Loi (Thanh Tri, Soc Trang), and presenting five reports at international conferences. At the workshop, delegates discussed the development and commercial potential of organic rice in the Mekong Delta, natural resource and cultural heritage issues in coastal areas, the application of biological products in rice cultivation, and policies and opportunities for reducing carbon emissions in organic and ecological rice farming. As part of the workshop, delegates will visit Nhon My commune, Cho Moi district, and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, Tri Ton district, An Giang province. Hữu Nghị - An Giang University Library Translated by e-News Groups

#Call_for_Papers #Discover_Applied_Sciences Springer Nature #Earth_and_Environmental_Sciences: #Crop_Diversification_for_Resilient_Ecosystem Submission Deadline: 30 June 2025 About the Collection: Crop diversification is a strategic agricultural practice that enhances ecological resilience, improves soil health, and supports biodiversity. By diversifying crops, farmers mitigate risks from pests, diseases, and climate variability, while fostering sustainable soil and water management, promoting market opportunities, and reducing chemical inputs. Resilient ecosystems, characterized by biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and adaptive management, ensure the sustainability of essential ecosystem services. This topical collection aims to advance scientific discussions and share innovative findings on Crop Diversification for Resilient Ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 and SDG 15). #Major_Themes: Ecosystem Services for Soil Health Management Biodiversity Conservation for Ecosystem Resilience Sustainable Soil Health Management Through Crop Diversification Climate Resilience Farming for Ecosystem Management Reduced Pesticide Dependency Through Crop Management Water Quality Management for Enhanced Nutrient Use Efficiency Crops Nutritional and Dietary Diversity Food Security Through Crop Management Economic Stability Through Crop Management Ecosystem Services and Crop Risk Management Crop Diversification for Building Resilient Ecosystems Water Management Through Crop Diversification Sustainable Agriculture Practices Cultural Heritage and Crop Diversification Submission Details: Manuscripts must align with the thematic scope of the collection. Follow the submission guidelines on the participating journal's website. Publishing Model: Open Access Impact Factor: 2.6 (2022) Submit Your Manuscript: Submit to Discover Applied Sciences Editors: Dr. Hanuman Singh Jatav – Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, India. Prof. Satish Kumar Singh – Banaras Hindu University, India. Dr. Vijay Singh Meena – ICAR-VPKAS, India. We encourage researchers and practitioners to contribute original research or comprehensive reviews that provide fresh insights into the dynamic field of crop diversification for ecosystem resilience.

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

What Is Biodynamic Agriculture and How Does It Benefit Us? Biodynamic agriculture is an advanced method of farming that goes beyond organic practices. It’s rooted in a holistic approach that views the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem. This method emphasizes the interconnection between soil, plants, animals, and cosmic rhythms to create a balanced and productive farm. Key Principles of Biodynamic Agriculture: 1. Soil Health: Biodynamic farming prioritizes soil vitality. It uses compost and natural fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and structure. These practices promote microbial activity and soil health, leading to better crop yields and resilience. 2. Cosmic Rhythms: A unique aspect of biodynamic agriculture is its focus on celestial influences. Farmers plan their activities based on lunar and planetary cycles, believing that these cosmic rhythms impact plant growth and soil conditions. 3. Biodiversity: Biodynamic farms incorporate a variety of plants and animals to create a balanced ecosystem. This diversity supports natural pest control, reduces disease, and improves overall farm resilience. 4. Sustainable Practices: This method avoids synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Instead, it relies on natural methods to manage pests and diseases, conserving resources and protecting the environment. 5. Farm as a Living Organism: The farm is seen as a living system, with every part contributing to the whole. This holistic view ensures that all elements of the farm work together harmoniously, from the crops and soil to the livestock and composting systems. By integrating these principles, biodynamic agriculture fosters a more resilient and sustainable farming system. It not only produces high-quality, nutritious food but also supports environmental health and biodiversity. At our self-sustainable city project, we are embracing biodynamic agriculture to enhance our farming practices. Our approach ensures that our community benefits from nutritious, eco-friendly food while contributing to a healthier planet. Discover more about how we’re implementing these principles and how you can get involved by visiting our website. #BiodynamicAgriculture #SustainableFarming #EcoFriendly #SoilHealth #FarmToTable #OrganicFarming #SelfSustainableCity #GreenLiving https://lnkd.in/gq_aQTk6

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.