Application of Extremophiles in Sustainable Agriculture

2022 ◽  
pp. 233-250
Author(s):  
Julius Eyiuche Nweze ◽  
Justus Amuche Nweze ◽  
Shruti Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

With the increasing demands for foods and other agriculture-based products, sustainable agricultural practices are the cornerstone for improving low-input agricultural production. In contrast to crop production, plant-microorganism interaction (PMI) plays a crucial role. PMI significantly raises productivity as well as maintaining the overall health of the crop. During harsh and extreme physiological conditions, plant-associated extremophilic microbes (PAEM) are known to contribute to crop production, survivability, and fitness. Thus, the application of extremophiles either in the form of biofertilizer or biopesticides is highly beneficial. Extremophiles have been adapted to withstand diverse harsh environmental conditions. They possess unique mechanisms at the molecular level to produce enormous potential extremozymes and bioactive compounds. Consequently, extremophiles represent the foundation of efficient and sustainable agriculture. This chapter introduces the significance and application of plant-associated extremophilic microbes in sustainable agriculture.

scholarly journals Sustainable Agriculture: Farmers’ Perspectives on Transition to Sustainable Agricultural Practices

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paige Allen
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Sustainable Policy ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
Policy Discussion ◽  
Agricultural Production Systems

The role of sustainability in Canadian agricultural production systems is a complex and evolving topic. In 2018 Canada announced the launch of a five-year Canadian Agricultural Partnership which is a $3 billion funding initiative between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Innovation and sustainability is one of the key elements of the initiative. The purpose of this research is to increase policy discussion in relation to sustainable agriculture through the engagement of farmers in Southern Ontario. This research will help improve the sustainable policies and programs by investigating farmers’ views on the inclusion and transition to sustainable farming practices, factors influencing farmers’ decisions to make the transition, as well as identifying deficits in current sustainable policy and programming in Ontario. It is essential to develop research which is representative of farmers’ viewpoints on as they are the stakeholders directly impacted by the policies and programs which are developed and enacted.

scholarly journals Sustainable agriculture: The study on farmers’ perception and practices regarding nutrient management and limiting losses

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Kiełbasa ◽  
Stefan Pietrzak ◽  
Barbro Ulén ◽  
Jan-Olof Drangert ◽  
Karin Tonderski
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Farm Management ◽  
General Idea ◽  
Limiting Nutrient ◽  
Scientific Project ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

AbstractThe paper presents the results of a scientific project focused on limiting nutrient losses from farms by introducing measures to apply fertilizers in a more sustainable way. It is a case study of selected aspects of farm management, focussing on the issue of sustainable agriculture and their tools. The main aim of the study was to analyse and evaluate farmers’ knowledge of the fertilizing process and its aspects, as well as applying sustainable agricultural activities on farms. The study emphasised the importance of nutrient management, as very important for sustainable farming. Also, the links between farmers’ opinions and their activities were analysed. The important issue concerned measures for sustainable farm management introduced on the farms, as well as measures to limit nutrient leaching into groundwater. Twenty-eight farmers from two regions in Poland were interviewed about their perceptions for the case study. In general, the farmers considered their farm activities to be more sustainable than in the past. They demonstrated an understanding of the general idea of sustainable agriculture. However, many farmers still demonstrated a poor grasp of nutrient flows and nutrient balances on farms. Their knowledge and perception was based on general, rather than specific knowledge gleaned from an academic/vocational course. The farmers demonstrated a realization that there were some new, or low-cost measures that could be introduced to make management more sustainable and pro-environmental, but there was still a need for wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

scholarly journals Plant Physiology and some aspects of future agriculture.

1970 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61
Author(s):  
E.C. Wassink
Keyword(s):  
Plant Physiology ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Solar Energy Conversion ◽  
Research Station ◽  
The World

From considerations of solar energy conversion data it is suggested that the total area required for feeding the entire human population of the world according to present agricultural practices and nutritional standards is relatively small, being about 2000 x 2000 km. This area includes roads etc. and that needed for crop production would be only 25% of this figure. The author proposes that agricultural production may benefit from the setting up, in various parts of the world, of 3000 units each about 30 x 40 km in area and devoted to a limited number of crops and served by its own research station. Some consequences of this suggestion are discussed.-F.A.S. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

scholarly journals The Role of Citizen Science in Sustainable Agriculture

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 10375
Author(s):  
Khaldoon A. Mourad ◽  
Seyyed Hasan Hosseini ◽  
Helen Avery
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Farmers know much more than we think, and they are keen to improve their knowledge in order to improve their farms and increase their income. On the other hand, decision-makers, organizations, and researchers are increasing their use of citizen volunteers to strengthen their outcomes, enhance project implementation, and approach ecosystem sustainability. This paper assesses the role of citizen science relating to agricultural practices and covers citizen science literature on agriculture and farmers’ participation during the period 2007–2019. The literature was examined for the role of citizen science in supporting sustainable agriculture activities, pointing to opportunities, challenges, and recommendations. The study identified the following gaps: insufficient attention to (1) long-term capacity building and dialogue between academics and farming communities; (2) developing countries in the global South and smallholders; (3) agriculture trading and marketing; (4) the rationales of selecting target groups; (5) contributing to accelerated sustainability transitions. The main aim of the research projects reviewed in this study tended to focus on the research outcomes from an academic perspective, not sustainable solutions in practice or sustainability in general. More research is needed to address these gaps and to widen the benefits of citizen science in sustainable agricultural practices.

scholarly journals Nitrogen Utilization in a Cereal-Legume Rotation Managed with Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariangela Diacono ◽  
Paola Baldivieso-Freitas ◽  
Francisco Sans Serra
Keyword(s):  
Green Manure ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Residual Effect ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
N Use

Optimization of the nitrogen (N) inputs and minimization of nutrient losses strongly affect yields in crop rotations. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of agricultural practices on yield and N use in a 4-year cereal-legume rotation in organic farming and to identify the best combination of these practices. The following treatments were compared: conventional plough (P) vs. reduced chisel (RC) tillage; composted farmyard manure (F) vs. unfertilized control (NF); and green manure (GM) vs. no green manure (NoM). No significant differences were found for N use efficiency between P and RC in each crop. The results suggested that legumes in the tested rotation do not need supplemental N fertilization, particularly if combining GM and F. The use of composted farmyard manure should be considered in a long-term fertilization plan for cereals, to allow a higher efficiency in N use. The residual effect of fertilization over time, along with the site-specific pedo-climatic conditions, should also be considered. In both tested tillage approaches, soil N surplus was the highest in plots combining GM and F (i.e., more than 680 kg N ha−1 in combination with RC vs. about 140 kg N ha−1 for RC without fertilization), with a risk of N losses by leaching. The N deficit in NoM–NF both combined with P and RC would indicate that these treatment combinations are not sustainable for the utilized crops in the field experiment. Therefore, the combination of the tested practices should be carefully assessed to sustain soil fertility and crop production.

scholarly journals Effects of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria on the Growth, Photosynthesis, and Nutrient Uptake of Camellia oleifera Abel.

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Wu ◽  
Jianrong Li ◽  
Yanliu Chen ◽  
Linping Zhang ◽  
Yang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Leaf Nitrogen ◽  
Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria ◽  
Camellia Oleifera ◽  
Available N ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
P Content ◽  
Phosphate Solubilizing ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Phosphorus (P) is a necessary nutrient for plant growth and plays an important role in plant metabolisms; however, the majority of P in soil is in insoluble forms. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can convert the insoluble phosphates into plant-available forms and may have the potential for use in sustainable agricultural practices. This study examined the effects of two native PSB, namely Bacillus aryabhattai (JX285) and Pseudomonas auricularis (HN038), and a mixture of both strains (1:1) on the growth of Camellia oleifera Abel. seedlings. The results showed a significant promotion of the growth of C. oleifera plants by three inoculation treatments. All the PSB inoculation treatments could improve the leaf nitrogen (N) and P content and had positive effects on the available N, P, and potassium (K) content of rhizosphere soil. A co-inoculation of the two native PSB strains caused a synergistic effect and achieved the best benefit. In conclusion, B. aryabhattai and P. auricularis could be used as biological agents instead of chemical fertilizers for agricultural production to reduce environmental pollution and increase the yield of tea oil.

scholarly journals Phytonanotechnology applications in modern agriculture

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Jiang ◽  
Yue Song ◽  
Mukesh Kumar Kanwar ◽  
Golam Jalal Ahammed ◽  
Shujun Shao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Edible Coatings ◽  
Food Spoilage ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Modern Agriculture ◽  
Sustainable Crop Production

AbstractWith the rapidly changing global climate, the agricultural systems are confronted with more unpredictable and harsh environmental conditions than before which lead to compromised food production. Thus, to ensure safer and sustainable crop production, the use of advanced nanotechnological approaches in plants (phytonanotechnology) is of great significance. In this review, we summarize recent advances in phytonanotechnology in agricultural systems that can assist to meet ever-growing demands of food sustainability. The application of phytonanotechnology can change traditional agricultural systems, allowing the target-specific delivery of biomolecules (such as nucleotides and proteins) and cater the organized release of agrochemicals (such as pesticides and fertilizers). An amended comprehension of the communications between crops and nanoparticles (NPs) can improve the production of crops by enhancing tolerance towards environmental stresses and optimizing the utilization of nutrients. Besides, approaches like nanoliposomes, nanoemulsions, edible coatings, and other kinds of NPs offer numerous selections in the postharvest preservation of crops for minimizing food spoilage and thus establishing phtonanotechnology as a sustainable tool to architect modern agricultural practices. Graphical Abstract

scholarly journals University of Arkansas Agriculture Professionals' Perceptions toward Sustainable Agriculture

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 831C-831
Author(s):  
Heather Friedrich* ◽  
Curt R. Rom ◽  
Jennie Popp ◽  
Barbara Bellows ◽  
Donn Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cooperative Extension Service ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Row Crops ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Agricultural College ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Interest IN and conversion to sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic agriculture, integrated pest management or increasing biodiversity, has been increasing for a number of years among farmers and ranchers across the United States In order to meet the needs of producers, university researchers and educators must adapt their program areas to reflect this change toward sustainable agriculture practices. Although consumers, producers, and extension workers have been surveyed regarding their attitudes and interests in sustainable agricultural practices, few surveys have examined sustainable agriculture perceptions among university agriculture professionals. The object of this study was to survey 200 agriculture professionals, including research scientists, classroom educators of the Land-Grant agricultural college and the Cooperative Extension service of a southern state with a traditional agricultural economy in order to determine their perceptions and attitudes toward sustainable agriculture and to gather information on current research and education activities relevant to sustainable agriculture. Seventy-eight questions were asked concerning professional incentives, personal and professional importance of topics under the sustainable agriculture rubric, current research and educational activities, and demographics. By conducting this research we hope to identify factors that are an impedance or assistance to future research and education to support sustainable agriculture. The survey findings will provide a foundation for directing and developing agriculture research and education programs for row crops, fruit, vegetable and livestock production.

scholarly journals Utah's Vegetable Growers: Assessing Sustainable Agriculture

1997 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Drost ◽  
Gilbert Long ◽  
Kimberlee Hales
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Vegetable Farmers ◽  
Farmer Groups ◽  
Two Indices ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Without a clear understanding of individual farms and farming practice, progression toward more sustainable vegetable production cannot occur. Seventy randomly selected vegetable farmers in Utah were surveyed by telephone and mail to gather baseline data on their agricultural practices. The Utah vegetable farmers profile generated by this survey included a measure of each respondent's attitude toward sustainable agricultural practices and his or her interest in further cooperation with research and extension. A farming index to measure practices used and a perceptual index measuring farmer's views regarding sustainable practices were developed, pilot tested, and refined during the project. Although the perceptual index did not serve as a proxy for actual farm practice, it identified farmers who had an appreciation for sustainable agriculture. Together with the farming index, we now have detailed information on actual farm practices for a variety of different vegetable farmer groups. The use of these two indices will help measure the effectiveness of future research and extension efforts as farmers progress toward more sustainable vegetable production.

scholarly journals Towards New Soil Management Strategies for Improving Soil Quality and Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Agriculture: Editorial Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 9398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugo De Corato
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Microbial Consortia ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Soil Biodiversity

The major issues related to indiscriminate land use are overall related to topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, plant disease outbreaks, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, global vision focused on the environmental impact and use of eco-friendly strategies are increasing. The design of new agroecosystems and food systems are fundamental to make more sustainability in soil management systems by improving the release of advanced ecosystems services for farmers. Sustainable agriculture utilizes natural renewable resources in the best way due to their intrinsic features by minimizing harmful impact on the agroecosystems. Farmers should sustain or even increase the soil organic matter (SOM) content overall in depleted, semiarid and arid soils. Nutrients recycled from agro-waste into the soil using residual biomass sources should be endorsed by diversified agriculture and governmental policies in which livestock and crop production are spatially integrated. Many good agricultural practices that growers may use to promote soil quality and soil health by minimizing water use and soil pollution on farms are yet available from past years. Exploration of the natural soil biodiversity and manipulation of soil microbiota by continuous amendment with compost, biochar and digestate represents a pre-requisite to develop more efficient microbial consortia useful for soils and crops. On the other hand, more attention is proven regarding the sustainable use of useful microorganisms employed as pure inoculants in rhizosphere. Among them, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and biological control agents cover the major groups of tailored inoculants in order to rationalize the internal recycling of nutrients and their energy recovery, or to improve the soil quality and plant health thanks to their diversified mechanisms of action and complex interactions between SOM, microbiota and plant roots in the rhizosphere.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document