Biopesticides to Lead the Charge in Sustainable Agriculture & Integrated Pest Management

Biopesticides to Lead the Charge in Sustainable Agriculture & Integrated Pest Management Globally

2024-03-19

• MarketsandMarkets
• Business Research
• Biopesticides Market

Guest Post By MarketsandMarkets .Agriculture2024-03-19

The growing awareness about the harmful effects of synthetic pesticides on human health and the environment has led to a rising demand for biopesticides.

Increasing awareness of the environmental and health concerns of synthetic pesticides is prompting farmers to seek more sustainable solutions. Biopesticides, derived from natural sources, offer a suitable alternative, promoting crop protection by fostering beneficial microorganisms in the soil while minimizing negative environmental impact.

Further, their integration into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies allows for targeted pest control, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices globally.

According to MarketsandMarkets, the biopesticides market is projected to reach USD 13.9 billion by 2028 from USD 6.7 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 15.9% during the forecast period in terms of value. Supported by the stringent regulations on synthetic pesticides and growing demand for organic food, biopesticide usage remained prominent in North America and Europe.

Technological advancements in biopesticide development, the growing organic food industry, and increasing awareness about sustainable practices are anticipated to further propel market growth in developing countries such as Brazil, Argentina, China, and India.

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Focus on sustainable agricultural practices to support biopesticides growth

The demand for organic and sustainably produced food is growing as consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of conventional farming practices, driving the demand for crops grown using biopesticides. Governments worldwide are encouraging the use of biopesticides by implementing supportive regulatory frameworks.

It includes incentives, subsidies, and streamlined registration processes for biopesticide products. Registration of biopesticides in the US takes around 12 to 18 months compared to approximately 36 months for conventional pesticides.

The registration fees are also comparatively lower. Ongoing research & development efforts are expanding the range and efficacy of biopesticides as part of integrated pest management (IPM).

Companies such as Bayer AG, Syngenta, and Corteva Agrisciences are investing in innovative formulations to improve biopesticide products’ shelf life and efficiency.

Biopesticides for sustainable agriculture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Considered part of sustainable agriculture practices, biopesticides are derived from natural materials such as animals, microbes, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. The use of biopesticides is becoming more popular due to their safer and environmentally friendly nature compared to traditional pesticides.

This trend aligns with the global push for sustainable agriculture, where eco-friendly solutions are key to minimizing harm to the ecosystem. Biopesticides are an essential component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as they help to reduce chemical inputs, promoting a balanced and resilient agroecosystem.

Advancement in microbial research to support future growth of biopesticides

Extensive research undertaken by the major players in the crop protection industry has encouraged the effective use of biological signals to trigger RNAi-specific genes, which would help in disease and pest resistance and increase yield and quality. Bayer AG (Germany) is advancing in microbial and RNA interference (RNAi) technology, allowing farmers to adopt better alternatives for applying biological products.

Companies such as Greenlight Biosciences are focusing on the invention of RNAi-based biopesticides for biological crop protection. Monsanto Company (US) got approval from the EPA in 2017 for genetic engineering technology using RNA interference to kill insect pests.

Corteva Agriscience (US) also licensed two insect traits from Monsanto Company (US), which contained an RNAi rootworm trait. Regulated under biopesticides in the US, this technology is witnessing increased adoption in the industry, as it is a novel solution available for specific pest traits in specific crops.

Technological limitations for the use of biological products

Biological products have a short or limited shelf life and a high probability of contamination. One of the significant problems with agricultural inoculation technology is the survival of microorganisms during storage.

The other issues include exposure to sunlight, culture mediums, the physiological state of microorganisms when harvested, temperature maintenance during storage, and water activity of inoculants that have an influence on their shelf life. Compatibility with other agricultural products, such as chemical fungicides and herbicides, also poses problems with using microbial inoculants in the soil.

Some of the major technological constraints with the use of biological products include the following:

1. Use of improper and inefficient strains for production
2. Lack of experienced, skilled, and technical personnel
3. Unavailability of high-quality carrier materials or the use of different carrier materials by producers without ascertaining the quality of the material
4. Short shelf life due to the influence of various abiotic and biotic stress factors

Effectiveness of foliar application to drive the demand for biopesticides

Foliar mode of application has become increasingly popular in recent years as it allows for more targeted and efficient use of inputs. This application mode improves the effectiveness of biopesticide products through direct application to the leaves.

When applied directly to the grass plant leaves, these products can be absorbed more quickly and efficiently, allowing for faster results and better overall performance.

Use of microbial-based biopesticides to boost the market growth

Microbial-based biopesticides are highly specific in their action, targeting only the pests they are designed to control while leaving beneficial insects and organisms unharmed, hence integrating sustainable approaches to farming. Microbials, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, can act as natural enemies of pests by directly infecting and killing them or interfering with their life cycles and behavior.

This targeted approach helps preserve the ecological balance and reduces the risk of resistance development in pests. Additionally, microbial products have a lower environmental impact, as they degrade naturally without leaving harmful residues in the soil, water, or air.

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Growth opportunities in developing regions such as Asia Pacific and South America

According to FAOSTAT, China, India, Brazil, and Argentina have emerged as major consumers of pesticides. As the demand for food has risen in these regions, the use of pesticides has increased consequently to achieve higher crop yields.

However, pollution, soil contamination, and concerns about the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on the food chain have become significant issues in these areas. To address these concerns, governments are promoting the adoption of integrated pest management practices (IPM) and sustainable crop protection practices.

Developing regions such as the Asia Pacific are poised for strong growth due to the availability of biopesticide products, the extent of organic farming, farmers’ awareness, cultivation of high-value cash crops, and effective promotion and marketing of biopesticides.

In countries such as India, China, and Brazil, where farmers typically have smaller landholdings and face economic challenges, government agencies provide subsidies and implement favorable regulatory policies to support large-scale production and encourage the use of biopesticides. The biopesticide market in these regions presents opportunities for new entrants due to a relatively small number of producers and low entry barriers.

Biopesticides market ecosystem

Prominent companies operating in the market possess a diversified product portfolio, state-of-the-art technologies, and strong global sales and marketing networks. The key players in this include BASF SE (Germany), Bayer AG (Germany), Syngenta (Switzerland), UPL Limited (India), FMC Corporation (US), Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc.

(US), Novozymes (Denmark), Nufarm (Australia), Isagro S.p.A (Italy), Certis USA L.L.C. (US), Koppert (Netherlands), Biobest Group NV (Belgium), SOM Phytopharma (India) Limited (India), Valent BioSciences LLC (US), and STK Bio-Ag Technologies (Israel).

These players in this market are focusing on increasing their presence through agreements and collaborations. These companies have a strong presence in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.

They also have manufacturing facilities along with strong distribution networks across these regions.

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How to test crop biologicals on your farm

FP Next – Deep Dive: The coordinator of Nebraska’s On-Farm Research Network shares insights into studies on crop biologicals and their impact on your bottom line.

Curt Arens, Sarah McNaughton

March 1, 2024

6 Min Read

CHECK IT OUT: One of the best ways to decide which crop biologicals or nontraditional crop products work in your geographic area and cropping management system is to test them out in your own fields. CURT ARENS

At a Glance

• There are hundreds of biologicals, biostimulants and other nontraditional crop products on the market.
• A starting point in testing these products might be planting simple “with” and “without” test strips across a field.
• Planting test strips across a range of nitrogen rates, along with check strips, offer the most useful results.

It’s like the Wild West out there in the world of crop biologicals. There are hundreds of products, but many farmers don’t know where to start to decide which ones, if any, will boost their bottom line, improve crop health or reduce nutrient inputs.

There are many questions. How do I decide which biologicals will work on my farm? How do I know if they are worth the money? Where do I start to test in the field what works on our own farm?

The new Farm Progress podcast — FP Next — powered by John Deere, sets out to answer those questions by visiting with Laura Thompson, Nebraska’s On-Farm Research Network coordinator, in a Deep Dive episode (listen below). Listen to all episodes of FP Next.

Burning questions

Gleaned from the podcast, here are some of the questions Thompson answered, shedding light not only on biologicals and other nontraditional crop products, but also talking about how farmers can test the effectiveness of these products on their own farms.

What exactly are crop biologicals and biostimulants and why are they important? There are a lot of different products that we categorize as biologicals or biostimulants. In our on-farm research, a lot of times we look at these products as what we call more nontraditional products. These could be things like biologicals, biostimulants, as well as other things. But we’re looking at products here that have been derived from natural materials. These include beneficial microorganisms. These could be things like bacteria or fungi, but also products like seaweed extracts, amino acids, humic acids and organic compounds.

Regardless, the idea is to try to stimulate or interact with the plant and the soil to help promote growth, or it could be increasing nutrient uptake. There are a variety of reasons producers might be interested in utilizing these products. They have gained a lot of attention recently, and the reasons for that are there is interest in reducing chemical inputs, and an emphasis on soil health and how we can promote more sustainable farming practices.

These products are available for a wide variety of crops like corn, soybeans and dry edible beans, but also high-value crops and horticultural crops.

Tell us about some of your most recent studies relating to biologicals in the field. We’ve had product testing dating back many years. One of the benefits of doing that research through the On-Farm Research Network is that we have a nice repository of those studies available now. We have what is called our results finder database, where you can search and filter by different products and product names in different categories and look at how those products are performing for different people in different parts of the state, and in different production systems.

Studies that people are looking at include some commercial products like Pivot Bio and other products. A large variety of products have been tested over the years. And then some producers look at their own products as well, like homemade compost tea extracts, for instance.

Something that’s fun about our On-Farm Research Network is that it is really farmer-driven. We have such a huge variety of studies in our network because we have all the innovative and curious farmers across the area coming up with the different topics they are interested in, and we’re working with them on those studies.

These producers testing some of their own extract products are really interested in seeing how these impact (their operations) over the long term. That’s beneficial because we think about these products as being biologicals. We know that it takes time in a system to make a difference, for the system to adapt and change and to start to measure what the change might be in terms of synthetic fertilizer applications, herbicide applications and soil health.

Related:FP Next: The rise of tar spot, with Mindy Ward

Where do you start and how do you decide whether these products are paying off in the long run? Knowing we have such different conditions, soils, landscapes and management practices is why on-farm research is most beneficial for producers. It doesn’t have to be that complicated to test a product. But as you’re thinking about adopting a new product into your operation, it’s important that producers are getting data on how that product is performing. We all come with our bias.

If we purchased that product, we want to see how it works. If we’re just anecdotally looking to apply to the whole field and kind of going with a gut feeling, it’s natural to have a bias since we paid for a product. We want to see something, whether it is there or not.

Maybe do a test on a couple of fields first. Maybe this is the year you put in some check strips and collect the data for yourself. Maybe you will see that your gut feeling is correct, or maybe it is not what you thought.

How can producers evaluate these products on nutrient uptake for instance in their own fields? A lot of these products are looking at things like providing nitrogen for the crop. Producers often set up trials that do some simple “with” and “without” product tests. That’s a great starting point.

With precision ag technology, we’re seeing producers looking at these products at a variable nitrogen rate, maybe applying a range of nitrogen rates, maybe ranging from 75 pounds to 200 pounds of N. Applying biological products across those rates and leaving a check across those rates as well helps us look at the impact.

One of the challenges producers faced in the first couple of years of testing these products was that they would do a test over a reduced nitrogen rate and maybe see no impact for that product. This can be discouraging. But we don’t know if that N rate they were testing was already in excess of the optimal rate. That’s why we’re trying to work with producers to test across a wider range of N rates to see what product impacts might be at the optimal N rate with and without the product. This gives us a chance to see where that product might fit.

Another benefit of doing this kind of variable-rate approach and putting it into a prescription like this is that we can test it with different geographies within the field. Maybe we have some silty clay loam, and maybe we have a sandy pocket in the field. We can see if we have any difference.

In some cases, we’re not seeing an impact with these products. But that’s the depth of the testing we need to do to verify if that is the case for each producer in each region of the field. If we are not seeing a positive response, then it is still important information to have going forward in making management decisions.

Read more about:Biologicals

About the Author(s)

Curt Arens

Editor, Nebraska Farmer

Curt Arens began writing about Nebraska’s farm families when he was in high school. Before joining Farm Progress as a field editor in April 2010, he had worked as a freelance farm writer for 27 years, first for newspapers and then for farm magazines, including Nebraska Farmer.

His real full-time career, however, during that same period was farming his family’s fourth generation land in northeast Nebraska. He also operated his Christmas tree farm and grew black oil sunflowers for wild birdseed. Curt continues to raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa and runs a cow-calf herd.

Curt and his wife Donna have four children, Lauren, Taylor, Zachary and Benjamin. They are active in their church and St. Rose School in Crofton, where Donna teaches and their children attend classes.

Previously, the 1986 University of Nebraska animal science graduate wrote a weekly rural life column, developed a farm radio program and wrote books about farm direct marketing and farmers markets. He received media honors from the Nebraska Forest Service, Center for Rural Affairs and Northeast Nebraska Experimental Farm Association.

He wrote about the spiritual side of farming in his 2008 book, “Down to Earth: Celebrating a Blessed Life on the Land,” garnering a Catholic Press Association award.

Sarah McNaughton

Editor, Dakota Farmer, Farm Progress

Sarah McNaughton of Bismarck, N.D., has been editor of Dakota Farmer since 2021. Before working at Farm Progress, she was an NDSU 4-H Extension agent in Cass County, N.D. Prior to that, she was a farm and ranch reporter at KFGO Radio in Fargo.

McNaughton is a graduate of North Dakota State University, with a bachelor’s degree in ag communications and a master’s in Extension education and youth development.

She is involved in agriculture in both her professional and personal life, as a member of North Dakota Agri-Women, Agriculture Communicators Network Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority Alumni and Professional Women in Agri-business. As a life-long 4-H’er, she is a regular volunteer for North Dakota 4-H programs and events.

In her free time, she is an avid backpacker and hiker, and can be found most summer weekends at rodeos around the Midwest.

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Brazil: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture

Brazil’s Quiet Revolution: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture

Brazil’s agriculture is witnessing a quiet revolution with the rise of biopesticides. Farmers like Adriano Cruvinel have increased soybean yields by 13% and reduced chemical pesticide use by 76%. As Brazil faces challenges in balancing agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship, the adoption of biopesticides offers a promising path towards sustainable farming.

BNN Correspondents

 18 Feb 2024 20:50 EST

 Updated On 18 Feb 2024 20:51 EST

 Follow Us

Brazil’s Quiet Revolution: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture

In the verdant expanses of Brazil, a quiet revolution brews amidst the rows of soy, corn, and cotton that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, in the world’s largest exporter of these crops, a significant shift toward sustainability is underway. Leading the charge is Adriano Cruvinel, a farmer whose soybean yields have surged by 13% thanks to a bold decision: slashing chemical pesticide use by an astonishing 76% in favor of biopesticides. This move toward natural pest management solutions is not just a personal win for Cruvinel but signals a potential turning point for Brazilian – and possibly global – agriculture. As of February 2024, the adoption of biopesticides is gaining momentum, promising a future where farming works in harmony with nature rather than against it.

The Rise of Biologicals in Brazil’s Agri-Frontiers

The transformation witnessed on Cruvinel’s farm is part of a broader trend sweeping across Brazil. Farmers across the nation are increasingly turning to biopesticides – natural alternatives to chemical pesticides – to bolster crop health and yields. This pivot is driven by the unveiling of innovative biopesticide products, such as FMC’s Onsuva, a fungicide designed to combat major soybean and cotton diseases, and Premio Star, an insecticide effective against a wide array of pests. The introduction of these products, showcased at the Show Rural 2024, marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s journey towards sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the release of Presence Full, a biological nematocide, and Provilar, a biocide harboring bacillus endospores, underscores the agricultural sector’s commitment to reducing chemical use and enhancing crop safety.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the promising strides made by pioneers like Cruvinel, biopesticides remain in their infancy in Brazil, accounting for just 9% of total pesticide sales. This nascent stage is partly due to the country’s heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, fueled by its status as the world’s top consumer. The recent softening of regulations on agricultural chemicals by Brazilian legislation, met with criticism from environmentalists, further complicates the landscape. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Brazil’s pesticide use has international ramifications, with opponents of the EU-Mercosur trade deal citing concerns over the nation’s pesticide consumption. These challenges highlight the delicate balance Brazil must navigate between agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship.

Experts Weigh In: The Path to Global Adoption

The journey of biopesticides from niche to mainstream is fraught with hurdles, yet experts remain optimistic about their global potential. AgriBusiness Global’s recent interviews with industry players shed light on the critical factors for widespread adoption. Key among these is the demonstration of biopesticides’ efficacy in boosting yields and reducing reliance on chemical alternatives, as evidenced by Cruvinel’s success. Furthermore, the development and marketing of innovative products like Onsuva and Premio Star play a pivotal role in persuading farmers to make the switch. For biopesticides to take root globally, the agricultural sector must embrace these natural solutions, proving that sustainability and productivity can coexist.

ADVERTISEMENT

The narrative unfolding in Brazil’s vast fields is more than a tale of agricultural innovation; it is a testament to the power of sustainable practices in shaping the future of farming. As biopesticides begin to find their footing, bolstered by the success stories of farmers like Cruvinel and the pioneering spirit of companies like FMC, the vision of a greener, more productive agriculture becomes increasingly tangible. Yet, the path forward is not without its obstacles, requiring a concerted effort from all stakeholders to overcome regulatory, environmental, and market challenges. Brazil’s journey with biopesticides not only illuminates the potential for a seismic shift in global agriculture but also serves as a call to action for nations worldwide to consider the legacy they wish to leave on the planet’s agricultural landscape.

Read Full Post »

Brazil’s Quiet Revolution: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture

Brazil’s agriculture is witnessing a quiet revolution with the rise of biopesticides. Farmers like Adriano Cruvinel have increased soybean yields by 13% and reduced chemical pesticide use by 76%. As Brazil faces challenges in balancing agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship, the adoption of biopesticides offers a promising path towards sustainable farming.

BNN Correspondents

 18 Feb 2024 20:50 EST

 Updated On 18 Feb 2024 20:51 EST

 Follow Us

Brazil’s Quiet Revolution: The Rise of Biopesticides in Agriculture

In the verdant expanses of Brazil, a quiet revolution brews amidst the rows of soy, corn, and cotton that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, in the world’s largest exporter of these crops, a significant shift toward sustainability is underway. Leading the charge is Adriano Cruvinel, a farmer whose soybean yields have surged by 13% thanks to a bold decision: slashing chemical pesticide use by an astonishing 76% in favor of biopesticides. This move toward natural pest management solutions is not just a personal win for Cruvinel but signals a potential turning point for Brazilian – and possibly global – agriculture. As of February 2024, the adoption of biopesticides is gaining momentum, promising a future where farming works in harmony with nature rather than against it.

The Rise of Biologicals in Brazil’s Agri-Frontiers

The transformation witnessed on Cruvinel’s farm is part of a broader trend sweeping across Brazil. Farmers across the nation are increasingly turning to biopesticides – natural alternatives to chemical pesticides – to bolster crop health and yields. This pivot is driven by the unveiling of innovative biopesticide products, such as FMC’s Onsuva, a fungicide designed to combat major soybean and cotton diseases, and Premio Star, an insecticide effective against a wide array of pests. The introduction of these products, showcased at the Show Rural 2024, marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s journey towards sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the release of Presence Full, a biological nematocide, and Provilar, a biocide harboring bacillus endospores, underscores the agricultural sector’s commitment to reducing chemical use and enhancing crop safety.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the promising strides made by pioneers like Cruvinel, biopesticides remain in their infancy in Brazil, accounting for just 9% of total pesticide sales. This nascent stage is partly due to the country’s heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, fueled by its status as the world’s top consumer. The recent softening of regulations on agricultural chemicals by Brazilian legislation, met with criticism from environmentalists, further complicates the landscape. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Brazil’s pesticide use has international ramifications, with opponents of the EU-Mercosur trade deal citing concerns over the nation’s pesticide consumption. These challenges highlight the delicate balance Brazil must navigate between agricultural advancement and environmental stewardship.

Experts Weigh In: The Path to Global Adoption

The journey of biopesticides from niche to mainstream is fraught with hurdles, yet experts remain optimistic about their global potential. AgriBusiness Global’s recent interviews with industry players shed light on the critical factors for widespread adoption. Key among these is the demonstration of biopesticides’ efficacy in boosting yields and reducing reliance on chemical alternatives, as evidenced by Cruvinel’s success. Furthermore, the development and marketing of innovative products like Onsuva and Premio Star play a pivotal role in persuading farmers to make the switch. For biopesticides to take root globally, the agricultural sector must embrace these natural solutions, proving that sustainability and productivity can coexist.

The narrative unfolding in Brazil’s vast fields is more than a tale of agricultural innovation; it is a testament to the power of sustainable practices in shaping the future of farming. As biopesticides begin to find their footing, bolstered by the success stories of farmers like Cruvinel and the pioneering spirit of companies like FMC, the vision of a greener, more productive agriculture becomes increasingly tangible. Yet, the path forward is not without its obstacles, requiring a concerted effort from all stakeholders to overcome regulatory, environmental, and market challenges. Brazil’s journey with biopesticides not only illuminates the potential for a seismic shift in global agriculture but also serves as a call to action for nations worldwide to consider the legacy they wish to leave on the planet’s agricultural landscape.

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FAO: Releases 15 Case Studies on the Use of Biotechnologies

FAO Releases 15 Case Studies on the Use of Biotechnologies to Meet the Needs of Smallholders

• Compiled by Staff
• January 12, 2024
•   Biotechnology, Farming, Seed World Europe

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released a compilation of case studies showcasing the impactful use of agricultural biotechnologies to meet the needs of smallholders in developing countries, marking a significant step forward in the global efforts to achieve a sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Agricultural biotechnologies, ranging from low-tech tools like artificial insemination and tissue culture to high-tech methods such as whole genome sequencing, have emerged as a crucial part of the toolbox for transforming food systems. Recognizing their potential, FAO has been actively promoting knowledge sharing and innovation in agriculture through the application of biotechnologies.

The report covers 15 case studies that highlight successful applications of biotechnologies in diverse sectors, including crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and agro-industry, and a wide range of species, world regions and production systems, emphasizing that biotechnology extends beyond genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and is applicable to smallholders in developing countries. Collecting experiences worldwide, the case studies demonstrate how biotechnologies contribute to increased productivity, improved livelihoods, disease management, and the conservation of genetic resources essential for sustainable smallholder production systems.

One of the key messages emerging overall from the report, is the need for farmers to increase their yields while equally facing the current and future challenges of climate change. Which are the ingredients for success?

The report identifies four:

• Partnerships
• Long-term commitment
• Government support
• Good communication

FAO also anticipated that these case studies, presented in the context of a rapidly evolving field, will serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking to harness biotechnologies for the benefit of smallholder farmers.

Click here to read the publication.

Source: Euroseeds

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Climate smart agriculture can lead to ‘triple wins’ for farmer

January 29, 2024 

Anna Page 

How climate smart agriculture can lead to ‘triple wins’ for farmers threatened by climate change

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Global food consumption is predicted to increase by 51% by 2050. This is a profound challenge for our agrifood systems, which will only be made harder by the increased pressures of climate change on food security. In addition, agriculture is not just impacted by climate change; it is also a significant source of the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change.

On the surface it may appear that these three challenges – the need for increased production, increased resilience, and reduced emissions – are incompatible. How can we increase food production without increasing emissions? Will the changes required to make agriculture more resilient impact productivity?

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach to agriculture designed to address all three challenges together, in an integrated way. CSA practices are not just better for the planet, but can increase productivity and provide increased security to the 3.8 billion people today living in households whose livelihoods depend to some degree on agriculture.

CSA doesn’t describe a single method but is rather a suite of traditional and modern knowledge and technologies that are better for farmers and the environment. The challenges faced by farmers and the feasibility of each solution will vary globally. Therefore, CSA doesn’t take a one size fits all approach, instead applying relevant best practices in local contexts. Not every individual practice recommended under CSA will provide improvements to all three of the challenges being targeted. Combining these practices can lead to the ‘triple win’ of increasing productivity, building resilience, and reducing emissions.

Below are some examples of practices that are encouraged in CSA:

Intercropping

Intercropping is growing two or more different crops in close proximity. There are multiple types of intercropping that involve different combinations, arrangements, and sowing time of crops. Different types of intercropping can bring different benefits. The benefits compared to monocultures can include reduced pests, improved yield, and improved soils.

Push-pull

Push-pull is a type of intercropping where repellent species are grown in proximity to the cash crop, to ‘push’ away pests, while attractive species are grown around the perimeter of the field to ‘pull’ the pests away. This can reduce the requirements for pesticides, saving money for the farmer and promoting biodiversity in the surrounding environment.

Crop rotations

Crop rotation involves growing different crops over sequential years in the same field, instead of growing the same crop in the same place for multiple years. This prevents crop-specific pests from establishing over multiple years and improves soil health.

Cover crops, catch crops and green manures

Growing non-cash crops in crop rotation with cash crops can improve the soil and help control weeds. Cover crops cover the soil between cash crops, smothering weeds and preventing soil erosion. Catch crops prevent nutrient losses through run off and leaching. Green manures capture nutrients, such as nitrogen from the atmosphere and can then be dug into the soil. This can help reduce fertilizer usage which can contribute to emissions.

Manures and organic fertilizers

Both the production and use of fertilizers can produce significant emissions, but fertilizers are important for achieving high yields. Use of organic fertilizers rather than synthetic fertilizers and reducing the amount of fertilizer used through precision fertilizing, can reduce emissions while increasing yields.

Mulches

Using mulches to cover the soil conserves moisture and nutrients, regulates soil temperature and improve soil structure. This can contribute to resilience and yield and reduce fertilizer requirements.

Conservation tillage

Conservation tillage, also known as minimum tillage, disturbs the soil as little as possible, leaving the residue from previous years crop in the field (often defined as a minimum of 30% of the soil left covered in residues). This helps prevent soil erosion, improve nutrient cycling and conserve nutrients and water.

Resistant varieties

Certain crops and varieties of crops have resistance to pests or enhanced tolerance to environmental stressors such as heat, drought, salinity and flooding. Using these varieties will increase resilience to climate change and reduced pesticide use.

Discover practical advice about climate smart agriculture

You can browse all the content in CABI’s PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank recommending these CSA practices here

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