European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Climate Change Resilience

  • Biostimulants: A sufficiently effective tool for sustainable agriculture in the era of climate change?

    Biostimulants: A sufficiently effective tool for sustainable agriculture in the era of climate change?

    In an era of global instability and climate crisis, finding ways to protect our food supply without harming the planet has never been more urgent. The authors explain that climate change is currently a primary concern for the agricultural sector because it directly limits both the quantity and quality of our crops.

    They point out that international political instability and ongoing conflicts are adding even more pressure on farmers to boost productivity quickly and sustainably. According to the researchers, biostimulants can be an effective tool in this fight by helping plants survive harsh environmental conditions like drought, high salt levels, heavy metals, and extreme temperatures.

    The study describes how these substances work through complex internal mechanisms, such as changing gene expression, adjusting metabolism, and boosting the production of natural antioxidants to protect the plant from oxidative stress.

    However, the authors also take a critical view, noting that the use of biostimulants has its limitations and should not be seen as a magic bullet. They emphasize that these tools must be used alongside proper crop management and other sustainable resources to truly ensure reliable yields.

    Ultimately, the researchers argue for a broader, more integrated vision of sustainable agriculture that acknowledges both the potential and the boundaries of these technologies in our changing climate.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108699

    Reference:

    Zulfiqar, F., Moosa, A., Ali, H. M., Bermejo, N. F., & Munné-Bosch, S. (2024). Biostimulants: A sufficiently effective tool for sustainable agriculture in the era of climate change? Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 211, 108699.

  • Enhancing climate change resilience in agricultural crops

    Enhancing climate change resilience in agricultural crops

    The authors explain that climate change poses a significant threat to global food and nutritional security by negatively affecting crop growth and agricultural productivity.

    The researchers point out that many countries have adopted ambitious mitigation and adaptation targets that require major changes to existing agri-food systems, which may further complicate these challenges. To address this, the study provides a roadmap for improved crop production that focuses on the effective transfer of scientific knowledge into plant breeding and crop management strategies.

    This approach is intended to support sustainable agricultural intensification and enhance climate resilience. While the authors identify key problem areas and highlight potential solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, they note that the translation of scientific advances into actual crop production lags far behind current knowledge and technology.

    Ultimately, the researchers suggest that a holistic approach—combining different disciplines through collaborative efforts—can create better connections between research, policy, and the needs of society.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.028

    Reference:

    Benitez-Alfonso, Y., Soanes, B. K., Zimba, S., Sinanaj, B., German, L., Sharma, V., Bohra, A., Kolesnikova, A., Dunn, J. A., Martin, A. C., Khashi U Rahman, M., Saati-Santamaría, Z., García-Fraile, P., Ferreira, E. A., Frazão, L. A., Cowling, W. A., Siddique, K. H. M., Pandey, M. K., Farooq, M., … Foyer, C. H. (2023). Enhancing climate change resilience in agricultural crops. Current Biology, 33(23), R1246–R1261.

  • Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations

    Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations

    While our modern food systems rely heavily on synthetic chemicals, the authors explain that a 21st-century technological revolution might finally offer a way to protect our planet and our food supply at the same time.

    They point out that climate emergencies and our long-term dependence on synthetic fertilizers have created serious risks for the environment, soil health, and the delicate balance of microorganisms in the ground. To address these drawbacks, the researchers highlight the emergence of nano-biofertilizers (NBF), which combine the precision of nanotechnology with the natural power of biofertilizers.

    According to the study, these tools are not just a way to safeguard global food security as the population grows, but they also represent a much more economically and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

    The authors describe how these fertilizers are made by encapsulating inorganic materials like zinc or silver, or organic ones like cellulose, using “green” microbial synthesis to avoid the contamination caused by conventional chemicals. Although the use of these “smart” fertilizers is still in its early stages, the researchers argue that they have the potential to completely transform farming into a more precise and resilient system.

    This review provides a deep dive into how these NBFs are created and how they interact with plants to help them survive the stresses of a changing climate. Ultimately, the authors summarize the latest field applications for precision farming while discussing the current bottlenecks and the future trends needed to make these potent tools a reality for global agriculture.

    Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160476

    Reference:

    Sharma, B., Tiwari, S., Kumawat, K. C., & Cardinale, M. (2023). Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations. Science of The Total Environment, 860, 160476.