Tag: Sustainable Agriculture

Biosensors to support sustainable agriculture and food safety

Ensuring that the food we eat is safe is a challenge that affects every person on the planet, but the authors explain that we still need better and more affordable ways to detect hidden contaminants.

While food safety remains a major hurdle for human health, the researchers point out that biosensors have long been viewed as a key part of the solution. They emphasize that recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology, miniaturization, and the Internet of Things are now boosting these tools to a level where they will certainly play a leading role in addressing global food risks.

However, the study highlights a surprising gap: most of this technology has not yet been adapted to work across the entire food supply chain, often neglecting important areas like sustainable farming practices and the prevention of food fraud. In this review, the authors look at the most recent developments from 2015 to 2019 to show how biosensors are finally beginning to tackle these broader issues.

Ultimately, they argue that we need new, integrated strategies to move these tools into the global market, ensuring that our food systems are not only safe but also sustainably managed from start to finish.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2020.115906

Reference:

Griesche, C., & Baeumner, A. J. (2020). Biosensors to support sustainable agriculture and food safety. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 128, 115906.
Sustainable agriculture by the Internet of Things – A practitioner’s approach to monitor sustainability progress

Technology like the Internet of Things is often praised for its potential, but the authors explain that measuring its actual impact on the ground remains a major challenge for the agricultural sector. While digital tools hold great promise for meeting economic, environmental, and social goals, the researchers point out that it is often difficult to prove exactly how much they contribute to sustainable development in practice.

To address this, the paper demonstrates a step-by-step approach that allows people to measure and monitor how these technologies perform in real-life settings. This method is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and frames the impact of technology in terms of actual business opportunities.

The authors developed and tested this approach through 33 different cases in a large European project, specifically highlighting five examples from various types of farming to show how it works. Their results show that while the Internet of Things generally has a positive effect on sustainability, these outcomes are sometimes influenced by outside factors that are hard to separate from the technology itself.

Ultimately, the researchers provide a practical set of instruments that help farmers make better decisions and assist policymakers and investors in deciding which projects to fund. By offering a clear way to track fast-changing tech, the study aims to ensure that digital solutions truly support long-term sustainability objectives.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2022.107226

Reference:

Wolfert, S., & Isakhanyan, G. (2022). Sustainable agriculture by the Internet of Things – A practitioner’s approach to monitor sustainability progress. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 200, 107226.
Engineering rhizobacteria for sustainable agriculture

While we often think of farming as just seeds and soil, the authors explain that the invisible world of bacteria living around plant roots could be the key to feeding our rapidly growing population. They point out that using “plant growth-promoting” bacteria as crop treatments could drive a new era of sustainable farming, yet these beneficial microbes often fail to perform consistently in the real world.

According to the researchers, this happens because the bacteria struggle to survive in unfamiliar soils, fail to attach to the right plants, or sometimes carry genetic traits that actually suppress their own helpful qualities. Although the exact genetics behind these hurdles are still being mapped out, the authors highlight that we now understand the molecular mechanics of how these bacteria help plants in great detail.

To solve these problems, the study explores a powerful new strategy: engineering these specific traits and transferring them into bacteria that are already known to thrive in the field. The researchers are even looking into “synthetic signaling,” a way to create a private conversation between a plant and a specific type of bacteria to ensure they work together perfectly while staying contained within the target area.

Ultimately, the authors review the ecological and technical sides of this research, suggesting that custom-tailored bacteria could finally provide the reliable boost that sustainable agriculture needs.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-020-00835-4

Reference:

Haskett, T. L., Tkacz, A., & Poole, P. S. (2021). Engineering rhizobacteria for sustainable agriculture. The ISME Journal, 15(4), 949–964.
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.
A systematic literature review on machine learning applications for sustainable agriculture supply chain performance

While data is often associated with offices and computers, the authors explain that it may actually be the most important tool we have to protect the future of global food security. They emphasize that while agriculture is the backbone of all human activity, it is currently facing massive threats from a growing population and intense competition for natural resources.

To tackle these increasingly complex problems, the researchers argue that we must lean into smart farming and precision agriculture. They highlight that data analytics—specifically disruptive technologies like machine learning, big data, and blockchain—are the keys to ensuring we have enough safe food while protecting our environment. These tools can address a wide range of issues, from boosting crop yields and saving water to maintaining the health of plants and soil.

In this study, the authors conducted a systematic review of 93 research papers to analyze how machine learning is specifically applied across different stages of the agricultural supply chain. They illustrate how these techniques can lead to more sustainable systems and even propose a new framework for putting these ideas into practice. According to the study, machine learning provides real-time insights that allow for proactive, data-driven decisions rather than just reacting to problems after they happen.

Ultimately, the authors provide a set of guidelines for researchers and policymakers to help manage these supply chains more successfully, aiming for a balance of high productivity and better environmental stewardship.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cor.2020.104926

Reference:

Sharma, R., Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., Kumar, V., & Kumar, A. (2020). A systematic literature review on machine learning applications for sustainable agriculture supply chain performance. Computers & Operations Research, 119, 104926.
Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture

While we rely on just a handful of crops to feed the world, the authors explain that thousands of edible plants are effectively hidden in plain sight, waiting to help solve the global food crisis.

As our population grows, the researchers point out that humanity is facing a double challenge of both hunger and obesity. They argue that biodiversity is essential to addressing this, though it requires a much deeper understanding of the food resources available to us globally.

According to the study, there are at least 7,039 edible plant species, which stands in a huge contrast to the small number of crops that currently provide most of our calories and nutrients. The authors note that most of these species are multipurpose, frequently used for medicine, building materials, or environmental protection.

While major food crops are concentrated in specific centers of diversity, the researchers find that other edible plants follow natural biodiversity patterns, with the highest variety found near the equator. Even though many of these species are being preserved in conservation banks, the authors highlight that at least 11% of them are currently threatened with extinction.

To move forward, the study suggests focusing on these neglected and underutilized species to spark a new, community-driven “green revolution” that is more resilient and sustainable. They also explore how fungi could help diversify our diets and increase nutritional value.

Ultimately, the authors conclude that these plants and the traditional knowledge surrounding them are a massive untapped resource for food security, but unlocking them will require much stronger collaboration between all stakeholders.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10145

Reference:

Ulian, T., Diazgranados, M., Pironon, S., Padulosi, S., Liu, U., Davies, L., Howes, M. R., Borrell, J. S., Ondo, I., Pérez‐Escobar, O. A., Sharrock, S., Ryan, P., Hunter, D., Lee, M. A., Barstow, C., Łuczaj, Ł., Pieroni, A., Cámara‐Leret, R., Noorani, A., … Mattana, E. (2020). Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET, 2(5), 421–445.
Optimizing sustainable agriculture: A comprehensive review of agronomic practices and their impacts on soil attributes

While we often focus on the crops we see above ground, the authors explain that the true secret to long-term food security lies in how we manage the soil beneath our feet.

This study explores how various agronomic management practices affect different soil parameters under a wide range of conditions. The researchers investigate several key methods, including tillage practices, nutrient management, crop rotation, organic matter handling, irrigation, and mulching, aiming to show how these impact soil productivity, microbial activity, and overall health.

They point out that different ways of plowing the land can change soil quality by affecting compaction and erosion risks, while proper nutrient management is essential for healthy cycling and preventing soil acidification.

According to the study, rotating crops helps disrupt pest cycles and improves nutrient recycling, whereas managing organic matter boosts the soil’s carbon levels and its ability to hold onto water. The authors also highlight that optimizing irrigation regulates water content without causing waterlogging, and using mulch helps maintain soil structure and temperature for the benefit of local soil biology.

Ultimately, the researchers emphasize that an integrated approach to these practices has a significantly positive impact on fertility and microbial life. They conclude that a thoughtful implementation of these methods is vital for sustainable agriculture, identifying a path forward that balances high crop yields with resilient soil stewardship for future generations.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121487

Reference:

Al-Shammary, A. A. G., Al-Shihmani, L. S. S., Fernández-Gálvez, J., & Caballero-Calvo, A. (2024). Optimizing sustainable agriculture: A comprehensive review of agronomic practices and their impacts on soil attributes. Journal of Environmental Management, 364, 121487.
Water‐soluble polymers in agriculture: Xanthan gum as eco‐friendly alternative to synthetics

While water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are versatile chemicals used across industries for thickening and stabilizing, the authors explain that synthetic versions—often termed “microplastics”—are under increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns and tightening regulations.

The researchers point out that microbial polysaccharides, specifically xanthan gum, represent an advantageous compromise between synthetic and plant-derived materials because their properties can be precisely controlled through fermentation.

According to the study, xanthan gum is the most significant microbial polysaccharide by production volume and offers several sustainable applications in 21st-century agriculture:

Drift Control: As a spray adjuvant, it prevents the formation of fine, driftable droplets and is particularly resistant to mechanical shear.

Encapsulation: It is used in formulations to modify the release of agents or provide them with additional protection.

Soil Improvement: When added to soil, xanthan gum has been shown to increase water retention while reducing evaporation, percolation, and erosion.

Ultimately, the authors provide practical formulation tips to help exploit the full potential of xanthan gum as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.

Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13867

Reference:

Berninger, T., Dietz, N., & González López, Ó. (2021). Water‐soluble polymers in agriculture: Xanthan gum as eco‐friendly alternative to synthetics. Microbial Biotechnology, 14(5), 1881–1896.
Insect frass in the development of sustainable agriculture. A review.

Could the waste from one of the world’s newest industries be the secret to a greener food system?

As the global population keeps growing, the industrial farming of insects for food and feed is becoming a much more efficient way to produce protein than traditional livestock. In these facilities, the waste produced by insects—known as frass—is a major byproduct, with volumes reaching up to 40 times the amount of actual animal weight produced. Because there is so much of it, using this waste as an organic fertilizer instead of synthetic chemicals is a practical way to move toward sustainable agriculture and a circular economy.

A full review of the research shows that using insect frass as a natural fertilizer offers several benefits: it adds vital nutrients like nitrogen that plants can easily take in, provides natural molecules and tiny organisms that help crops grow, and makes plants stronger against harsh weather, diseases, and pests. Ultimately, the waste from large-scale insect farming stands out as a reliable and effective source of organic fertilizer for the future of farming.

Learn more about the results of this review here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-020-00656-x

Reference

Poveda, J. (2021). Insect frass in the development of sustainable agriculture. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 41(1), 5.
Sustainable Agriculture and Its Implementation Gap—Overcoming Obstacles to Implementation

There is a considerable amount of bibliography addressing how farming can be more sustainable, yet there is still a massive difference between what we talk about and what actually gets done.

While there is no shortage of studies arguing that sustainable agriculture is necessary and showing how to reach it, a significant “implementation gap” remains. This gap is created by a mix of hurdles (ranging from personal beliefs to everyday practical issues) that slow down progress and make real-world changes difficult.

This study looks closely at these obstacles and searches for ways to move past them to improve how sustainable ideas are put into practice. Since these challenges are so complex and messy, there isn’t a simple or easy fix that works for everyone. Instead, we need a much bigger approach that involves everyone from different sectors.

This means focusing on areas like building better institutions, improving education, and securing the right social and political support. Ultimately, closing this gap and making these recommendations work requires people from different fields to work together and ensures that everyone involved is pulling in the same direction.

You can learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093853

Reference:

Siebrecht, N. (2020). Sustainable Agriculture and Its Implementation Gap—Overcoming Obstacles to Implementation. Sustainability, 12(9), 3853.