The input reduction principle of agroecology is wrong when it comes to mineral fertilizer use in sub-Saharan Africa

Gatien Falconnier Marc Corbeels Frédéric Baudron Antoine Couëdel leonard rusinamhodzi bernard vanlauwe Ken Giller (2023, [Artículo])

Can farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) boost crop yields and improve food availability without using more mineral fertilizer? This question has been at the center of lively debates among the civil society, policy-makers, and in academic editorials. Proponents of the “yes” answer have put forward the “input reduction” principle of agroecology, i.e. by relying on agrobiodiversity, recycling and better efficiency, agroecological practices such as the use of legumes and manure can increase crop productivity without the need for more mineral fertilizer. We reviewed decades of scientific literature on nutrient balances in SSA, biological nitrogen fixation of tropical legumes, manure production and use in smallholder farming systems, and the environmental impact of mineral fertilizer. Our analyses show that more mineral fertilizer is needed in SSA for five reasons: (i) the starting point in SSA is that agricultural production is “agroecological” by default, that is, very low mineral fertilizer use, widespread mixed crop-livestock systems and large crop diversity including legumes, but leading to poor soil fertility as a result of widespread soil nutrient mining, (ii) the nitrogen needs of crops cannot be adequately met solely through biological nitrogen fixation by legumes and recycling of animal manure, (iii) other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium need to be replaced continuously, (iv) mineral fertilizers, if used appropriately, cause little harm to the environment, and (v) reducing the use of mineral fertilizers would hamper productivity gains and contribute indirectly to agricultural expansion and to deforestation. Yet, the agroecological principles directly related to soil fertility—recycling, efficiency, diversity—remain key in improving soil health and nutrient-use efficiency, and are critical to sustaining crop productivity in the long run. We argue for a nuanced position that acknowledges the critical need for more mineral fertilizers in SSA, in combination with the use of agroecological practices and adequate policy support.

Manure Crop Yields Smallholder Farming Systems Environmental Hazards CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN FIXATION LEGUMES NUTRIENT BALANCE SOIL FERTILITY AGROECOLOGY YIELD INCREASES LITERATURE REVIEWS

Climate robust soil fertility management by smallholders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America

Tek Sapkota (2023, [Objeto de congreso])

CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA SOIL FERTILITY SMALLHOLDERS FERTILIZERS NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Ecología trófica del pez damisela Stegastes acapulcoensis (Pomacentridae) en un arrecife de Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

Trophic ecology of the damselfish Stegastes acapulcoensis (Pomacentridae) in a reef of Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

Diana Alejandra Vela Espinosa (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

Se caracterizó la alimentación y la morfología del sistema alimentario de la damisela Stegastes acapulcoensis en la bahía La Entrega, Oaxaca, con el objetivo de determinar su espectro trófico. En agosto de 2022, se recolectaron 30 ejemplares de S. acapulcoensis en el período de mayor actividad de alimentación, utilizando arpones caseros y equipo de buceo SCUBA. Las muestras se fijaron con formol al 5% para preservar sus tejidos y facilitar la identificación de presas. Cada ejemplar se sometió a un análisis biométrico detallado, incluyendo mediciones de peso total, longitud total y longitud estándar. Los componentes alimentarios se identificaron y clasificaron en nueve categorías, con las algas destacando como el componente más consumido, seguido del detritus y los invertebrados. El Índice de Importancia Relativa (%IIR) confirmó la importancia de estos componentes en la dieta de S. acapulcoensis. El análisis del espectro trófico reveló que esta especie es un depredador generalista, con una dieta que abarca una diversidad moderada de componentes alimentarios. Además, se encontró una correlación positiva significativa entre el peso de los individuos y su consumo de algas, lo que sugiere una relación entre el tamaño y los hábitos alimentarios. La morfología del sistema alimentario, incluyendo el aparato mandibular y las placas faríngeas, apoyó la adaptación de S. acapulcoensis a una dieta herbívora oportunista. Los dientes incisivos y las características de las placas faríngeas indicaron una especialización en la captura y procesamiento de alimentos vegetales. En conjunto, estos hallazgos proporcionaron una visión completa de la ecología alimentaria de S. acapulcoensis en La Entrega, resaltando la importancia de las algas en su dieta y su capacidad para ajustarse a diferentes fuentes de alimento. Además, se amplió nuestra comprensión de la relación entre la morfología y la ecología alimentaria en los peces damisela, lo que contribuye al conocimiento de estos ecosistemas marinos y su gestión.

The feeding and morphology of the food system of the damselfish Stegastes acapulcoensis in La Entrega Bay, Oaxaca, was characterized to determine its trophic spectrum. In August 2022, 30 specimens of S. acapulcoensis were collected during the period of peak feeding activity, using homemade harpoons and SCUBA diving equipment. Samples were fixed with 5% formalin to preserve their tissues and facilitate prey identification. Each specimen was subjected to detailed biometric analysis, including measurements of total weight, total length, and standard length. Food components were identified and classified into nine categories, with algae standing out as the most consumed component, followed by detritus and invertebrates. The Relative Importance Index (%IIR) confirmed the importance of these components in the diet of S. acapulcoensis. Trophic spectrum analysis revealed that this species is a generalist predator, with a diet encompassing a moderate diversity of food components. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between the weight of individuals and their consumption of algae, suggesting a relationship between size and feeding habits. The morphology of the food system, including the mandibular apparatus and pharyngeal plates, supported the adaptation of S. acapulcoensis to an opportunistic herbivore. The incisor teeth and pharyngeal plate characteristics indicated a specialization in the capture and processing of plant foods. Taken together, these findings provided a comprehensive view of the feeding ecology of S. acapulcoensis in La Entrega, highlighting the importance of algae in its diet and its ability to adjust to different food sources. In addition, our understanding of the relationship between morphology and feeding ecology in damselfish was expanded, contributing to the knowledge of these marine ecosystems and their management.

Dieta, ecología, morfología mandibular Diet, ecology, jaw morphology BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA OTRAS ESPECIALIDADES DE LA BIOLOGÍA OTRAS OTRAS

Necessity as a driver in bending agricultural gender norms in the Eastern Gangetic Plains of South Asia

Pragya Timsina Emma Karki Brendan Brown (2023, [Artículo])

The majority of the farmers in the rural Global South continue to depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods. Despite the fact that women account for almost half of the world's farmers, they face gender-specific challenges such as deeply rooted cultural and social norms that limit their access to land, assets, financial markets, agricultural training, and information. Using semi-structured interviews with farmers in the Eastern Gangetic Plains, this study investigates how necessity is becoming one of the major drivers in the bending of agricultural gender norms. The study investigates the connections between feminist political ecology and agricultural technology production frameworks in order to comprehend the implications of technology adoption and influences on gender norms in communities. Women's participation in agriculture was found to be heavily influenced by social and cultural barriers, and they were frequently subjected to social criticism for breaking the systemic gender norms. This paper emphasizes on the growing pattern of bending gender norms with recommendations for increasing women's participation and scope in future agriculture development initiatives through policies and interventions that emphasize gender equity.

Social Barriers Cultural Barriers Feminist Political Ecology CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA GENDER NORMS WOMEN FARMERS AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY

Enhancing maize's nitrogen-fixing potential through ZmSBT3, a gene suppressing mucilage secretion

jiafa chen XUECAI ZHANG Jianyu Wu (2023, [Artículo])

Aerial Roots ZmSBT3 Diazotroph CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA MAIZE ADVENTITIOUS ROOTS MUCILAGES NITROGEN FIXATION GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDIES GENE CLONING NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA

The water crisis in the south-central region of the Chihuahua State and the 1997 UN Convention

Jorge Arturo Salas Plata Mendoza Thelma J. Garcia (2022, [Artículo, Artículo])

The present writing focuses on the water crisis in the south-central part of Chihuahua State in the year 2020. Recent literature points to the drought, excess demand for the vital liquid and overpopulation of this region, among other issues, as the causes of the emergency. This paper argues that the reasons mentioned above are not causes, but effects of an economic policy of capital valorization and accumulation, which go far beyond the carrying capacity of the ecosystems and their capacity to regulate the polluting processes. The obsolescence of the water treaties between Mexico and the US make it necessary to consider other alternatives such as the 1997 UN Convention on water.

Chihuahua water crisis hydro-agricultural crisis carrying capacity expansive growth 1997 UN Convention Ecological Economics crisis del agua crisis hidroagrícola capacidad de carga crecimiento expansivo Convención de la ONU de 1997 Economía Ecológica CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA

Soil analysis and integrated nutrient management

Isaiah Nyagumbo (2021, [Objeto de congreso])

CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA SOIL ANALYSIS NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SOIL FERTILITY

Expanding the WOFOST crop model to explore options for sustainable nitrogen management: A study for winter wheat in the Netherlands

João Vasco Silva Pytrik Reidsma (2024, [Artículo])

Nitrogen (N) management is essential to ensure crop growth and to balance production, economic, and environmental objectives from farm to regional levels. This study aimed to extend the WOFOST crop model with N limited production and use the model to explore options for sustainable N management for winter wheat in the Netherlands. The extensions consisted of the simulation of crop and soil N processes, stress responses to N deficiencies, and the maximum gross CO2 assimilation rate being computed from the leaf N concentration. A new soil N module, abbreviated as SNOMIN (Soil Nitrogen for Organic and Mineral Nitrogen module) was developed. The model was calibrated and evaluated against field data. The model reproduced the measured grain dry matter in all treatments in both the calibration and evaluation data sets with a RMSE of 1.2 Mg ha−1 and the measured aboveground N uptake with a RMSE of 39 kg N ha−1. Subsequently, the model was applied in a scenario analysis exploring different pathways for sustainable N use on farmers' wheat fields in the Netherlands. Farmers' reported yield and N fertilization management practices were obtained for 141 fields in Flevoland between 2015 and 2017, representing the baseline. Actual N input and N output (amount of N in grains at harvest) were estimated for each field from these data. Water and N-limited yields and N outputs were simulated for these fields to estimate the maximum attainable yield and N output under the reported N management. The investigated scenarios included (1) closing efficiency yield gaps, (2) adjusting N input to the minimum level possible without incurring yield losses, and (3) achieving 90% of the simulated water-limited yield. Scenarios 2 and 3 were devised to allow for soil N mining (2a and 3a) and to not allow for soil N mining (2b and 3b). The results of the scenario analysis show that the largest N surplus reductions without soil N mining, relative to the baseline, can be obtained in scenario 1, with an average of 75%. Accepting negative N surpluses (while maintaining yield) would allow maximum N input reductions of 84 kg N ha−1 (39%) on average (scenario 2a). However, the adjustment in N input for these pathways, and the resulting N surplus, varied strongly across fields, with some fields requiring greater N input than used by farmers.

Crop Growth Models WOFOST CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CROPS NITROGEN-USE EFFICIENCY WINTER WHEAT SOIL WATER

Satellite imagery for high-throughput phenotyping in breeding plots

Francisco Pinto Mainassara Zaman-Allah Matthew Paul Reynolds Urs Schulthess (2023, [Artículo])

Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA HIGH-THROUGHPUT PHENOTYPING SATELLITES WHEAT MAIZE BREEDING NORMALIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX

Impact of manures and fertilizers on yield and soil properties in a rice-wheat cropping system

Alison Laing Akbar Hossain (2023, [Artículo])

The use of chemical fertilizers under a rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) has led to the emergence of micronutrient deficiency and decreased crop productivity. Thus, the experiment was conducted with the aim that the use of organic amendments would sustain productivity and improve the soil nutrient status under RWCS. A three-year experiment was conducted with different organic manures i.e. no manure (M0), farmyard manure@15 t ha-1 (M1), poultry manure@6 t ha-1(M2), press mud@15 t ha-1(M3), rice straw compost@6 t ha-1(M4) along with different levels of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) i.e. 0% (F1), 75% (F2 and 100% (F3 in a split-plot design with three replications and plot size of 6 m x 1.2 m. Laboratory-based analysis of different soil as well as plant parameters was done using standard methodologies. The use of manures considerably improved the crop yield, macronutrients viz. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients such as zinc, iron, manganese and copper, uptake in both the crops because of nutrient release from decomposed organic matter. Additionally, the increase in fertilizer dose increased these parameters. The system productivity was maximum recorded under F3M1 (13,052 kg ha-1) and results were statistically identical with F3M2 and F3M3. The significant upsurge of macro and micro-nutrients in soil and its correlation with yield outcomes was also observed through the combined use of manures as well as fertilizers. This study concluded that the use of 100% RDF integrated with organic manures, particularly farmyard manure would be a beneficial resource for increased crop yield, soil nutrient status and system productivity in RWCS in different regions of India.

CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA ORGANIC FERTILIZERS YIELDS SOIL PROPERTIES RICE WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEMS