Category: Crops and BAP

Introduction The domestication and improvement of crop plants represents one of humanity’s greatest collaborative enterprises, spanning millennia and transforming wild species into the productive varieties that sustain global food systems. Plant breeding—the deliberate selection and improvement of plant populations for desired traits—has continuously evolved from early farmers’ unconscious selection to today’s sophisticated molecular approaches. The…

Introduction Agriculture accounts for approximately 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously offering one of the most scalable opportunities for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Carbon farming—the implementation of agricultural practices that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in soil organic matter and perennial vegetation—represents a promising approach to transform…

Introduction Agricultural productivity fundamentally depends on ecosystem services provided by nature, with pollination representing one of the most critical. Approximately 75% of global food crops benefit from animal pollination, with an estimated economic value of $235-577 billion annually. Despite their essential role, pollinators face unprecedented threats worldwide, with concerning population declines documented across multiple taxa.…

Introduction Modern agriculture faces unprecedented challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and the need to feed a growing global population while reducing environmental impacts. Conventional monocropping systems, while operationally efficient, have contributed to these challenges through increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, soil degradation, and reduced biodiversity. Intercropping—the practice of growing two or…

Introduction Agricultural productivity has significantly increased over the past century, yet approximately one-third of all food produced globally—an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes—is lost or wasted annually. A substantial portion of these losses occurs during the post-harvest phase, particularly in developing countries where inadequate infrastructure, limited technological resources, and knowledge gaps prevail. Post-harvest losses not only…

Introduction Agriculture faces unprecedented challenges in the 21st century, including soil degradation, water scarcity, climate change, and the need to feed a growing global population. Conventional agricultural practices, characterized by intensive tillage, monocultures, and heavy reliance on external inputs, have contributed to environmental degradation while threatening long-term productivity. Conservation Agriculture (CA) has emerged as a…

1. Biochar Production and Soil Carbon Sequestration Biochar is created by heating organic waste (e.g., crop residues, wood chips) in a low-oxygen environment, locking carbon into a stable form. When applied to soil, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon for centuries (Lehmann et al., 2021). For example, Brazilian sugarcane farms using biochar from…

Introduction: Feeding a growing population in a world facing climate change is one of humanity’s biggest challenges. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, more extreme weather events, and new pests and diseases are all putting immense pressure on our ability to grow enough food. Traditional crop breeding methods, while important, can be slow. We need faster, more…

Confronting Water Scarcity in Agricultural Production Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, placing immense pressure on this increasingly scarce resource. As climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases evaporation rates, while population growth drives food demand, the imperative for water-efficient farming has never been more urgent. Traditional irrigation methods often operate at…

Beyond Conventional Inputs: The Microbial Revolution Agricultural productivity has traditionally relied on synthetic fertilizers and crop protection chemicals to maximize yields. However, this approach often overlooks the complex biological networks that naturally support plant growth. Microbial biostimulants—products containing beneficial bacteria, fungi, and their derivatives—represent a paradigm shift in crop management by enhancing plant performance through…