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HomePosts Tagged "soil health"
India, Sustainability, Water

The collaboration agreement states that the joint validation trials of Plasma-sized WaterTM applications for Agriculture, R&D activities, Agro-Forestry & other agriculture-related uses will be conducted at a large scale & multiple centres/nurseries of the Heartfulness Institute

The Indian subsidiary of US Agri-Tech company Plasma Water Solutions Inc. announced a very unique and promising partnership with one of the leading global NGOs of India, The Heartfulness Institute. The two organisations have signed a collaboration agreement to promote the common purpose of enabling food security most sustainably & introducing the Green Revolution 2.0 from India to the rest of the world.

Plasma Water Solutions’ proprietary breakthrough cold-plasma technology converts water from any source, in continuous flow & real-time, to Plasma-sized WaterTM (PW). PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination, and accelerated growth, preventing the transmission of plant pathogens and enhancing stress tolerance during the crop cycle.

“The institute has been promoting good agriculture practices, training farmers in natural solutions and methods to promote plant health, soil health & water health without harming the environment while enhancing food productivity and farmers’ income which is in perfect alignment with the value proposition that Plasma Waters technology offers,” said Robert Hardt, President & CEO, Plasma Water Solutions Inc, USA, while expressing his gratitude to the President of Heartfulness Institute, Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji), & the Heartfulness team for the proactive support extended in the last several months. He further said that he sees Heartfulness as a strategic partner in shaping the company’s R&D efforts meaningfully in India & spreading the outcome to the rest of the world.

Different teams at Kanha Shantivanam have been testing the effects of Plasma Waters treatment on seeds, disease and plant health for the last several months as this was the first site of the company through Samunnati in India. This 1700-acre campus has been extensively using Plasma Waters sprays on multiple crops, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants & trees. Applications range from treating 250 Neem trees’ dieback issues, 350 Papaya plants’ mosaic virus infestation, 74 date palm trees  & 22 Pongamia Pinnata trees’ infestation to seed treatment & sprays on a wide range of food crops, horticulture,  hydroponics and nurseries.                

The collaboration agreement states that the joint validation trials of Plasma-sized WaterTM applications for Agriculture, R&D activities, Agroforestry & other agriculture-related uses will be conducted at a large scale & multiple centres/nurseries of the Heartfulness Institute. The existing & new use cases will be tested & demonstrated to the farming community, various stakeholders and agriculture value-chain players to benefit the community at large.

The collaboration agreement states that the joint validation

Agrotech, Environment, Europe, Nature, R&D, Soil Health, Uncategorized

Syngenta will work with fellow Alliance partners to identify focus areas for the development of cutting-edge biological solutions and support science-based regulations.

Syngenta Crop Protection, a global leader in agricultural innovation, has become a sponsor of the International Alliance for Phytobiomes Research, cementing a partnership between the research community and industry that is aimed at advancing both fundamental science and sustainable agriculture.

Phytobiome is a collective term for plants within a specific growing environment, for example soil, and the complex interactions influenced by microbes, nutrients, animals, climate, weather, and management practices. This complex and dynamic ecosystem plays a crucial role in the health and functioning of crops, affecting their growth and overall well-being. For example, beneficial microbes in the phytobiome provide essential aid to plants, such as protection against pathogens and acquisition of nutrients. At the same time, there can also be elements of the phytobiome that cause diseases or stress to the plants, such as pathogenic microbes, high heat, or low water availability.

Interactions within the phytobiome are highly complex, with much of it yet to be fully understood. Through its partnership with the Phytobiomes Alliance, Syngenta will contribute towards international research into understanding the interactions of the phytobiome’s diverse components. The results of these studies will play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable food security for a growing population over the next decades.

In a key aspect of this collaboration, Syngenta will lead a dedicated working group focused on soil health. Furthermore, Syngenta will work with fellow Alliance partners to identify focus areas for the development of cutting-edge biological solutions and support science-based regulations that facilitate farmers’ access to the biological products they need.

“As a leader in agricultural innovation with a strong global presence, we possess an in-depth understanding of the phytobiome,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research, Syngenta Crop Protection. “We have invested in sophisticated tools to unravel intricate interactions within the phytobiome, such as chemical signaling and its influence on various facets, from root growth to a plant’s stress response. We are excited to collaborate with others at the forefront of scientific research, translating our discoveries into practical solutions for farmers, and jointly establishing the foundation for a more sustainable future in agriculture.”

“Syngenta’s expertise and resources will significantly contribute to our mission of unlocking the potential of phytobiomes research, benefitting agriculture and the environment,” said Kellye Eversole, Phytobiomes Alliance Executive Director. “We welcome Syngenta’s commitment to this collaborative effort between industry leaders and the research community and are particularly thrilled to have them play a leading role in our newly formed soil health working group.”

Syngenta invests significantly in delivering new solutions that improve farming’s environmental footprint. From novel technologies that precisely address farmers’ pest challenges to biologicals that improve a plant’s ability to leverage available nutrients, Syngenta is at the forefront of agriculture’s transformation. Its participation in the International Phytobiomes Alliance reflects its strong commitment to be a collaborator of choice.

Syngenta will work with fellow Alliance partners

Company News, Sustainability, World

The pilot program sets the company on the path to the goal of 120,000 regenerative agriculture hectares in Brazil by 2027

ADM, a leader in sustainable agriculture supply chains, announced an important expansion of its global regenerative agriculture efforts with the launch of its program in Brazil. The Brazil program aims to promote and support sustainable agricultural production with a focus on soil health, biodiversity protection, improved soil fertility and resilience, and increased farm productivity. In the initial stages of the program, ADM will focus on three practices:

Fertiliser uses efficiency and increased use of biological inputs, reducing chemical inputs and substituting traditional nitrogen products with more technological alternatives to result in reduced carbon emissions in planting, coupled with increased productivity due to improved soil health.

No-till farming, with technical assistance guidance for the refinement and intensification of this widely used practice in the field.

They covered soil/cover crops, using a mix of cover crops to improve soil health, especially during off-season windows, to positively impact water absorption, structure, biodiversity and soil fertility.

 “The basic principle is to support farmers in their efforts to do more with less, meaning higher productivity with less use of inputs, less water use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, lower risk of soil degradation, and less use of fuels and energy. We know that customers are looking for lower-carbon intensity products with increased transparency in supply chains, and we’re committed to continuing to expand our efforts to help them meet their sustainability goals and consumer needs,” said Luciano Souza, ADM’s grains director for South America.

The pilot program sets the company on

Agrotech, Company News, Europe, India

As collaborators the parties will work together under this MOU to evaluate the business strategies for the Brad technology, manufacturing, distribution and marketing for entry into India.

Clean Seed Capital Group Ltd. has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) with Brad Technologies SAS a France based AgriTech company, whose mission is to be the voice of soil health by providing farmers with enhanced real-time knowledge driven by artificial intelligence (“AI”).

Brad is the creator of a decision-helping digital solution aimed at farmers transitioning towards agroecological and regenerative agriculture principles and promoting practices and collaborating to restore and preserve soil health. Brad uses data acquired and returned in real time coupled with AI to provide farmers with an improved knowledge of the state of health of their soils.  

The MOU outlines collaboration opportunities to achieve Brad’s underlying goal of commercializing its technology and Clean Seed’s goal of facilitating progress to support the implementation of agricultural technologies that improve the well-being of the farmer, the land and food production on the ground in India. AgriTech is one of the prevailing solutions to mitigate climate change, satisfy consumer demands to improve yields and restore the heath of the soil.

As collaborators the parties will work together under this MOU to evaluate the business strategies for the Brad technology, manufacturing, distribution and marketing for entry into India and further technology collaboration opportunities between the parties to accelerate growth for both organizations.

Graeme Lempriere, Chairman and CEO of Clean Seed, stated, “We continue to strengthen our relationships in India through a strong collaborative approach on the ground, our SMART Seeder MINI-MAX™ technology has become the cornerstone of our effort to implement advancements in agriculture, our ongoing efforts to prepare for commercialisation with Mahindra are on track. Brad Technologies is a welcomed additional opportunity to expand both our impact on the ground in India and other meaningful opportunities for both parties.” 

As collaborators the parties will work together

Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability, World

The new program equips the almond cooperative’s growers with resources and incentives to implement climate-smart practices in their orchards

Blue Diamond Growers launched its USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Program with its 3,000 grower-owners. The program is a major step in expanding the use of climate-smart practices in almond orchards.

The initial launch of the Blue Diamond USDA Climate-Smart Grant Program offers almond growers no-cost seed and a financial incentive for implementing cover crops and/or conservation cover on their land. These practices will not only work towards sequestering carbon but will also enhance the biodiversity of orchards while improving soil health. As part of the program, growers will work with civil society technical partners, Pollinator Partnership and Project Apis m. to implement these practices.

“This is an exciting and unique opportunity for growers outside of the traditional federal, state, and local resources that are typically available to them,” said Dan Sonke, Sr. Director of Sustainability at Blue Diamond Growers. “We know that cost and technical barriers are the largest hurdles to overcome when implementing climate-smart practices. This project provides resources to accelerate our grower-owners’ advances in soil health, biodiversity, and climate-smart agriculture.”

The program will also work to identify almond-specific methods for quantifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of implementing climate-smart practices and will explore market-based mechanisms to reward growers for their stewardship work.

The USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Program further extends Blue Diamond’s current Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP). OSIP currently has more than 50 per cent of Blue Diamond’s acreage enrolled, the largest amount of almond acreage in the world participating in a sustainability program, with over 15 per cent of Blue Diamond’s acreage being Bee Friendly Farming (B.F.F.) certified.

“Not only does this program benefit growers, but food companies and retailers as well,” continued Sonke. “Customers can partner with Blue Diamond to support the use of climate-smart practices which benefit the climate, soil health, and orchard biodiversity, and thereby procure almonds with a measured GHG reduction quantification that helps meet their own climate and sustainability targets.”

The new program equips the almond cooperative's

Agrotech, Climate, Company News, Environment, Nature, Sustainability, World

Rigorous Measurement will Enable Enhanced Rock Weathering to Scale as a Reliable Carbon Removal Solution

Eion, a carbon removal company announced its industry-first patent to directly measure carbon removal through ERW. Eion is working with farmers and existing agricultural systems to rapidly scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to meet Net Zero goals while improving soil health and creating jobs in rural communities.

Led by a team of scientists and recognised soil and geochemistry experts, Eion’s patented approach directly measures carbon dioxide removed by mineral weathering in soils using immobile trace elements–soil fingerprinting– to show applied minerals removed CO2 from the atmosphere and were transported away to be permanently sequestered. Eion’s measurement approach can be deployed widely for ERW with any silicate rock.

“Our measurement methodology unlocks enhanced rock weathering for the benefit of the global climate and local communities,” said Adam Wolf, Co-Founder and CEO of Eion. “ERW has long been an elegant way to clean up the atmosphere. The catch was you couldn’t measure it. We discovered how to use the soil samples agronomists already take to measure carbon removal precisely. This MRV milestone is the first step to scaling a proven climate solution, which Eion plans to do by tapping into the existing agricultural system and putting people to work along the way.”

Eion uses olivine in its operations—a mineral that has been approved for decades as a safe, effective micronutrient fertiliser—and works with local crop advisors to ensure that every acre is managed consistently with the grower’s agronomic and management goals. To measure carbon removal, Eion takes soil samples just before the rock is applied on the field and keeps on monitoring changes in the soil over time after the rock has been applied to quantify weathering and the CO2 removed in the process.

Six to nine months after applying olivine, Eion can show that 40 per cent to 70 per cent of the mineral has dissolved, capturing atmospheric CO2 that is ultimately stored in the ocean for thousands of years. As the mineral continues to dissolve, CO2 will continue to be captured until the reaction is complete.

In 2022, Eion removed 500 tons of carbon dioxide, and in 2023, it will deliver another 8,500 tons of verifiable removal employing its patented measurement methodology. By 2026, Eion will be on track to remove 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually while creating jobs in rural communities where it operates.

Rigorous Measurement will Enable Enhanced Rock Weathering

North America, World

Van Duijn brings more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and international development

The International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) Board of Directors and staff announced the appointment of Henk van Duijn as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Van Duijn will assume his position and new responsibilities on January 1, 2023. IFDC is an independent Washington DC-based non-profit organisation that combines innovative research, market systems development, and strategic partnerships to spread sustainable agricultural solutions for improved soil health, food security, and livelihoods around the world.
Van Duijn brings more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and international development, with a focus on Europe, Africa, and Asia. He has led an impressive portfolio of programs that empower agribusinesses to access and benefit from profitable markets. Prior to his selection as IFDC President and CEO, van Duijn served as Vice President, Corporate Services, and Chief Operations and Finance Officer at IFDC. Before that, he headed the 2SCALE program (2019–2021) and served as CEO of Bopinc (2014–2019). As a diplomat and civil service director in the Netherlands, van Duijn led the design, start up, and implementation of large-scale interdisciplinary programs as well as national and international public-private partnerships in Europe, Africa, and Asia. He holds a master’s degree in Land and Water Management from Wageningen University & Research.
Outgoing IFDC President and CEO Albin Hubscher will retire after four years of deftly leading the organisation to a renewed commitment to soil health. He was instrumental in formulating IFDC’s plan to develop a global innovation centre that will design and scale next-generation soil health and plant nutrition innovations.
Dr Rudy Rabbinge, IFDC Board Chair and Professor Emeritus at Wageningen University & Research, announced van Duijn’s appointment during a staff reception hosted by the IFDC Board on October 26, 2022. Rabbinge encouraged staff to “use this as an opportunity to maintain our organisation’s momentum.” Upon accepting the appointment, van Duijn told IFDC leadership and staff, “IFDC is well-positioned to lead global innovations in soil health and food security. Now, it is time for us to move confidently in the direction set for us. I am honoured and privileged to walk with you all.”

Van Duijn brings more than 30 years

India, Organic

Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) focuses on Campaign 2.0 on Swachhta and reducing pendency in Government

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country have adopted 900 villages in October this year as part of the government’s campaign to demonstrate and promote microbial-based agricultural waste management and Vermicomposting. Technologies related to the microbial decomposition of agricultural residues and conversion of farm residues and other organic wastes into vermicompost was demonstrated to 22,678 farmers.  Apart from farmers, awareness of vermicomposting was created among 3,000 schoolchildren.

Crop residues are valuable organic inputs to improve soil health and crop productivity when utilised after proper decomposition.  Due to the long duration of the natural composting process of most of the crop residues, farmers resort to burning, resulting in environmental pollution apart from the wastage of a valuable asset.  

Composting technologies using efficient microbial decomposers like ‘PUSA Decomposer’ accelerates the decomposition process resulting in high-quality organic manure in a shorter period.  Application of composted residues rather than burnt ash to soil adds organic carbon and other essential plant nutrients to the soil and promotes microbial activity in the soil.

Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)

Agrotech, Company News

The free nematode tests will help growers assess soil health.

Plant-parasitic nematodes lurk under the soil, wreaking havoc on plants’ root systems, which can ultimately damage yields and overall plant health. Certis Biologicals knows that root health is key to producing quality crops year after year, so the company is providing free nematode tests that help growers assess soil health.

Roots and Nematodes

“Since nematodes live under the soil, they are an easy pest for growers to overlook,” says Chris Judd, Global Vice-President, Marketing for Certis Biologicals. “We are partnering with growers to provide the information they need to make a fully-informed decision about nematode treatments in their soils. At Certis, we want to be a partner in ensuring the success of growers and we are happy to provide this service as a way to show that value.”

Growers who are interested in taking part in the free nematode soil testing program can begin by visiting www.nematodetesting.com and completing a short form. Depending on the region, entrants will then work with a partner laboratory to gather and submit a small soil sample for processing. Results will be shared along with any treatment recommendations from Certis representatives. Those interested in participating do not need to be current customers to participate in the program and there is no requirement to purchase a Certis product.

“Growers often wrongly attribute nematode damage to disease and treat above-ground effects while missing the root cause,” Judd says. “Leaving plant-parasitic nematodes untreated can weaken the root systems of crops, causing reduction in overall plant health and eventual death.”

“This completely free test can be an integral tool that lets growers know which nematode they have in their fields and if treatment is needed before these negative impacts are felt.”

The free nematode tests will help growers

Company News, Sustainability

Corteva is working as a partner to help Egypt pursue a sustainable and resilient future in its agriculture sector

The US GreenTech Business Delegation has toured Corteva Agriscience’s Met Bera seed production facility and viewed the business’ latest agricultural advancements first-hand, including the company’s industry-leading silage and grain hybrid solutions.

The visit formed part of an official countrywide mission initiated by the US Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with AmCham Egypt, comprising representatives from the US Departments of State, Commerce and Energy, and US companies across finance, healthcare, construction, agriculture, digital and aviation, amongst others. This initiative further demonstrates the United States’ ongoing support of Egypt’s green growth and climate adaptation and resilience priorities, ahead of COP27, which is set to be held in in Sharm El-Sheikh during November this year.

“The agricultural sector is critical to Egypt, as it accounts for approximately 15 per cent of Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is responsible for 28 per cent of the country’s employment,” says Tarek El Azab, Middle East North Africa Business Unit Leader, Corteva Agriscience.

“In our visit to Corteva’s seed plant, we saw first-hand a leading American company that is making a major positive impact for both Egyptian family farmers and the country’s economy and food security,” said Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce. “By bringing its innovation and best practices to Egypt, Corteva is working as a partner to help Egypt pursue a sustainable and resilient future in its agriculture sector.”

Corteva is working as a partner to

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability

UPL will offer Koppert‘s Copio biofertilizer under its new global business unit NPP, to its growers in India.

Koppert India and UPL India have signed an agreement in Mumbai. Koppert produces a bio fertilizer for UPL, which UPL offers, under its new global business unit NPP, to its growers in India. The biofertilizer, with the brand name Copio, helps improve soil health, leading to better plant establishment and improved overall output. 

It fits both companies’ visions to offer solutions that are aimed to help growers to restore the natural balance in their crops for sustainable agriculture. This commercial relationship is the continuity of the long-term collaboration between both companies, already consolidated in Japan and Spain, which is primed to grow across new geographies.

Rahul Pandey, Commercial Head of the India Region at UPL, expressed his enthusiasm on the collaboration: ‘This is one more step towards our vision of reimagined sustainability. Soil health has become a challenge across the globe. Improving soil health is our top priority. This collaboration will help farmers in India to improve the health of their soils. ’

‘We have been cooperating with UPL for many years  and feel that we have entered a new phase in our relationship and making COPIO the best biofertilizer available for farmers in India, which supports our vision of “Partners with Nature’, says Uday Bhat, Managing Director, Koppert India.

Ankit Laddha, National Biosolutions Lead at UPL India, added, “We at NPP are excited to carry this journey to wider geographies. Millions of farmers are looking to us for the natural solutions. We have created a lot of success stories around healthier soil and this alliance will create millions more’.

‘With the growth and demand for more of our sustainable solutions in India, we have had to find a strong partner that has the same common goal of making Indian agriculture more sustainable. ,’ said Yassin Lahiani, Koppert’s Export Manager for the Middle East, North Africa and India.

UPL will offer Koppert‘s Copio biofertilizer under

Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, Nature, Organic, Sustainability

According to M Venkaiah Naidu, organic farming is the way forward

The Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu underlined the importance of organic farming for sustainable and stable development. He said that natural resources such as soil and water are not unlimited and the future of mankind depends on their conservation.

Addressing a gathering after releasing the book titled Bhumi Suposhan (meaning – soil nutrition) published by Akshay Krishi Parivar at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, the Vice President expressed his concern over the degradation of soil due to the overuse of pesticides and fertilisers and stressed the need for creating awareness on this important issue. He also said that unchecked extraction of groundwater is fast depleting our groundwater table leading to a reduction in moisture content in the soil, thus turning fertile land into barren land.

Listing out various benefits of organic farming, the Vice President opined that it not only improves soil health but also reduces farmers’ input costs. Locally available resources such as cow dung and waste organic matter can be used to prepare low-cost organic manure, thus increasing farmers’ income.

Acknowledging Green Revolution’s role in ensuring the country’s food security, Naidu highlighted some of its unintended consequences such as the uncontrolled use of pesticides. Appreciating various governmental and individual efforts for soil conservation, he said the network of laboratories for soil testing is being strengthened and natural farming is being promoted in ecologically sensitive areas such as villages adjacent to the river Ganga.

Mentioning that around six lakh farmers are practising organic farming on approximately 38 lakh hectares of land in India, the Vice President expressed his happiness over the fact that many hilly states successfully adopted organic farming. He said that the smaller states have shown that organic farming is particularly beneficial to our small and marginal farmers. He said that there is a growing awareness among the masses about the harmful effects of chemical farming and they are willing to pay for organic products.

Naidu also stressed the need for the popularisation of traditional farming practices. He wanted agricultural universities to focus more on organic and natural farming and promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship among the youth. The Vice President said agriculture is not just farmers’ concern, rather all of us are equal stakeholders in its development as food is a basic necessity for everyone. He urged parliamentarians, political parties and policymakers to give priority to agriculture.

Naidu urged people, particularly youngsters, to consume traditional foods that are nutritious and suitable to Indian conditions. 

Praising Akshya Krishi Parivar for bringing out ‘Bhumi Suposhan’ – a commemorative publication of the Nationwide Bhumi Suposhan and Samrakshan Abhiyan, the Vice President wanted this book to be translated into Indian languages so that it could reach the maximum number of farmers. He also asked scientists and researchers to translate their works into people’s languages for the larger benefit of the public. Naidu also stressed that early education should be in the child’s mother tongue. 

Similarly, local language should be used in administration and courts.

Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Kaneri Math, Maharashtra, Bhagaiah, Member of the National Executive and Ex Sah-Sarkaryawah, Rashriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Manoj Solanki, President, Akshay Krishi Parivar, Dr GR Chintala Govindarajulu, NABARD Chairman, Scientists, Agriculturists and other dignitaries were present.

According to M Venkaiah Naidu, organic farming

Inputs

The increased application flexibility on the new label will allow growers to apply Howler at any time of day and any crop stage

Howler fungicide, the first product from agricultural innovator AgBiome, has been granted EPA approval for an updated label with expanded crops, disease targets and application flexibility. This new label brings the addition of 20 new crops, new pathogens and new use patterns for both aerial and seed treatment applications and exciting news on pollinator safety.

Even more specialty crop growers will be able to unleash the power of Howler on their soil-borne and foliar diseases with Howler’s expanded label featuring key crops like hops, sugar beets, oilseed crops, and ornamentals. 

Howler’s list of targeted pathogens grows three-fold with this new label, inclusive of those listed on a FIFRA Sec 2ee label issued in 2021. The updated label adds to Howler’s expansive list of pathogens that frequently affect high-value crops, including downy and powdery mildews, rusts, and Botryosphaeria.

The increased application flexibility on the new label will allow growers to apply Howler at any time of day and any crop stage. This new label also brings the removal of a previous caution statement around application in the presence of active pollinators, officially confirming Howler as pollinator safe. 

The increased application flexibility on the new