Vermicompost for the sustainable management of crops pests and diseases

Picture copyright Looseends (flickr)

Vermicompost originates from organic wastes decomposition by earthworms. This substrate and its liquid solution, vermicompost tea, enrich soils with essential nutrients and beneficial plant growth hormones and favor the development of microbes that suppress pests or diseases. Scientists Yatoo et al. recently reviewed how to produce these organic amendments and to use them for low-cost but efficient crop disease management. They reckoned vermicomposts are innovative eco-friendly alternatives to agrochemicals in crops and fruit production.

A farmer participatory approach to improve groundwater quality

French and EU policies struggle to promote the restoration of groundwater quality by encouraging farmers to change their practices. Scientists Richard et al. developed a farmer-to-farmer suggestion-based method for improving farm management from economic, social, and environmental viewpoints. Such a method proves interesting and viable to promote sustainable farming practice and implement groundwater-friendly farm management.

Codesigning mycorrhiza-friendly agrosystems

Picture copyright Allemand, INRA

In the context of the agroecological restoration, exploiting soil biodiversity is the top priority for reducing crop dependence on chemical inputs. Focusing on mycorrhizae, scientists Chave et al. elaborated a methodological framework for designing efficient agrosystems. This method reveals various constraints and levers. It fosters local innovation and develops both systemic reasoning and collective actions. Such a global approach allows farmers to understand that all of them are potential “mycorrhizae producers”.