The Harmful Effects of Pesticides on Our Senses
Pesticides have been used for decades to protect crops and increase agricultural productivity. However, the toxic chemicals in these substances can have serious impacts on human health and the environment. This article examines the harmful effects of pesticide use on our senses and nervous system, as well as the environment.
One of the earliest known cases of sensory deterioration linked to pesticide exposure occurred in the 1960s in Japan’s Saku agricultural region. Farmers and their families in the region who were exposed to organophosphates suffered from a high incidence of visual defects, including blurring of vision, eye movement disorders, myopia, and astigmatism. A study of the residents in the area found that the wives of farmers, who may have been exposed via take-home contamination or spray drift from nearby fields, also suffered from decreased visual acuity and loss.
Exposure to pesticides can also lead to acute health impacts ranging from seizures to respiratory depression. The mode and length of exposure and the type of pesticide used all affect its impact on our sensory and nervous systems. When sprayed, pesticides produce vapors that may turn into air pollutants. In the US, 37-54% of pesticide-related illnesses among agricultural workers are attributed to spray drifts; symptoms can range from headaches and nausea to burning sensations on the skin.
Furthermore, pesticide exposure can also have long-term chronic effects on human health, particularly on our senses. Pesticides contain toxic chemicals that can impair our senses and nervous system. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1,000 types of pesticides are used globally, with some of the most common types being herbicides (49%), fungicides and bactericides (27%), and insecticides (19%).
Despite global regulations on pesticide use, one study estimates that about 385 million cases of unintentional, acute pesticide poisoning occur among farm workers each year. Pesticides can also enter the food chain through a process known as bioaccumulation. This occurs when a substance builds up in the body due to our inability to break it down. Since many synthetic pesticides cannot be broken down by animals or humans, they may end up bioaccumulating in body fat.
The use of pesticides also has a significant impact on the environment. Research has shown that pesticides may be responsible for the loss of smell in honeybees and salmon, and have contaminated water bodies, threatening aquatic ecosystems. A study on European farming systems found that omitting pesticides altogether can lead to a 78% loss of fruit production, a 54% decrease in vegetable harvests, and a 32% loss of cereal yields.
Fortunately, alternatives to conventional pesticide use exist, such as biologically active natural inputs that help crops grow and fix nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil. Some farmers have switched to using biologically active inputs after experiencing negative health impacts from using pesticides. This approach is known as regenerative agriculture, which prioritizes soil and environmental health by minimizing synthetic inputs.
In conclusion, pesticides are widely used to boost plant growth, but they contain toxic chemicals that can seriously impair our senses and nervous system. Pesticide exposure has been linked to sensory deterioration and acute health impacts, and can also have long-term chronic effects on human health. Moreover, pesticide use has a significant impact on the environment.
Pesticides can also impair our sense of smell. A 2018 study found that exposure to the neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid can impair the ability of honeybees to detect nectar, pollen and floral odours. Pesticides can also affect our sense of taste. In one study, people who ate a diet of predominantly organic food had a significantly better sense of taste and smell than those who ate mostly conventionally grown produce.
The long-term health impacts of pesticide exposure are still being studied, but evidence suggests that exposure may be linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders and cancer.
While pesticides have played a significant role in increasing food production and reducing the spread of disease, their widespread use has come at a cost. The potential health and environmental impacts of pesticides suggest that we need to find new ways to protect crops and manage pests.
As farmers like Tim Parton have demonstrated, it is possible to grow crops without relying on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Practices such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry and integrated pest management can help to reduce the use of synthetic inputs and support the long-term health of both soil and crops.
As consumers, we can also play a role by choosing to buy organic produce, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and supporting local farmers who use sustainable and regenerative farming practices. By making these choices, we can help to create a more sustainable and healthy food system for ourselves and the planet.
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China Could Turn Staples Crop Production into a Carbon Sink with Biochar
Chinese farmers could turn staple crop production into a carbon sink and improve crop yields by using biochar, a charcoal-like solid rich in carbon, on their soils, according to researchers from the University of Aberdeen in the UK. Biochar is created by heating raw biomass at a high temperature in an oxygen-free chamber. Studies have shown that applying it to soils not only locks carbon away, but also improves soil health and water retention. The process also produces bio-oil and syngas, which can be used to produce electricity.
The researchers designed a climate-friendly farming system that includes the use of biochar, along with reductions in fertiliser use and other pollution-reducing measures. They found that using biochar could turn crop production in China into a net carbon sink, absorbing the equivalent of 38 megatonnes of carbon dioxide every year, while also improving crop yields by 8% and air quality.
However, the rollout of this system would require the construction of thousands of pyrolysis plants and funding from the government. Subsidies for biochar purchases may also be necessary for farmers, at least in the early years. The carbon storage and crop yield benefits of using biochar may also depend on soil type and climate, which would require further testing.
Despite the challenges, the study suggests that China has the potential to become a leader in sustainable farming practices. “If the government of China threw its weight behind it, this could certainly make a significant contribution [to tackling climate change],” says Pete Smith, lead researcher of the study.
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The Unconventional Farmer: A Case Study in Profitability
Roy Pfaltzgraff, a farmer in northeast Colorado’s Phillips County, has become one of the most unconventional farmers in the United States. He has achieved this by breaking away from traditional farming practices and experimenting with unique methods. Pfaltzgraff’s methods have led to a remarkable turnaround on his 2,000 dryland acres. He now has a profitable farm with a consistent way forward.
Farming in this part of Colorado is not easy, as the region typically receives less than 6” of moisture during the growing season. Temperatures can fluctuate from 25 F below in winter to upwards of 105 in summer. During the growing season, temperatures can jump from 45 at night to 100-plus at midday, and 30-plus mph winds can blow without warning. Despite these challenges, Pfaltzgraff has managed to succeed where others have failed.
After losing his lease and experiencing a drought, Pfaltzgraff worked several jobs, including one in accounting. In fall 2016, his father approached him with a blunt binary: “Come home or I rent out the farm.” Pfaltzgraff agreed to return, but only if they could make money.
Pfaltzgraff began cutting off traditional farming practices and adopted new methods. For instance, he started double-cropping on 16” of annual precipitation, a technique that most farmers in his area thought was impossible. He also reduced synthetic fertilizer drastically, from what the traditional recommendations suggested, and planted 14-18 crops per season. To market his products, he used direct-market scrambling, which involves selling his crops directly to consumers or restaurants, bypassing the traditional supply chain.
Pfaltzgraff’s methods paid off in the form of a profitable farm. He now has enough leeway to take the operation into uncharted waters. For instance, he has diversified his crop rotation to provide microorganisms with a diverse crop diet. He also implements minimum till and no till practices, and he has boosted his soil organic matter to 2.5% in the top 12”, with several fields above 3%.
“I’m an open book, and there’s no tricks to anything I’ve done,” Pfaltzgraff says. “Show up to my farm, and I’ll let you see everything.” He encourages other farmers to experiment with new methods, saying that what works for one farmer may not work for another. By trying new things and breaking away from traditional farming practices, farmers may find new ways to achieve profitability and success.
In conclusion, Roy Pfaltzgraff’s unconventional farming methods have led to a profitable farm and a consistent way forward. By adopting new techniques and breaking away from traditional practices, Pfaltzgraff has become a successful farmer in a region where many have failed. His story is an inspiration to other farmers who are struggling to make ends meet and are looking for new ways to achieve profitability.
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Investment-in-agroforestry-gains-momentum-in-the-us
Investment in agroforestry — an ancient land management method that integrates the growth of trees with crops or livestock — is emerging with renewed fervor across the U.S. With climate change driving risk of declines in U.S. food production, in the form of intensifying droughts, shifting rain patterns, more frequent wildfires and spreading pests and diseases, policymakers and private investors alike are turning to natural climate solutions.
A new funding influx signals increasing widespread expansion of the climate-friendly agricultural practice, experts tell Axios. Venture investment in the space has recently increased, with multiple dedicated new funds launched since 2020. The Agriculture Resilience Act advocates for new regional centers and expanded funding for agroforestry practices.
In November, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition’s Climate and Agriculture Task Force released farm bill recommendations that identified agroforestry as a way to support soil health and carbon sequestration. Expanding adoption of agroforestry is a climate point of interest among lawmakers ahead of the coming farm bill, according to Cristel Zoebisch Bernaldo de Quiroz, deputy director of agriculture and climate at the NGO Carbon180.
Agroforestry can buffer extreme weather impacts on livestock and crops, boost soil health, increase crop yields and reduce air and water pollution, as well as assist in growing diverse crops to reduce economic risk. Although support for the practice, in the form of funding and attention, has been building for a while, “there’s just an enormous increase” in the past few years, according to Anne Marsh, the director of the USDA’s National Agroforestry Center.
Despite organic farmers receiving significantly more funds than what’s been earmarked for agroforestry initiatives, Carbon180’s Zoebisch deems the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program (PCSC) a “windfall of new funding.” The USDA announced a $60 million investment in the fall for a project advancing agroforestry in 37 states through the PCSC.
Karam Sheban, director of sustainable forestry at Rural Action, warns that the “sudden influx of funding” into agroforestry could translate into less money going to farmers and forest landowners, while companies “greenwash” it as a pathway to land consolidation. “You’re factoring in the individual landowner or farmers’ goals … it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation,” Sheban tells Axios.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Gutierrez, forests and community program director of Ecotrust, notes that agroforestry is just a new way to describe something that Indigenous people have been doing for thousands of years. An enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Gutierrez is leading an upcoming project assessing the needs of tribal agroforestry producers across the country — including whether the uptick in funding is reaching them.
In conclusion, agroforestry is becoming a climate-friendly solution to agricultural challenges as policymakers and investors turn to natural climate solutions to combat the impact of climate change on U.S. food production. While the sudden influx of funding could translate into less money going to farmers and forest landowners, agroforestry remains a promising practice that integrates trees with crops or livestock to buffer extreme weather impacts, boost soil health, increase crop yields and reduce air and water pollution.
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Understanding Regenerative Farming: Benefits and Challenges
Introduction: Regenerative farming is gaining attention as an agricultural approach that prioritizes soil health and environmental sustainability. In this article, we will explore the benefits of regenerative farming practices and the challenges associated with implementing them on a large scale. We will also discuss the growing support from large corporations and carbon markets for this movement.
Benefits of Regenerative Farming: Regenerative farming practices like no-till cultivation, rotational cattle grazing, and using fewer synthetic fertilizers can improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce erosion. By promoting healthy soil and plant growth, regenerative farming also sequesters carbon, which can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Challenges of Regenerative Farming: Despite the potential benefits, regenerative farming faces several challenges, such as the need for specialized knowledge and equipment, initial costs, and limited access to markets for regenerative products. The scale of regenerative farming can also be an obstacle, as large-scale implementation may require significant changes to current agricultural practices and infrastructure.
Support from Large Corporations: Major corporations like General Mills and PepsiCo have recognized the benefits of regenerative farming and are investing in this movement. By sourcing ingredients from regenerative farms, these companies are promoting sustainability and supporting farmers who use regenerative practices.
Carbon Markets: Carbon markets like Nori and Indigo Ag are emerging to incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative practices by offering payments for carbon sequestration. By participating in these markets, farmers can receive financial support for adopting regenerative farming practices.
Conclusion: Regenerative farming has the potential to transform agriculture by prioritizing soil health and environmental sustainability. While challenges remain, the growing support from large corporations and carbon markets for this movement is encouraging. By working together, farmers, businesses, and consumers can promote a more sustainable food system.
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Tim Lamyman Breaks Guinness World Records for Wheat and Barley Yields
Renowned English grain grower, Tim Lamyman, has set new Guinness World Records for both wheat and barley yields. The farmer, who crops 600 hectares in the county of Lincolnshire, achieved a wheat yield of 17.96 tonnes to the hectare, breaking the previous record of 17.40 tonnes from New Zealand farmer Eric Watson in 2020. He also registered a barley yield of 16.21 tonnes to the hectare, surpassing his own world record by two tonnes.
The Efforts Behind the Records
<p>Tim Lamyman says that a great deal of planning, preparation, and attention to detail went into his record-breaking crops. He starts from the land and then moves into bionature, nutrition, and the best fungicides to create these yields. He uses a product called Delta Nitrogen to increase the fibrous root mass of the plant and create thicker and stronger stems and more tillers. The farmer says that only select parts of his farm were capable of achieving high-end yields and only the better land with a slightly higher clay content on the top of hills are pushed to 300 to 350 kilograms of nitrogen to the hectare.
Competing in the World of Grain Growing
The world of competitive grain growing is highly contested and often, records can be broken by just a few kilograms. Nick Poole, Managing Director of Field Applied Research Australia, likens it to Formula One racing and says that Tim Lamyman breaking the world record by almost 0.6 tonnes is a huge step forward. The world of grain growing is a challenging and exciting one, and Tim Lamyman’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication.</p><h2>Achieving Record Yields in Drought Conditions</h2><p>England suffered through a severe drought last year, recording its fifth driest summer since 1836. Despite the drought, Tim Lamyman was able to achieve record yields by producing root structures. He found an inherent aquifer water source in his underlying chalk land that draws water back upward during a drought, which is where he says some of his yield came from. He also got more sunlight in the ripening time than the UK normally gets, which resulted in high hectolitre weight and a grain weight of 83.6 kilograms per hectolitre.
Harvesting the Highest Yielding Wheat Crop Ever
Harvesting the highest yielding wheat crop ever was an exciting experience for Tim Lamyman. He says it was great fun and really thrilling until the last trailer went over the weighbridge and he wasn’t quite sure whether he had broken the record or not. Tim Lamyman’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to grain growing and sets a new standard for the industry.
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Epigenetic Editing Technique Improves Cassava Resistance to Bacterial Blight
Improving Crops with Cutting-Edge Technology
Cassava is a vital crop for over half a billion people in more than 80 countries, but it is also plagued by cassava bacterial blight (CBB), a devastating disease that causes widespread crop losses. However, recent research from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and collaborators at the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers hope for improving this crucial crop.
Targeting Methylation to Improve Disease Resistance
The research team has demonstrated that epigenome editing technology can reduce CBB symptoms in cassava plants while maintaining normal growth and development. This was achieved through the use of targeted methylation to introduce an agronomic trait that improves disease resistance to CBB. The resulting cassava plants showed smaller and less intense symptoms of the disease on their leaves.
Understanding Epigenetics and Methylation
Epigenetics is a natural process used by cells to control gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Methylation is one type of DNA ‘decoration’ that helps regulate gene expression. This research demonstrates the potential for using epigenome editing to improve crops by targeting methylation to specific sites in the epigenome.
Translating Model Systems to Real-World Applications
The research was the result of a long-standing collaboration between Danforth Center scientists and Steve Jacobsen’s lab at UCLA. The team was able to successfully transfer knowledge from a model plant system, Arabidopsis, to the important food security crop, cassava. This highlights the potential for the methodology to be replicated successfully in many other plant systems in the future.
Continuing the Work for Improved Crop Yields
The Bart lab is continuing to investigate cassava bacterial blight and other factors that limit cassava yields, including viruses. The researchers are also growing plants in Hawaii to test the heritability of their new CBB-resistance trait across generations. With their work, the team hopes to develop novel control strategies for additional diseases and improve yields for farmers globally.
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TotalEnergies’ Agrivoltaic Results Show Increased Agricultural Yields
Agrivoltaic: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture
TotalEnergies, the French energy giant, has announced the results of its agrivoltaic pilot projects in the French municipalities of Channay, Rivals, and Valpuiseaux. The aim of the pilot projects was to study the impact of solar panels on crops and to develop a repository of the agronomic benefits of agrivoltaic projects.
Promising Results from Agrivoltaic Pilot Projects
The results of the first harvest from the agrivoltaic pilots showed an increase in agricultural yields for field crops and a reduction in water stress. In the Le Channay location, for example, the increase in yield was 1 quintal per hectare for wheat and 2 quintals for lentils. The protein levels in wheat also increased by 2%.
Agrivoltaic Technology Enhancing Agriculture
The agrivoltaic plant in Le Channay is made up of vertical bifacial photovoltaic panels with 237 kW of power. The panels also reduced average wind speeds by 14 km/hour, which could explain the increase in wheat protein levels.
The Valpuiseaux site, developed with Agrosolutions, Agrinovex, and Next2Sun, features vertical bifacial modules. Meanwhile, the Rivals demonstrator was developed with Sudexpe, IFV, InVivo, and Ombrea, with 87 kW deployed above pomegranate trees and vines.
Continuing Research and Development
TotalEnergies and its partner companies have noted that the results will need to be confirmed over time. The energy giant currently has over 140 agrivoltaic projects in various stages of development, showcasing its commitment to finding sustainable solutions for the future of agriculture.
In conclusion, TotalEnergies’ agrivoltaic pilot projects have shown promising results, with an increase in agricultural yields and a reduction in water stress. The future of sustainable agriculture looks bright with agrivoltaic technology at the forefront.
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More Efficient Agrivoltaics with Translucent Solar Cells
Agriculture and energy are two of the most important resources for human survival, but they are also two of the biggest sources of environmental degradation. The problem of how to meet the growing demand for food and energy while protecting the environment has been a major challenge for years. But researchers may have found a solution that could help to meet these two goals in a more sustainable way.
Agrivoltaics, the process of growing crops underneath solar panels, is seen as a promising solution for more sustainable agriculture. By splitting the light spectrum, crops can receive the same amount of carbon dioxide with less water while being shielded from heat. This reduces the amount of water required for crops and also helps to reduce heat stress and crop wastage.
The researchers tested the idea by growing tomatoes under blue and red filters, as well as a control crop without any coverings. Although the yield for the covered plots was about a third less than the control, the latter had around twice the amount of rotten tomatoes. The filters helped to reduce heat stress and crop wastage.
For this approach to work in practice, manufacturers would need to develop translucent solar panels that capture blue light and allow red light to pass through. Matteo Camporese, an associate professor at the University of Padova in Italy and lead author of a paper on the topic, suggested that translucent, carbon-based organic solar cells could work. These cells could be applied onto surfaces such as glass.
However, there are other issues that need to be addressed, including the fact that wavelength-selective agrivoltaic systems may need to account for different crop types. Harvesting those crops efficiently might require some out-of-the-box thinking too.
“We cannot feed 2 billion more people in 30 years by being just a little more water-efficient and continuing as we do,” said Majdi Abou Najm, an associate professor at University of California, Davis’ department of land, air and water resources. “We need something transformative, not incremental. If we treat the sun as a resource, we can work with shade and generate electricity while producing crops underneath. Kilowatt hours become a secondary crop you can harvest.”
In conclusion, the potential of agrivoltaics is huge, and the idea of splitting the light spectrum to grow crops and produce solar energy at the same time is a promising solution for a more sustainable future. With a growing global population, it’s important to consider different approaches to using our resources more productively.
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FLOGMA Agricultural Solutions – Sustainability & World Challenges
FLOGMA is a leading company in the agriculture industry, offering a range of solutions that are designed to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing producers and users of grains around the globe. From origination, trading, and processing to distribution, FLOGMA provides a comprehensive range of services to support the agriculture industry. In this article, we’ll explore how FLOGMA is using neuromarketing and user-centered principles to deliver sustainable solutions that are making a difference to people and the planet.
Seeds & Plant Breeding
FLOGMA is at the forefront of seed breeding, offering a range of seeds that are specifically designed to meet the demands of modern agriculture. Whether it’s crops that are resistant to disease or plants that are capable of thriving in challenging conditions, FLOGMA is dedicated to providing farmers with the seeds they need to succeed.
Digital Solutions
In an increasingly digital world, FLOGMA is leading the way in digital farming solutions. From data-driven decision making to precision agriculture, FLOGMA is leveraging the power of technology to help farmers maximize their yields and minimize waste.
Human Nutrition
At FLOGMA, we believe that food should be nutritious and accessible to all. That’s why we are dedicated to improving human nutrition by producing crops that are both nutritious and sustainable. Our focus on human nutrition is helping to create a world where everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.
Crops Protection
Protecting crops is essential for ensuring food security and mitigating the impacts of climate change. FLOGMA’s crop protection solutions are designed to help farmers keep their crops healthy and productive, no matter what the conditions.
Equipment Sourcing & Fulfillment
FLOGMA is committed to helping farmers access the equipment they need to succeed. Our equipment sourcing and fulfillment solutions are designed to make it easy for farmers to find the equipment they need and get it delivered quickly and efficiently.
Carbon Compensation
FLOGMA is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Our carbon compensation solutions are designed to help farmers offset their carbon emissions and reduce their environmental impact.
Projects Structuring
At FLOGMA, we understand that every agriculture project is unique. That’s why we offer project structuring solutions that are designed to meet the specific needs of each project. Whether it’s financing, operational support, or technical expertise, FLOGMA is dedicated to delivering the solutions that agriculture projects need to succeed.
Operations & Cultivation Management
FLOGMA is committed to helping farmers succeed. Our operations and cultivation management solutions are designed to help farmers optimize their operations and get the most out of their crops.
Investment Management
At FLOGMA, we believe in the power of agriculture to create positive change in the world. Our investment management solutions are designed to help farmers access the funding they need to grow their businesses and make a difference in the world. Whether it’s through strategic investment solutions or facility design and development, FLOGMA is committed to supporting the growth of the agriculture industry.
FLOGMA is a company that is making a difference in the world. By using neuromarketing and user-centered principles, FLOGMA is delivering sustainable solutions that are helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the agriculture industry. From seed breeding and digital solutions to human nutrition and crop protection, FLOGMA is dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for everyone. Whether you’re a farmer, a consumer, or simply someone who cares about the world we live in, FLOGMA is a company that you can count on to make a positive impact.
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