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The role of organic fertilizers in transition to sustainable agriculture in the MENA region

Avery, Helen LU (2022)
Abstract
Organic fertilizers can serve as an element of transitions to sustainable low-input agriculture in semi-arid regions of the MENA region. They play a key role in supporting soil biota and soil fertility. Yield improvements, availability and relatively low costs make organic fertilizers an attractive alternative for farmers. In semi-arid regions, important considerations are improved soil quality, which in turn affects soil water retention, while better root development helps crops resist heat and water stress. Organic fertilizers thus support climate adaptation and regional food security. Soil quality is crucial for carbon sequestration, at the same time that increased nutrient retention reduces impacts of agricultural runoff on groundwater... (More)
Organic fertilizers can serve as an element of transitions to sustainable low-input agriculture in semi-arid regions of the MENA region. They play a key role in supporting soil biota and soil fertility. Yield improvements, availability and relatively low costs make organic fertilizers an attractive alternative for farmers. In semi-arid regions, important considerations are improved soil quality, which in turn affects soil water retention, while better root development helps crops resist heat and water stress. Organic fertilizers thus support climate adaptation and regional food security. Soil quality is crucial for carbon sequestration, at the same time that increased nutrient retention reduces impacts of agricultural runoff on groundwater and water bodies. Factors that impede the generalised use of organic fertilizers include lack of expertise, subsidy structures, constraints of the wider food and agricultural systems, and difficulties in transitioning from conventional agriculture. Such obstacles are aggravated in countries affected by security issues, financial volatility, or restrictions in access to market. Against the background of both general and local constraints, the chapter examines possible pathways to benefit from organic fertilizers, in particular synergies with other sustainable agricultural practices, as well as improved access to expertise. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
publication status
published
subject
keywords
organic fertilizers, sustainable agriculture, transition pathways, smallholder farmers, semi-arid regions, low-input agriculture, soil health, soil carbon, GHG emissions, conservation agriculture, water management, climate adaptation and mitigation
host publication
New Generation of Organic Fertilizers
editor
Turan, Metin and Yildirim, Ertan
edition
1
publisher
IntechOpen
ISBN
978-1-83969-213-0
978-1-83969-212-3
978-1-83969-938-2
DOI
10.5772/intechopen.101411
project
Infrastructure choices in post-conflict situations: Opportunities for Sustainability and Resilience?
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
f2655177-b639-49d2-abcf-bc7ae483d45a
date added to LUP
2022-01-01 15:34:00
date last changed
2023-06-28 15:52:27
@inbook{f2655177-b639-49d2-abcf-bc7ae483d45a,
  abstract     = {{Organic fertilizers can serve as an element of transitions to sustainable low-input agriculture in semi-arid regions of the MENA region. They play a key role in supporting soil biota and soil fertility. Yield improvements, availability and relatively low costs make organic fertilizers an attractive alternative for farmers. In semi-arid regions, important considerations are improved soil quality, which in turn affects soil water retention, while better root development helps crops resist heat and water stress. Organic fertilizers thus support climate adaptation and regional food security. Soil quality is crucial for carbon sequestration, at the same time that increased nutrient retention reduces impacts of agricultural runoff on groundwater and water bodies. Factors that impede the generalised use of organic fertilizers include lack of expertise, subsidy structures, constraints of the wider food and agricultural systems, and difficulties in transitioning from conventional agriculture. Such obstacles are aggravated in countries affected by security issues, financial volatility, or restrictions in access to market. Against the background of both general and local constraints, the chapter examines possible pathways to benefit from organic fertilizers, in particular synergies with other sustainable agricultural practices, as well as improved access to expertise.}},
  author       = {{Avery, Helen}},
  booktitle    = {{New Generation of Organic Fertilizers}},
  editor       = {{Turan, Metin and Yildirim, Ertan}},
  isbn         = {{978-1-83969-213-0}},
  keywords     = {{organic fertilizers; sustainable agriculture; transition pathways; smallholder farmers; semi-arid regions; low-input agriculture; soil health; soil carbon; GHG emissions; conservation agriculture; water management; climate adaptation and mitigation}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{07}},
  publisher    = {{IntechOpen}},
  title        = {{The role of organic fertilizers in transition to sustainable agriculture in the MENA region}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101411}},
  doi          = {{10.5772/intechopen.101411}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}