5 modern trends to support sustainable agriculture

5 Modern trends to support sustainable agriculture

Agriculture - and related activities - is considered one of the most important vital industries, but this industry has always been associated with unsustainable practices. But over the past few decades this has slowly changed, from stopping the use of harmful pesticides, to using modern irrigation methods, in addition to diversifying crops. Taking into account the health of the soil.

While these changes are positive, the agricultural sector still has a long way to go to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, we are trying with you in this article to shed light on the five most prominent modern trends in sustainable agriculture.

First - Sustainable practices

There is no doubt that agricultural colleges bear a great responsibility in promoting sustainable practices in this sector, and keeping pace with the most prominent environmentally friendly technologies. Therefore, modernizing the curricula in agricultural colleges would have a profound impact on future generations, so that they can localize sustainable practices in the agricultural process, such as focusing on organic agriculture and preserving biodiversity in each region, in addition to educating farmers and promoting sound practices, while making sustainable agriculture possible and affordable.

Second - Adaptation of technology

Farmers - as well as investment companies operating in this sector - must keep pace with the era in which we live, and exploitArtificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. To find new ways to improve their operations without affecting the environment. For example, drones can be used to monitor crops, collect information about the growth cycle, and detect pests. Technology can also be used to make irrigation operations more sustainable, by providing data on the total amounts of water used, land saturation rates, and other uses.

Third - Vertical agriculture

The concept of vertical farming has gained great momentum in recent years. The idea, which some people initially found strange, has now become one of the important solutions in the agricultural sector in many locations. The advantages of vertical agriculture lie in maximizing the use of land and reducing the rate of expansion of the agricultural area, some of which is at the expense of the original habitats of many species. Which means contributing - in a sustainable way - to enhancing global food security and bridging the food gap resulting from the steady increase in population.

Fourth - Restoring nature

As a result of the irresponsible expansion of agricultural areas in some areas, the original nature of many environments has been eliminated. Therefore, restoringessential wild nature (Rewilding) is very important. This concept includes allowing local plants to grow in their primary habitat, in addition to allowing the soil to have a period of rest after the harvest season, and diversifying crops; This contributes to preventing soil erosion and mitigating some of the effects of climate change by withdrawing carbon from the atmosphere.

Fifth - Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is a concept followed by many practices that work to enhance soil health over successive years and restore balance to it. So that the soil can retain nutrients and water for as long as possible. Examples of this include: planting the soil with alfalfa before the new season; Because this crop is famous for fixing nitrogen in the soil.