TOPICS

So, Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to:

I. Ecological Agriculture: Fostering Sustainability

This pillar explores farming systems that work in harmony with nature.

A. Soil Health and Fertility:

Regenerative Agriculture Practices: No-till farming, cover cropping, diverse crop rotations, and their impact on soil structure, carbon sequestration, and water retention.
Organic Farming Systems: Principles, practices, certification, and the latest research in organic crop and livestock production.
Agroecology: Integrating ecological principles into farm management, focusing on natural processes, biodiversity enhancement, and reduced external inputs.
Biofertilizers and Biopesticides: Exploring the effectiveness and application of microbial inoculants, compost teas, and natural pest control methods.
Soil Microbiome and Plant Health: Understanding the complex interactions in the soil and how to manage them for improved plant resilience and nutrient uptake.
Carbon Farming: Strategies for maximizing carbon sequestration in agricultural soils and its role in climate change mitigation.
Precision Agriculture for Ecological Goals: Utilizing technology (GPS, sensors, data analytics) to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact in ecological farming.
Water Management in Ecological Agriculture: Efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and strategies for maintaining water quality in agroecosystems.
Nutrient Cycling and Management: Natural methods for nutrient provision, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and minimizing nutrient runoff.

B. Crop and Livestock Production:

Agrobiodiversity and Crop Genetic Resources: Conservation and utilization of diverse crop varieties, including heritage and local breeds, for resilience and nutritional value.
Ecological Pest and Disease Management: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, biological control, and fostering natural enemies of pests.
Agroforestry Systems: Integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems for multiple benefits, including soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision.
Pasture-Based Livestock Systems: Rotational grazing, silvopasture, and the ecological benefits of well-managed grazing lands.
Animal Welfare in Ecological Agriculture: Ethical considerations and practices in raising livestock in environmentally sound systems.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adapting farming practices to cope with climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events.
Vertical Farming and Urban Agriculture (Ecological Approaches): Exploring sustainable methods for food production in urban environments.

C. Socio-economic Aspects of Ecological Agriculture:

Local Food Systems and Short Supply Chains: The role of ecological agriculture in strengthening local economies and reducing the environmental footprint of food distribution.
Fair Trade and Ethical Considerations: Ensuring fair prices for farmers and promoting equitable labor practices in ecological agriculture.
Policy and Support Mechanisms for Ecological Transition: Examining government policies, subsidies, and research funding needed to support the adoption of ecological farming.
Farmer Knowledge and Participatory Research: The importance of farmer-led innovation and knowledge sharing in advancing ecological agriculture.
Consumer Education and Awareness: Raising public understanding of the benefits of ecological agriculture for health and the environment.

II. Biodiversity in Agroecosystems: Enhancing Natural Capital

This theme focuses on the vital role of biodiversity within and around agricultural landscapes.

A. Functional Biodiversity:

Pollinators in Agriculture: Protecting and enhancing pollinator populations (bees, butterflies, etc.) for crop production and ecosystem health.
Biological Control Agents: Utilizing beneficial insects, predators, and microorganisms to manage pests and diseases naturally.
Soil Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: The role of soil organisms in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and soil structure.
Predator-Prey Relationships in Agroecosystems: Fostering natural pest regulation through habitat management and biodiversity enhancement.

B. Habitat Conservation and Management:

Hedgerows, Buffer Strips, and Field Margins: Their importance for wildlife habitat, connectivity, and soil conservation in agricultural landscapes.
Wetland Restoration and Management in Farmlands: The role of wetlands in water filtration, flood control, and biodiversity conservation.
Agroforestry for Biodiversity: Designing agroforestry systems to maximize habitat provision for various species.
Conservation Agriculture and Wildlife: Exploring farming practices that minimize disturbance to wildlife and their habitats.
Protected Areas and Agricultural Landscapes: The interface between nature reserves and surrounding farmlands, focusing on ecological corridors and buffer zones.

C. Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity:

Biodiversity Indicators for Agricultural Systems: Developing metrics to assess the health and diversity of life on farms.
Citizen Science and Biodiversity Monitoring: Engaging farmers and the public in collecting data on species presence and abundance.
Remote Sensing and GIS for Biodiversity Assessment: Utilizing technology to monitor habitat changes and biodiversity patterns in agricultural landscapes.
Economic Valuation of Biodiversity in Agriculture: Quantifying the economic benefits of ecosystem services provided by biodiversity.

III. Waste Management in Agriculture: Towards a Circular Economy

This area addresses the challenges and opportunities of managing waste generated by agricultural activities.

A. On-Farm Waste Management:

Composting of Agricultural Waste: Transforming crop residues, animal manure, and other organic materials into valuable soil amendments.
Anaerobic Digestion for Biogas Production: Utilizing agricultural waste to generate renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate.
Livestock Manure Management: Sustainable practices for storing, treating, and utilizing manure to minimize environmental pollution and maximize nutrient recovery.
Crop Residue Management: Exploring alternatives to burning, such as incorporation into soil, mulching, and bioenergy production.
Management of Plastic Waste in Agriculture: Strategies for reducing the use of plastic films, nets, and other materials, and for recycling or safely disposing of them.
Water Management and Wastewater Treatment on Farms: Sustainable methods for treating wastewater from livestock operations and irrigation runoff.

B. Regional and System-Level Approaches:

Circular Economy Models in Agriculture: Designing agricultural systems to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization through closed-loop processes.
Waste Valorization and By-product Utilization: Finding new uses for agricultural waste streams, such as in bio-based materials, animal feed, or energy production.
Industrial Symbiosis in Agro-Food Systems: Collaboration between agricultural producers and other industries to utilize waste streams as resources.
Policy and Regulations for Agricultural Waste Management: Examining the role of government in promoting sustainable waste management practices in the agricultural sector.
Logistics and Infrastructure for Agricultural Waste Collection and Processing: Developing efficient systems for handling and transporting agricultural waste for treatment or valorization.

C. Specific Waste Streams:

Management of Pesticide Containers and Other Hazardous Agricultural Waste: Safe handling, storage, and disposal methods.
Food Waste Reduction and Management at the Farm Level: Strategies to minimize food loss during harvesting, storage, and processing.
Slaughterhouse Waste Management: Sustainable disposal and valorization of animal by-products.
Management of Waste from Aquaculture and Fisheries: Addressing the specific waste streams from aquatic food production.

Overarching and Cross-Cutting Themes:

The Nexus of Ecological Agriculture, Biodiversity, and Waste Management: Exploring the interconnections and synergies between these three areas for holistic sustainability.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation through Integrated Approaches: How ecological agriculture, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable waste management can contribute to climate resilience.
The Role of Technology and Innovation: Exploring new technologies and digital solutions for advancing sustainability in agriculture and waste management.
Policy Frameworks and Governance for Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Management: Examining the enabling environment needed to support these transitions.
Social Equity and Justice in Sustainable Food Systems: Ensuring that ecological agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and waste management benefit all stakeholders.