It is about the importance of Soil carbon.The ways for enhancing the soil carbon and how these soil carbon changes over period of time under different land use systems.
Impact of Grazing on Prairie Soil Nutrient Levels and BiodiversityJordyn Arndt
The document provides background information on biological processes like the carbon and nitrogen cycles. It then summarizes several studies that examined the impact of bison grazing on tallgrass prairie ecosystems. One study found higher nitrogen levels and more forb diversity in grazed prairies. Another long-term study found few differences between grazed and ungrazed sites. The document outlines a study conducted at Belwin Conservancy measuring soil nutrients and plant diversity in grazed and ungrazed prairie plots. Preliminary results found no significant differences in soil carbon, nitrogen or organic matter between the plots.
This document summarizes a symposium on Roundup Ready maize held by the Joint Research Centre in Brussels on March 24, 2010. It discusses the global area planted to herbicide-tolerant maize from 1996 to 2008, with over 90% grown in the US. Potential economic impacts of HT maize include facilitating no-tillage systems and greater management flexibility. The objective is to analyze factors affecting the ex ante adoption of GM crops, focusing on HT oilseed rape and HT maize in Europe. A survey of farmers found the likelihood of adopting HT OSR varied by country, while ease of use increased likelihood of adopting HT maize. Implementation of coexistence measures had a large negative effect on adoption probabilities.
This 3 sentence summary provides the high level information from the document:
The document discusses a presentation given at the Roundup Ready Maize Symposium in Brussels in March 2010. The presentation was given by Ramon Albajes, Xavier Pons, and Belén Lumbierres from the Universitat de Lleida in Lleida, Spain. The presentation topic was the impact of herbicide-tolerant maize on non-target organisms.
This document summarizes a talk on weed ecology and control in maize production in Europe. It discusses the main weed species found in maize across different European regions and climate zones. It also describes the emergence patterns of important summer annual weeds and the critical period of weed competition for maize. Finally, it outlines the requirements for effective herbicides in maize and questions which herbicides will remain registered for use in the future.
This document discusses weed control programs for Roundup Ready maize in Europe. It begins by providing global and EU production statistics for maize to establish its importance. It then outlines the major weeds found in European maize and current control strategies. The document proposes 4 concepts for weed control in Roundup Ready maize that involve applying Roundup alone or in combination with other herbicides. It presents trial results showing Roundup Ready maize can provide effective weed control. Finally, it argues Roundup Ready maize will increase sustainability of weed management in Europe by adding another mode of action and protect maize yield potential.
The document summarizes the experience of a South African farmer who switched from conventional to Roundup Ready maize. It discusses the reasons for switching, including difficulties in weed control, and how Roundup Ready technology works and has changed his farming practices, such as enabling minimum-tillage systems. The farmer has observed benefits like increased wildlife, reduced insecticide use, and more efficient water use since adopting Roundup Ready maize.
1) A study analyzed the effects of glyphosate-resistant maize cultivation on weed diversity over 6 years across 3 sites in Germany with different herbicide treatments.
2) The results showed that weed diversity remained high, with treatment effects being less significant than differences between sites and years of maize monoculture.
3) Roundup Ready cultivation did not negatively impact weed diversity compared to local standard practices. Some weed species required high glyphosate dosages to control effectively.
It is about the importance of Soil carbon.The ways for enhancing the soil carbon and how these soil carbon changes over period of time under different land use systems.
Impact of Grazing on Prairie Soil Nutrient Levels and BiodiversityJordyn Arndt
The document provides background information on biological processes like the carbon and nitrogen cycles. It then summarizes several studies that examined the impact of bison grazing on tallgrass prairie ecosystems. One study found higher nitrogen levels and more forb diversity in grazed prairies. Another long-term study found few differences between grazed and ungrazed sites. The document outlines a study conducted at Belwin Conservancy measuring soil nutrients and plant diversity in grazed and ungrazed prairie plots. Preliminary results found no significant differences in soil carbon, nitrogen or organic matter between the plots.
This document summarizes a symposium on Roundup Ready maize held by the Joint Research Centre in Brussels on March 24, 2010. It discusses the global area planted to herbicide-tolerant maize from 1996 to 2008, with over 90% grown in the US. Potential economic impacts of HT maize include facilitating no-tillage systems and greater management flexibility. The objective is to analyze factors affecting the ex ante adoption of GM crops, focusing on HT oilseed rape and HT maize in Europe. A survey of farmers found the likelihood of adopting HT OSR varied by country, while ease of use increased likelihood of adopting HT maize. Implementation of coexistence measures had a large negative effect on adoption probabilities.
This 3 sentence summary provides the high level information from the document:
The document discusses a presentation given at the Roundup Ready Maize Symposium in Brussels in March 2010. The presentation was given by Ramon Albajes, Xavier Pons, and Belén Lumbierres from the Universitat de Lleida in Lleida, Spain. The presentation topic was the impact of herbicide-tolerant maize on non-target organisms.
This document summarizes a talk on weed ecology and control in maize production in Europe. It discusses the main weed species found in maize across different European regions and climate zones. It also describes the emergence patterns of important summer annual weeds and the critical period of weed competition for maize. Finally, it outlines the requirements for effective herbicides in maize and questions which herbicides will remain registered for use in the future.
This document discusses weed control programs for Roundup Ready maize in Europe. It begins by providing global and EU production statistics for maize to establish its importance. It then outlines the major weeds found in European maize and current control strategies. The document proposes 4 concepts for weed control in Roundup Ready maize that involve applying Roundup alone or in combination with other herbicides. It presents trial results showing Roundup Ready maize can provide effective weed control. Finally, it argues Roundup Ready maize will increase sustainability of weed management in Europe by adding another mode of action and protect maize yield potential.
The document summarizes the experience of a South African farmer who switched from conventional to Roundup Ready maize. It discusses the reasons for switching, including difficulties in weed control, and how Roundup Ready technology works and has changed his farming practices, such as enabling minimum-tillage systems. The farmer has observed benefits like increased wildlife, reduced insecticide use, and more efficient water use since adopting Roundup Ready maize.
1) A study analyzed the effects of glyphosate-resistant maize cultivation on weed diversity over 6 years across 3 sites in Germany with different herbicide treatments.
2) The results showed that weed diversity remained high, with treatment effects being less significant than differences between sites and years of maize monoculture.
3) Roundup Ready cultivation did not negatively impact weed diversity compared to local standard practices. Some weed species required high glyphosate dosages to control effectively.
This document summarizes a study that quantified and valued the ecosystem services provided by tree-based intercropping systems in Quebec, Canada. The study assessed services like soil quality regulation, food and fiber production, water quality regulation, pollination, wind protection, biological control, air quality regulation, and climate regulation. It used indicators and data to estimate biophysical production of services and economic valuation methods to assign monetary values. The study found that while private agricultural benefits were slightly reduced, the total value of ecosystem services greatly exceeded this and that agroforestry could help limit future climate change impacts on crop yields. It was supported by funding from Ouranos and the Fonds vert of the Quebec government.
Del av seminariet "Från kolkälla till kolfälla: Om framtidens klimatsmarta jo...SIANI
8 maj 2012, 13.00 - 16.30
Kulturhuset, Stockholm
Stéphane de Cara, INRA, om odling för bioenergi påverkar växthusgaserna. (Land-use, land-use change, bioenergy and carbon: Global GHG implications of the development of biofuels – på engelska)
Can improved food legume varieties increase technical efficiency in crop prod...africa-rising
Presented by Girma T. Kassie, Aden Aw-Hassan, Seid A. Kemal, Luleseged Desta, Peter Thorne, Kindu Mekonnen and Mulugeta Yitayih, ILRI, Addis Ababa, 29 September 2016
Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying mainly on crop rotation, animal manures, and biological pest control. It aims to conserve resources, protect the environment, produce sustainable and healthy food, and support agribusiness. Organic farming benefits soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity by increasing organic matter through practices like incorporating crop residues and using composts and manures. It also improves the chemical and biological properties of soils over time by raising nutrient levels, soil organic carbon, and populations of beneficial microorganisms. Regular addition of organic amendments through organic farming techniques enhances soil health and quality.
This document discusses rice cultivation practices and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. It begins with an introduction to climate change impacts on agriculture and rice production. It then describes different rice cultivation methods like transplanted rice, direct seeded rice, system of rice intensification, and aerobic rice. The document discusses the main greenhouse gases emitted from rice including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. It provides data on greenhouse gas emissions from Indian agriculture. Finally, it discusses various mitigation strategies for different rice cultivation practices like mid-season drainage, use of slow-release fertilizers, and alternate wetting and drying irrigation.
Presentation at the ESPP stakeholder meeting concerning the use on farmland of sewage biosolids (04/12/2018) organised by the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP, www.phosphorusplatform.eu)
All outcomes of the meeting can be found here https://www.phosphorusplatform.eu/activities/conference/meeting-archive/1788-espp-meeting-sludge-2018
The document discusses life cycle assessment (LCA) of microalgae-derived biofuels. It begins with an introduction to renewable energy sources and types of biofuels. It then describes the goal of assessing the microalgae cultivation process from an integrated lab-scale system producing biodiesel. The assessment includes microalgae cultivation, biomass harvesting, lipid extraction, and conversion to biodiesel. Key steps involve defining the functional unit, system boundaries, inventory analysis and impact assessment categories to analyze the energy and carbon balance of microalgae biodiesel compared to other fuel pathways.
The document discusses the effects of cattle diet on the composition and fertilizer value of cattle excreta. It finds that including chopped straw in cattle diets can decrease herbage rejection by grazing cattle, increase dung decomposition rates, and temporarily immobilize nitrogen in slurry, leading to little short-term nitrogen fertilizing effect from slurry. Laboratory bioassays with cress seeds are not realistic for assessing slurry phytotoxicity in field situations. Compensation for reduced initial nitrogen availability from high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio slurries will take decades as soil nitrogen accumulates over time.
Digestates utlilization in agriculture - a holistic analysis - Prof. Eberhard...EBAconference
The document discusses the use of digestate from anaerobic digestion in agriculture. It notes that digestate comes from a variety of substrates and its composition can vary significantly depending on the substrate and digestion process. Digestate is commonly applied as fertilizer due to its nutrient content. However, its use faces challenges related to quality standards, environmental effects, and nutrient management. The document explores these challenges and the effects of digestate application on soil properties like pH, organic matter content, and microbial activity. While digestate application can promote soil health, the impacts are complex and depend on the digestate type, soil characteristics, and agricultural management practices. More research is still needed to understand these relationships.
Effects of Bradyrhizobia and Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on soybean (Glyc...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
The document describes a field experiment conducted in Vietnam to study the effects of rhizobia and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) inoculants on soybean cultivation. Six treatments were tested: a control with no fertilizer or inoculant; chemical fertilizer only; rhizobia inoculant plus nitrogen; PSB inoculant plus nitrogen; a combination of rhizobia, PSB and biofertilizer; and endophytic bacteria inoculant plus biofertilizer. The results showed that inoculation with rhizobia and/or PSB produced higher grain yields than the control, equivalent to chemical fertilizer. Using a mixture of rhizobia, PSB and biofertilizer supported yield
Presentation at the Low Emissions Livestock: Supporting Policy Making and Implementation through Science in East Africa regional awareness raising workshop held at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between 2 and 4 July 2018.
REDD in Asia - Challenges and OpportunitiesCIFOR-ICRAF
Can REDD+ achieve poverty alleviation and deliver conservation benefits for Great Apes? Laura D'Arcy from ZSL explores this question in a presentation she gave at the ‘Linking Great Ape Conservation with Poverty Alleviation’ workshop hosted by CIFOR in January 2012.
This document summarizes the findings of Hong Kong's first Total Diet Study regarding organochlorine pesticide residues. The study analyzed 600 composite food samples for 14 pesticides from 2010-2014. It found that 55% of samples contained low levels of pesticide residues, most commonly DDT, HCB and endosulfan. Estimated dietary exposures for both average and high consumers were well below established health guidance values for all pesticides. While pesticide levels have declined since a previous 2006 study, monitoring is still recommended given foods may still contain low residue levels from environmental pollution. The public is advised to eat a varied diet and farmers should follow best practices for pesticide application.
This document outlines an action plan for transitioning the global food system to 100% agroecology. It summarizes key findings from the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) report that business as usual is not sustainable and a fundamental shift is needed. The plan calls for interventions at multiple levels including policies, institutions, and research to support agroecological practices that are sustainable, equitable and address multifunctionality through a systemic approach. Modeling shows that modest global investments of 0.1-0.16% of GDP annually could help transition food production to nourish the world population through 2050 in an environmentally and socially sustainable way.
This document summarizes a study that assessed sustainability indices for maize, barley, and wheat based on nitrogen dynamics in Neyshabur, Iran. The study used a simulation model called SUNDIAL to estimate nitrogen losses for each crop. Results showed that maize had the highest total nitrogen loss at 48 kg/hectare, primarily from ammonia volatilization. Barley and wheat also lost nitrogen, through denitrification and other processes. Indices were then calculated to evaluate each crop's sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impacts. The document concludes that nitrogen management could be improved to enhance efficiency and reduce losses, particularly for maize production.
Jeff Moyer at Quivira Coalition ConferenceAndrew Fynn
Rodale Institute promotes regenerative organic agriculture as a solution to problems with conventional agriculture. Organic practices such as cover cropping and composting build healthy soil that stores carbon, supports soil life, and provides nutrients to plants even during drought. These practices can help address issues like water pollution, loss of farmland, and health problems while making farms more profitable. The document outlines the problems with conventional agriculture and presents research showing the benefits of organic practices in increasing yields, sequestering carbon, and conserving resources.
This document discusses establishing provisional biological exposure indices (BEIs) for pesticides based on real-world exposure monitoring studies. It defines a BEI as the biomarker level corresponding to the acceptable operator exposure limit. Studies measured pesticide residue on workers' clothing and skin, and biomarker levels in urine before and after pesticide application. Regression analysis was used to correlate biomarker levels with exposure levels and derive BEIs, showing the level above which biological monitoring effectively assesses prevention efforts. The document concludes BEIs can feasibly aid risk assessment for agricultural pesticide use by rationally distinguishing relevant intervention areas based on monitoring results.
Certification and Agro‐Ecological Practice Use Linkages and Investment ImpactLinda Kleemann
This document discusses a study on the link between organic certification, adoption of agro-ecological practices, and return on investment for smallholder farmers in Ghana. The study finds that (1) organic certification significantly increases the use of agro-ecological practices, and (2) higher intensity of agro-ecological practice use has a positive influence on return on investment, though economic barriers to intensification increase with higher levels of practice use. The conclusion is that certification or involved market linkages could help address the low levels of adoption by supporting farmers and requiring certain agro-ecological practices.
The document discusses testing the GBEP sustainability indicators in multiple countries including the Netherlands and Germany. It describes the development of the indicators and the goals of testing them, which were to assess their applicability, feasibility of reporting, and ability to evaluate sustainability of bioenergy sectors. Key findings from applying indicators in the Netherlands included low environmental impacts but room for improving crop selection, positive social impacts like job creation, and limited but growing economic contributions. Lessons focused on harmonizing data collection.
Glyphosate provided several agronomic benefits for conventional agricultural uses from 1975-2010:
1) Early uses from 1975-1985 helped reduce labor needs and control weeds that other herbicides struggled with.
2) Optimized applications from 1980-1995 expanded uses in larger areas and brought unintended benefits like faster harvests and reduced disease risks.
3) Lower prices from 1990-2005 due to generic competition led to higher usage intensities.
4) After 2005, stewardship needs increased with frequent use and fewer alternative herbicides, though glyphosate continued providing benefits through conservation tillage and compliance with regulations.
The document discusses environmental impact indices and how they can be used to assess and compare the environmental impact of herbicide regimes in genetically modified herbicide-tolerant maize and conventional maize. It specifically focuses on the Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk Indicator (POCER), which evaluates impacts across 10 modules related to human health and the environment. The POCER was calculated for 13 conventional herbicide regimes and 10 glyphosate-based regimes in Roundup Ready maize. Results showed the glyphosate-only regimes had lower risks to operators and the environment compared to conventional regimes, though some conventional regimes were lower risk than glyphosate regimes combined with other herbicides.
This document summarizes a study that quantified and valued the ecosystem services provided by tree-based intercropping systems in Quebec, Canada. The study assessed services like soil quality regulation, food and fiber production, water quality regulation, pollination, wind protection, biological control, air quality regulation, and climate regulation. It used indicators and data to estimate biophysical production of services and economic valuation methods to assign monetary values. The study found that while private agricultural benefits were slightly reduced, the total value of ecosystem services greatly exceeded this and that agroforestry could help limit future climate change impacts on crop yields. It was supported by funding from Ouranos and the Fonds vert of the Quebec government.
Del av seminariet "Från kolkälla till kolfälla: Om framtidens klimatsmarta jo...SIANI
8 maj 2012, 13.00 - 16.30
Kulturhuset, Stockholm
Stéphane de Cara, INRA, om odling för bioenergi påverkar växthusgaserna. (Land-use, land-use change, bioenergy and carbon: Global GHG implications of the development of biofuels – på engelska)
Can improved food legume varieties increase technical efficiency in crop prod...africa-rising
Presented by Girma T. Kassie, Aden Aw-Hassan, Seid A. Kemal, Luleseged Desta, Peter Thorne, Kindu Mekonnen and Mulugeta Yitayih, ILRI, Addis Ababa, 29 September 2016
Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying mainly on crop rotation, animal manures, and biological pest control. It aims to conserve resources, protect the environment, produce sustainable and healthy food, and support agribusiness. Organic farming benefits soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity by increasing organic matter through practices like incorporating crop residues and using composts and manures. It also improves the chemical and biological properties of soils over time by raising nutrient levels, soil organic carbon, and populations of beneficial microorganisms. Regular addition of organic amendments through organic farming techniques enhances soil health and quality.
This document discusses rice cultivation practices and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. It begins with an introduction to climate change impacts on agriculture and rice production. It then describes different rice cultivation methods like transplanted rice, direct seeded rice, system of rice intensification, and aerobic rice. The document discusses the main greenhouse gases emitted from rice including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. It provides data on greenhouse gas emissions from Indian agriculture. Finally, it discusses various mitigation strategies for different rice cultivation practices like mid-season drainage, use of slow-release fertilizers, and alternate wetting and drying irrigation.
Presentation at the ESPP stakeholder meeting concerning the use on farmland of sewage biosolids (04/12/2018) organised by the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP, www.phosphorusplatform.eu)
All outcomes of the meeting can be found here https://www.phosphorusplatform.eu/activities/conference/meeting-archive/1788-espp-meeting-sludge-2018
The document discusses life cycle assessment (LCA) of microalgae-derived biofuels. It begins with an introduction to renewable energy sources and types of biofuels. It then describes the goal of assessing the microalgae cultivation process from an integrated lab-scale system producing biodiesel. The assessment includes microalgae cultivation, biomass harvesting, lipid extraction, and conversion to biodiesel. Key steps involve defining the functional unit, system boundaries, inventory analysis and impact assessment categories to analyze the energy and carbon balance of microalgae biodiesel compared to other fuel pathways.
The document discusses the effects of cattle diet on the composition and fertilizer value of cattle excreta. It finds that including chopped straw in cattle diets can decrease herbage rejection by grazing cattle, increase dung decomposition rates, and temporarily immobilize nitrogen in slurry, leading to little short-term nitrogen fertilizing effect from slurry. Laboratory bioassays with cress seeds are not realistic for assessing slurry phytotoxicity in field situations. Compensation for reduced initial nitrogen availability from high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio slurries will take decades as soil nitrogen accumulates over time.
Digestates utlilization in agriculture - a holistic analysis - Prof. Eberhard...EBAconference
The document discusses the use of digestate from anaerobic digestion in agriculture. It notes that digestate comes from a variety of substrates and its composition can vary significantly depending on the substrate and digestion process. Digestate is commonly applied as fertilizer due to its nutrient content. However, its use faces challenges related to quality standards, environmental effects, and nutrient management. The document explores these challenges and the effects of digestate application on soil properties like pH, organic matter content, and microbial activity. While digestate application can promote soil health, the impacts are complex and depend on the digestate type, soil characteristics, and agricultural management practices. More research is still needed to understand these relationships.
Effects of Bradyrhizobia and Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on soybean (Glyc...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
The document describes a field experiment conducted in Vietnam to study the effects of rhizobia and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) inoculants on soybean cultivation. Six treatments were tested: a control with no fertilizer or inoculant; chemical fertilizer only; rhizobia inoculant plus nitrogen; PSB inoculant plus nitrogen; a combination of rhizobia, PSB and biofertilizer; and endophytic bacteria inoculant plus biofertilizer. The results showed that inoculation with rhizobia and/or PSB produced higher grain yields than the control, equivalent to chemical fertilizer. Using a mixture of rhizobia, PSB and biofertilizer supported yield
Presentation at the Low Emissions Livestock: Supporting Policy Making and Implementation through Science in East Africa regional awareness raising workshop held at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between 2 and 4 July 2018.
REDD in Asia - Challenges and OpportunitiesCIFOR-ICRAF
Can REDD+ achieve poverty alleviation and deliver conservation benefits for Great Apes? Laura D'Arcy from ZSL explores this question in a presentation she gave at the ‘Linking Great Ape Conservation with Poverty Alleviation’ workshop hosted by CIFOR in January 2012.
This document summarizes the findings of Hong Kong's first Total Diet Study regarding organochlorine pesticide residues. The study analyzed 600 composite food samples for 14 pesticides from 2010-2014. It found that 55% of samples contained low levels of pesticide residues, most commonly DDT, HCB and endosulfan. Estimated dietary exposures for both average and high consumers were well below established health guidance values for all pesticides. While pesticide levels have declined since a previous 2006 study, monitoring is still recommended given foods may still contain low residue levels from environmental pollution. The public is advised to eat a varied diet and farmers should follow best practices for pesticide application.
This document outlines an action plan for transitioning the global food system to 100% agroecology. It summarizes key findings from the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) report that business as usual is not sustainable and a fundamental shift is needed. The plan calls for interventions at multiple levels including policies, institutions, and research to support agroecological practices that are sustainable, equitable and address multifunctionality through a systemic approach. Modeling shows that modest global investments of 0.1-0.16% of GDP annually could help transition food production to nourish the world population through 2050 in an environmentally and socially sustainable way.
This document summarizes a study that assessed sustainability indices for maize, barley, and wheat based on nitrogen dynamics in Neyshabur, Iran. The study used a simulation model called SUNDIAL to estimate nitrogen losses for each crop. Results showed that maize had the highest total nitrogen loss at 48 kg/hectare, primarily from ammonia volatilization. Barley and wheat also lost nitrogen, through denitrification and other processes. Indices were then calculated to evaluate each crop's sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impacts. The document concludes that nitrogen management could be improved to enhance efficiency and reduce losses, particularly for maize production.
Jeff Moyer at Quivira Coalition ConferenceAndrew Fynn
Rodale Institute promotes regenerative organic agriculture as a solution to problems with conventional agriculture. Organic practices such as cover cropping and composting build healthy soil that stores carbon, supports soil life, and provides nutrients to plants even during drought. These practices can help address issues like water pollution, loss of farmland, and health problems while making farms more profitable. The document outlines the problems with conventional agriculture and presents research showing the benefits of organic practices in increasing yields, sequestering carbon, and conserving resources.
This document discusses establishing provisional biological exposure indices (BEIs) for pesticides based on real-world exposure monitoring studies. It defines a BEI as the biomarker level corresponding to the acceptable operator exposure limit. Studies measured pesticide residue on workers' clothing and skin, and biomarker levels in urine before and after pesticide application. Regression analysis was used to correlate biomarker levels with exposure levels and derive BEIs, showing the level above which biological monitoring effectively assesses prevention efforts. The document concludes BEIs can feasibly aid risk assessment for agricultural pesticide use by rationally distinguishing relevant intervention areas based on monitoring results.
Certification and Agro‐Ecological Practice Use Linkages and Investment ImpactLinda Kleemann
This document discusses a study on the link between organic certification, adoption of agro-ecological practices, and return on investment for smallholder farmers in Ghana. The study finds that (1) organic certification significantly increases the use of agro-ecological practices, and (2) higher intensity of agro-ecological practice use has a positive influence on return on investment, though economic barriers to intensification increase with higher levels of practice use. The conclusion is that certification or involved market linkages could help address the low levels of adoption by supporting farmers and requiring certain agro-ecological practices.
The document discusses testing the GBEP sustainability indicators in multiple countries including the Netherlands and Germany. It describes the development of the indicators and the goals of testing them, which were to assess their applicability, feasibility of reporting, and ability to evaluate sustainability of bioenergy sectors. Key findings from applying indicators in the Netherlands included low environmental impacts but room for improving crop selection, positive social impacts like job creation, and limited but growing economic contributions. Lessons focused on harmonizing data collection.
Glyphosate provided several agronomic benefits for conventional agricultural uses from 1975-2010:
1) Early uses from 1975-1985 helped reduce labor needs and control weeds that other herbicides struggled with.
2) Optimized applications from 1980-1995 expanded uses in larger areas and brought unintended benefits like faster harvests and reduced disease risks.
3) Lower prices from 1990-2005 due to generic competition led to higher usage intensities.
4) After 2005, stewardship needs increased with frequent use and fewer alternative herbicides, though glyphosate continued providing benefits through conservation tillage and compliance with regulations.
The document discusses environmental impact indices and how they can be used to assess and compare the environmental impact of herbicide regimes in genetically modified herbicide-tolerant maize and conventional maize. It specifically focuses on the Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk Indicator (POCER), which evaluates impacts across 10 modules related to human health and the environment. The POCER was calculated for 13 conventional herbicide regimes and 10 glyphosate-based regimes in Roundup Ready maize. Results showed the glyphosate-only regimes had lower risks to operators and the environment compared to conventional regimes, though some conventional regimes were lower risk than glyphosate regimes combined with other herbicides.
This document discusses genetically modified soybean cultivation in Romania. It provides background on soybean production in Romania, noting that Romania is a leading soybean producer in Europe. It discusses the rapid uptake of Roundup Ready soybean varieties after they were first approved in 1999. The economic benefits of Roundup Ready soybeans are outlined, showing they have higher yields and profits than conventional soybeans due to lower costs. Maps show the concentration of soybean cultivation areas and production levels over time. In conclusion, the use of biotech crops could address farmers' needs and help European agriculture move forward.
The document describes a study that evaluated the impact of Roundup Ready maize production systems on non-target organisms (NTOs) over two years in Germany. The study used pitfall traps, yellow sticky traps, and visual assessments to sample arthropods across five treatment plots with different herbicide applications. Statistical analysis found several herbivore and predator taxa showed significant differences in numbers caught among the treatment plots, including Amara spp., Harpalus spp., Pterostichus spp., Staphylinidae, and spiders. Overall, the results indicate Roundup Ready maize production can impact some non-target arthropod populations.
1) Glyphosate resistance has emerged in over 20 weed species worldwide through various mechanisms including target site mutations and increased metabolism.
2) Target site mutations in the EPSPS gene have been identified in several glyphosate resistant weed species resulting in 2-3X levels of resistance.
3) Metabolic resistance allows some weed species to break down glyphosate faster through enhanced neutralizing enzyme activity, resulting in weaker resistance.
This document summarizes an experiment evaluating glyphosate loss from maize fields using Roundup Ready crops in France over four years. The experiment included 11 plots of different rotations and soil types. Glyphosate and its breakdown product AMPA were measured in drainage and runoff water after applications at different times of year. Results showed immediate transfer of glyphosate and AMPA when applied during rainy periods, but little to no transfer when applications were made according to Roundup Ready practices during dry periods. Over the entire experiment, glyphosate losses were low at 0.00012% of the applied amount.
The document discusses herbicide resistance in weeds in Southern Europe. It notes that glyphosate resistance has been confirmed in several weed species found in perennial crops that rely solely on glyphosate for weed control. Resistance can be managed by using glyphosate at times when weeds are most susceptible, combining herbicides, and adding cultural practices. Mixtures of auxinic herbicides with glyphosate are effective on dicot weeds, but ALS and ACCase inhibitor mixtures require careful management due to their risk in resistance development.
This document estimates the potential change in glyphosate volumes with the introduction of Roundup Ready maize in Europe. It outlines assumptions for modeling, including a maximum 50% adoption rate of Roundup Ready traits by 2020 and average use of 4.5 liters of Roundup per hectare in Roundup Ready maize fields. The model predicts that even at a 50% trait penetration, only 22% of total glyphosate use would be in Roundup Ready maize by 2020, with the majority still used in conventional agriculture.
1) The TOPPS project focused on managing point sources of pesticide pollution from agricultural activities.
2) Key risk areas for point source pollution included sprayer cleaning, remnant management, and filling activities.
3) The project found that point sources contribute over 50% of pesticide contamination in some areas, and training farmers on improved practices like field cleaning of sprayers could reduce point source pollution by around 70%.
4) Sustainable management of point sources requires a multi-stakeholder approach including improved farmer behavior, equipment, infrastructure, regulations, and advisory support.
This document discusses glyphosate resistant weeds and Monsanto's stewardship programs. It provides definitions of herbicide resistance and tolerance. It summarizes the global status of glyphosate resistant weeds, contributing factors to their evolution, and management practices. It also outlines Monsanto's research efforts, weed resistance monitoring programs, grower education initiatives, and principles for their stewardship program to delay resistance development and manage existing resistant weed populations.
This document summarizes an agro-economic analysis of glyphosate use in UK agriculture. It finds that glyphosate provides major benefits by controlling weeds pre-planting and pre-harvest, increasing yields and reducing costs. Loss of glyphosate could cause severe losses over £150m-550m/year for wheat and over £300m/year for all crops. It would also negatively impact the environment by increasing GHG emissions up to 20% and worsening soil and water quality. The analysis concludes the key benefits of glyphosate must be communicated to ensure its continued availability for UK agriculture.
Regulatory status of glyphosate:
1. Glyphosate was first registered in Europe in 1974 and has since undergone major regulatory reviews confirming its safety.
2. While glyphosate has a long history of safe use, some regulators overlook the substantial data when re-evaluating it.
3. Current regulatory challenges include addressing surface water monitoring results, claims from non-standard studies, and ensuring weed resistance management plans.
1) NK603 is currently in the EU approval process, having received a positive opinion from EFSA. It is expected to complete the comitology process by the end of 2010, allowing for its authorization.
2) Monsanto is preparing for post-market environmental monitoring of NK603 by collaborating with EuropaBio and member states on farmer surveys and monitoring networks. They are also monitoring scientific literature and reporting potential adverse effects.
3) If NK603 receives EU authorization by the end of 2010 and individual member states complete variety registration and herbicide approvals, NK603 could potentially be launched in some markets in 2011.
The document summarizes the current legislative framework for registering plant protection products in the European Union. It discusses key aspects of Directive 91/414/EEC and the upcoming Regulation 1107/2009, including [1] the process for approving active substances at the EU level and authorizing products for specific uses at the national level, [2] the extensive data requirements for registration dossiers, and [3] the criteria for ensuring products are safe and effective while minimizing environmental and resistance impacts. The conclusion is that authorities will continue overseeing pesticide approvals and monitoring under this legislation for all uses, including on genetically modified crops.
The document summarizes the role of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in evaluating the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) maize NK603. EFSA is responsible for providing independent scientific advice on GM plant authorization applications. For maize NK603, EFSA evaluated potential risks related to unintended effects on plant fitness, gene transfer to other plants or microorganisms, interactions with target and non-target organisms, and impacts on human and animal health and the environment. Based on the application details, scientific literature, and additional studies, EFSA concluded the risks of maize NK603 were similar to conventional maize and unlikely to cause adverse environmental effects.
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Y Devos
1. DISCLAIMER: This presentation does not reflect the view of EFSA
Environmental impact indices:
what do they reveal and not?
RR maize symposium: the European perspective
22-24 March 2010
22-
Yann Devos (PhD) – Junior Scientific Officer
GMO Unit – EFSA
Yann.Devos@efsa.europa.eu
2. 1. Introduction
Aim
– Assess and compare environmental impact of herbicide regimes
applied in genetically modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) maize
with those used in its conventional counterpart
Residual
Residual + foliar
Residual Residual + foliar
GLY GLY
Residual GLY
Residual + GLY
2
sowing pre-emergence emergence 1 leaf stage; 2 leaf stage; 4 leaf stage; 5-6 leaf stage; 40 cm height 60 cm height
3-4 cm height 3-4 cm height 4-10 cm height 10-15 cm height
3. 1. Introduction
Environmental impact indices
– Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk Indicator
(POCER) → Vercruysse & Steurbaut (2002)
• Maize: Devos et al (2008)
– Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) → Kovach et al (1992)
• Maize: Leroux et al (2006); Kleter et al (2007); Brookes & Barfoot
(2008)
• Soybean: Kleter et al (2007); Bonny (2008); Brookes & Barfoot
(2008)
• Cotton: Brookes & Barfoot (2008)
• Oilseed rape: Brimner et al (2005); Kleter et al (2007); Brookes &
Barfoot (2008)
3
4. 2. POCER → Vercruysse & Steurbaut (2002)
Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk Indicator
(POCER) – modules
– Annex VI of Directive 91/414/EEC
• 3 modules for human health (non-dietary exposure)
– Risk to pesticide operator
– Risk to worker
– Risk to bystander
• 7 modules for the environment
– Persistence in soil
– Risk of ground water contamination
– Acute risk to aquatic organisms
– Acute risk to birds
– Acute risk to bees
– Acute risk to earthworms
– Risk to beneficial arthropods 4
5. 2. POCER → Vercruysse & Steurbaut (2002)
Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk Indicator
(POCER) – formula
– For each module → risk is estimated via risk indices (RI)
Risk index Estimated exposure / toxicity ratio
Pesticide operator IE / AOEL [IE=internal exposure; AOEL=acceptable operator exposure level]
Worker (DE x AbDE) / (AOEL x BW) [DE=dermal exposure; AbDE=dermal absorption
factor; BW=body weight]
Bystander (DE x AbDE + I x AbI) / (BW x AOEL) [I=inhalation exposure]
Persistence 10[((DT50/90)-1) x 2] ) [DT50=half-life]
Groundwater PEC / 0.1 [PEC=predicted environmental concentration in groundwater]
Aquatic organisms PEC / MTC [MTC=maximum tolerable concentration]
Birds (10 x PEC) / (LC50 x BW)
Earthworms (10 x PEC) / LC50
Bees AR / (50 x LD50) [AR=application rate]
5
Beneficial arthropods (RC – 25) / (100 – 25) [RC=reduction of control capacity]
6. 2. POCER → Vercruysse & Steurbaut (2002)
Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk Indicator
(POCER) – calculations
– Integration of RI into total risk indicator
• Describe extent to which a chosen trigger is exceeded as a
numerical dimensionless value
– Step 1 – define lower (LL) and upper limit (UL) for each RI
– Step 2 – calculate relative RI, LL and UL & log-transform
– Step 3 – determine exceedence factors (EF)
» EF values ≤ 0 are scored as 0 → low risk
» EF values ≥ 1 are scored as 1 → high risk
» EF values between 0 and 1 → intermediate risk
– Step 4 – calculate total risk = ∑ EF values ranging between 0 and 10
» Assumption: all components are equally important
6
7. 2. POCER → Devos et al (2008)
Herbicide regimes in conventional maize
– 3 different strategies to control annual/perennial grasses and
broadleaf weeds (abbreviated as CON)
• Pre-emergence of crop
• Early post-emergence, ideally in 2-4 leaf stage of maize
• Sequentially,
– where a combination of herbicides with soil (residual) activity is
applied pre-emergence
– followed by a mixture of post-emergence herbicides with foliar
activity
– Farmers use a combination of <3-4> active substances
– 13 typical herbicide regimes (Flanders; Belgium)
• Time of application; dose; activity; weed spectrum
7
8. 2. POCER → Devos et al (2008)
Herbicide regimes in RR maize
– Different strategies to control annual/perennial grasses and
broadleaf weeds (e.g., Dewar, 2009)
• Single or sequential application of GLY only, without relying on
pre-emergence herbicides
• Use of GLY in combination with other herbicides, especially
residual herbicides applied pre-emergence
• Use of GLY in a single application in combination with other
post-emergence herbicides with residual activity
– 10 GLY-based herbicide regimes
• Single vs. sequential application; dose; application timing;
presence/absence of residual herbicide
• RR composition = 360 g/l
8
9. 2. POCER → Devos et al (2008)
Herbicide regimes in RR maize
– 3 regimes:
• Single application of GLY only (abbreviated as GLY)
• Application dose rates (g/ha):
– 720 → medium efficacy (Soukup et al, 2008)
– 900 → medium efficacy (Leroux et al, 2006)
– 1080 → medium efficacy (Phipps and Park, 2002)
– 4 regimes:
• Sequential application of GLY only (abbreviated as GLY)
• Application dose rates (g/ha)
– 900 + 450 = 1350 → high efficacy (Leroux et al, 2006)
– 720 + 720 = 1440 → high efficacy (Monsanto)
– 900 + 900 = 1800 → high efficacy (Leroux et al, 2006; Monsanto)
– 1080 + 1080 = 2160 → high efficacy (Soukup et al, 2008;
Monsanto) 9
10. 2. POCER → Devos et al (2008)
Herbicide regimes in RR maize
– 3 regimes:
• Single application of GLY in combination with herbicides with
residual activity (abbreviated as GLY+)
• Application dose rate (g/ha)
– GLY (1080) + acetochlor (2100) → high efficacy (Soukup et al, 2008;
Monsanto)
– GLY (1080) + herbicide with residual activity (full dose rate)
» S-metolachlor
» Terbuthylazin
» Dimethenamid-P
10
11. 2. POCER → Devos et al (2008)
Results – human health
– 3 modules
• Risk to pesticide operator
– EF CON = [1.00]
– EF GLY = [0.54-0.78]
– EF GLY+ = [1.00]
• Risk to worker
– EF CON/GLY/GLY+ = [0.00-0.37]
• Risk to bystander
– EF CON/GLY/GLY+ = [0.00]
– If used alone, GLY has lower impact on pesticide operator than
other herbicide regimes tested
– Risk to worker and bystander is low and transient
11
12. 2. POCER → Devos et al (2008)
Results – environment
– 7 modules
• Persistence in soil
– EF CON/GLY/GLY+ = [0.00-0.03]
– Half lives ≤ 90 days considered low
• Risk of ground water contamination
– EF CON/GLY/GLY+ = [0.18-0.33]
– Risk of ground water contamination low due to rapid adsorption in
soil of GLY
• Acute risk to aquatic organisms
– EF CON = [0.47-1.00]
– EF GLY = [0.00]
– EF GLY+ = [0.38-1.00]
– GLY has low acute toxicity to fish, Daphnia and algae
12
13. 2. POCER → Devos et al (2008)
Results – environment
– Acute risk to birds / bees / earthworms / beneficial arthropods
• EF CON/GLY/GLY+ = [0.00]
• Low acute toxicity to birds, bees, earthworms and beneficial
arthropods
Overall conclusion
3,0
Exceedence factor (EF)
POCER modules
2,5
2,0 CON
values
GLY
1,5
GLY+
1,0
0,5
0,0
13
Human health Environment Total
14. 3. EIQ → Kovach et al (1992)
Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) – components and
calculations
14
15. 3. EIQ → Leroux et al (2006)
EIQ-methodology applied to RR maize in Canada (Québec)
15
16. 3. EIQ → Kleter et al (2007)
EIQ-methodology applied to GMHT crops in US
– 2004; pesticide use survey data of National Center for Food and
Agricultural Policy (NCFAP); percent change
– Proportional EIQ/ha reduction of 39% in maize
Soybean Ecology impact, EI/A
Maize Consumer impact, EI/A
Cotton Farmworker impact, EI/A
Total impact, EI/A
Canola
Pesticide use, lbs ai/A
0 20 40 60 80
% decrease GM vs. conventional
16
17. 3. EIQ → Brookes & Barfoot (2008)
EIQ-methodology applied to GMHT maize globally
– 1997-2006; pesticide use survey data from US, Canada, South
Africa & Argentina
17
18. 3. EIQ → Bonny (2008)
EIQ-methodology applied to GMHT soybean in US
– 1990-2006; pesticide use survey data of US Department of
Agriculture (USDA)
Period Field EIQ
1994-1996 29.2
2001 20.4
2002 23.8
2006 25.7
18
19. 3. EIQ → Brookes & Barfoot (2008)
EIQ-methodology applied to GMHT soybean in Romania
– 2000-2003; data from Brookes (2005)
19
20. 4. What environmental impact indices do not
reveal?
– (see e.g., Cerdeira & Duke, 2006, 2010; Dewar, 2009, for
comprehensive reviews)
• Weed control efficacy & weed management flexibility
• Impact due to the adoption of conservation tillage practices
• Impact on human health due to pesticide residues
• Impact of GLY metabolites (e.g., AMPA)
• Risk to mammals
• Weed resistance evolution to GLY
• Weed spectrum shifts
• Impact on farmland biodiversity
• Impact on microorganisms and soil functions
• …
20
21. 5. What environmental impact indices do
reveal?
Useful tools
– as indicators of environmental impact of pesticides
– to compare/rank pesticides based on environmental impact
Herbicide regimes in maize cropping systems
– GLY-based herbicides have a better environmental profile
compared to those applied in conventional maize
– Addition of herbicides other than GLY in RR maize
reduces/cancels beneficial effect, depending on application
dose rate of additional herbicide
21
22. 6. Thank YOU for your attention!
Acknowledgments
– Dirk Reheul & Mathias Cougnon & Robert Bulcke
• University of Ghent; Department of Plant Production
– Sofie Vergucht & Walter Steurbaut
• University of Ghent; Department of Crop Protection
– Geert Haesaert
• University College of Ghent; Department of Plant Production
– Gijs Kleter
• RIKILT; Institute of Food Safety; Wageningen University and
Research Center
22