Empowering Crops: How Organic, Agronomic Practices and Technology Can Fortify Our Fields

• Authors: Muhammad Khizar Hayat , Ali Raza Khan , Samuel Klutse , Muhammad Wajahat Rasool , Muhammad Mohsin
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Global food security hinges on boosting crop productivity to meet the projected 44% surge in food demand by 2050. Current agricultural systems face significant challenges from both abiotic and biotic stressors. Abiotic factors like drought, heat, and salinity, and biotic factors such as pests, diseases, and weeds, severely limit crop yields. Drought alone can decimate wheat yields by up to 21% and maize yields by a staggering 40%. Healthy soil is paramount for robust crop production. Soil rich in organic matter fosters nutrient uptake, water retention, and beneficial microbial activity, all critical for plant growth. A thriving soil ecosystem supports strong root development, disease resistance, and improved soil structure, enhancing aeration and drainage. Research indicates that soil fertility contributes to as much as 60% of crop yield, highlighting its crucial role. However, climate change, population growth, and resource depletion strain agricultural systems. Water scarcity, pests, diseases, nutrient imbalances, and extreme weather events further threaten crop productivity. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach centered on soil health. Sustainable soil management practices, including cover cropping, reduced tillage, and the use of organic amendments, are essential for restoring and maintaining soil health. These practices improve soil structure, water infiltration, and nutrient cycling, creating a more resilient and productive agricultural system. Precision agriculture, using technologies like remote sensing and GIS, optimizes resource use and crop management. Data analysis of soil, crop, and environmental factors enables targeted interventions and customized input application, maximizing yields and minimizing environmental impact. Integrating precision agriculture with soil health management builds resilient agricultural systems crucial for global food security. This combined approach supports a sustainable agricultural future capable of feeding the growing population while protecting the environment.

Keywords

EN

Climate Change; Crop Productivity; Data-Driven Farming; Food Security; Organic Farming; Precision Agriculture; Water Management

Discipline

• AGRONOMY: AGRONOMY

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: World News of Natural Sciences
• Year: 2025
• Volume: 59
• Pages: 358-383

Contributors

author

Muhammad Khizar Hayat

• Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Sakarya, Turkey

author

Ali Raza Khan

• Department of Food Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey

author

Samuel Klutse

• Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Science, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

author

Muhammad Wajahat Rasool

• Institute of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural and Sciences Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

author

Muhammad Mohsin

• Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

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• Document Type: article