Bioresources in Organic Farming: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Systems

• Published in: Horticulturae Vol. 9; no. 6; p. 659
• Main Authors: Akanmu, Akinlolu Olalekan, Olowe, Olumayowa Mary, Phiri, Austin Tenthani, Nirere, Drocelle, Odebode, Adeyinka John, Karemera Umuhoza, Noëlla Josiane, Asemoloye, Michael Dare, Babalola, Olubukola Oluranti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Agricultural land; Agriculture; Agrochemicals; Biofertilizers; biopesticides; Environmental aspects; Farming systems; Fertilizers; Food; Food production; Food safety; food security; Health promotion; Intensive farming; Methods; Microorganisms; Natural resources; Nutrients; Organic farming; Organic fertilizers; Pesticides; Polyculture; Productivity; Reclamation; Shifting cultivation; Soil fertility; soil health; Soil nutrients; Soils; soil–microbe–plant relationship; South Africa; Sustainability; Sustainable agriculture; Sustainable food systems; Sustainable production; South Africa
• DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae9060659
• ISSN: 2311-7524

Over the years, the practice of agriculture has transformed from the era of traditional to that of intensive agriculture in the bid to boost the production index that will satisfy the food needs of the globally growing population. However, the continuous and exaggerated use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has resulted in major adverse impacts on food and environmental safety, whereas most traditional techniques for reclamation of natural soil nutrients, including shifting cultivation and polyculture, are no longer attractive measures of land rejuvenation. There is, therefore, the need for urgent evaluation and adoption of innovative methods of replenishing the agricultural soils that conform to the current agricultural systems without exerting undesirable effects on the ecosystem. In this review, we elucidated the use of key bioresources, such as organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and biopesticides, as alternatives to chemical-based products in attaining a safe and sustainable agricultural system. Bioresources are naturally available, safe, and easily accessible products. The potential of these biological products in fostering soil microbial growth, plants’ productivity, and induced host immunity to diseases, alongside the promotion of healthy soil–microbe–plant relationships and preservation of the ecosystem processes without disruption, are aspects that were also explored. Therefore, the productive use of bioresources is considered strategic as it pertains to attaining safe and sustainable food production.