We all desire a balanced way of life and a livable environment. Given the rising population and the detrimental effects of environmental pollution, the agricultural sector faces the task of finding an inventive solution that is viable for us and our environmental health: agricultural biologicals!
These biological products harness the power of nature, utilizing beneficial organisms and processes to enhance crop health, reduce chemical inputs, and protect the environment. So, get ready to discover how the biologicals are transforming the way we cultivate our food while preserving our precious planet.
What Exactly are Agricultural Biologicals?
What do you think, what are these biologicals? Any ideas?
Actually, agricultural biologicals define a broad category of plant protection products that are derived from living organisms. Growers usually use these biologicals as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy aimed at protecting plants from diseases, insect pests, and the negative effects of weed competition. It can be used alongside chemical products or as a standalone method to save plants and boost crop health.
Agricultural biologicals are favored by various crises, such as increasing food demands, the rising need for soil sustainability, consumer interest in organic goods, and environmental concerns.
Agricultural biologicals provide a sustainable “green” approach to address these problems and produce enough crops to satisfy the food needs of the increasing population.
How do Agricultural Biologicals Conflict with Pesticides?
If pesticides and biologicals both resist crop damage from pests, then how do they differ from each other?
The difference lies in their composition. Since agricultural biologicals are derived from living organisms or natural materials, pesticides are artificially created and contain chemicals.
Biologicals have the ability to be chemically produced while maintaining a composition that resembles nature. These products, whether synthetic or nature-inspired, provide farmers with crop protection, but biologicals are always chosen over pesticides as they are more effective against a diverse range of plant diseases, insect pests, and weeds.
As per the study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, biopesticides encompass naturally occurring microorganism substances that have the potential to regulate pests as well as pesticidal substances synthesized by plants with introduced genetic material, commonly referred to as plant-incorporated protectants.
How Agricultural Biologicals Are Leading the Way in Sustainable Farming?
You might be thinking, Why should we use biologicals in farming when there are already various fertilizers available? Here is the answer:
Although fertilizers and pesticides aid in plant growth, their chemical components can negatively impact crop health. Apart from that, fertilizers cause environmental issues like water pollution, soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and groundwater contamination. Excessive application can lead to nutrient runoff, eutrophication, and nitrous oxide emissions. Farmers should adopt responsible fertilizer management practices, including judicious application, appropriate timing, and precision agriculture techniques.
Conversely, agricultural biologicals, which are derived from natural substances, contribute to improved crop productivity, reduced chemical usage, sustainable pest management, and enhanced soil health.
Various organizations and government agencies are promoting eco-friendly agricultural options; one organization, the USDA, plays a significant role in regulating agricultural biologicals. It is responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases by providing guidelines for the import and field testing of genetically engineered organisms, including certain agricultural biologicals.
How Agricultural Biologicals Are Revolutionizing Crop and Environment Health?
We can clearly observe the immense potential that biological products hold in the field of agriculture. It offers several benefits to farmers and the environment. Here are some key benefits include:
- It reduces chemical use by using living organisms to suppress pests or enhance plant growth.
- It promotes biodiversity preservation by targeting specific pests or diseases and preserving beneficial insects and wildlife.
- Agricultural biologicals improve soil health and fertility, reducing soil erosion and improving water infiltration.
- It also protects water quality by minimizing the risk of contamination.
- Lastly, agricultural biologicals can help mitigate climate change by enhancing nutrient availability and plant growth with increased carbon sequestration in agricultural soils.
The APVMA recognizes that biologicals have distinct properties to target specific pests, have minimal adverse effects on humans and the environment, and have greater safety compared into synthetic chemicals.
We hope this information may help you to integrate biological products in sustainable farming practices.
Growing Greener
Agricultural biologicals are innovative products that harness nature’s power to improve crop health, reduce chemical inputs, and protect the environment. They address the concerns of farmers, consumers, and the planet by improving crop yields, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, and producing healthier, more sustainable food. These products also contribute to preserving the world by reducing water pollution, soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. As more farmers adopt these sustainable practices, we can create a more resilient, environmentally friendly agricultural system that ensures food security without compromising the planet’s health.
