Green Cotton project in India - FiBL consultant explains how to prepare the flowers for crossing

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Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL
Publications

Swiss online publications related to agricultural research for development

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This study examines how long-term cassava-based conservation agriculture systems affect soil greenhouse gas emissions in Cambodia. Drawing on experimental data since 2009, it compares conventional tillage with no-tillage systems that include cover crops and residue retention. The results show that conservation agriculture can improve the greenhouse gas balance by increasing soil carbon inputs and reducing emissions per unit of yield. The findings highlight the potential of integrated soil and crop management practices to reconcile productivity with climate mitigation in tropical farming systems.

Article
Leng, V., Thuriès, L., Seng, V., Tivet, F., Mark, P., Ngin, C., Yorn, T., Filloux, T., Lienhard, P., Six, J., Hok, L., Boulakia, S., Reyes, M., Prasad, P. V. V., & Cardinael, R.
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 404

This study assesses the impact of conservation agriculture practices on soil conditions and maize yields in a sub-humid region of western Kenya. Results from a long-term field experiment show that residue retention significantly increases soil moisture, while practices such as ripping reduce soil penetration resistance. Crop diversification, particularly maize–soybean rotation, further enhances soil moisture and substantially improves yields compared to continuous maize systems. Combined with appropriate fertilization, these practices lead to marked yield gains, highlighting the effectiveness of integrated soil and crop management strategies in improving productivity under rainfed conditions.

Article
Mkiza, M., Mucheru-Muna, M., Nyawira, S., Mutambu, D., Mwangi, O., Bolo, P., Kinyua, M., & Kihara, J.
Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment (Vol. 9, Issue 2), Wiley

A recent literature review conducted by Agroscope within the EU Horizon 2020 project WASTELESS examines the growing body of research on food system by-products and their potential for valorisation. Based on an analysis of 52 review articles, the study finds that plant-based side streams dominate current research, particularly those derived from fruits (e.g. pomace, peels, seeds) and brewery residues, with applications ranging from baked goods to processed foods. In contrast, animal-based side streams—especially from meat—remain significantly underexplored, despite their potential to reduce food losses linked to consumer preferences.

The review highlights that while technological applications for upcycling side streams are expanding, key challenges remain regarding their industrial use and market integration. In particular, consumer acceptance is identified as a critical bottleneck: although there is general openness toward upcycled products, willingness to pay tends to be lower, and factors such as taste, appearance, and perceived added value strongly influence acceptance. The study underscores the need for further research on both technological pathways and consumer behaviour to unlock the full potential of food system side streams.

Article
Ammann, J.; Wiedmann, N.; Manixab, R.; Liechti, C.
Swiss Agricultural Research, 17, 106-115
FR DE

This study evaluates the environmental and productive performance of different cacao production systems over a 12-year period using a comprehensive energy–water–emissions–food (EWEF) nexus framework. While monoculture systems achieve higher cocoa yields, diversified agroforestry systems—particularly successional agroforests—produce substantially more total food per hectare, use resources more efficiently, and generate lower environmental impacts. The results show that agroforestry systems improve water and energy efficiency, enhance nutritional output, and maintain comparable cacao yields, highlighting their potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional monoculture production.

Article
González-Socorro, P., Armengot, L., Saj, S., & Pérez-Neira, D.
Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 549

This FiBL report synthesizes 16 years of research from the SysCom project in India, comparing organic and conventional cotton-based farming systems. It shows that organic systems can achieve competitive yields while improving soil health, biodiversity, and farmers’ livelihoods, highlighting their potential for sustainable agricultural development in tropical smallholder contexts.

Report
Singh, A., Durot, C., & Goldmann, E.
FiBL Project Synthesis

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