40th International Conference on Ecological Agriculture, Biodiversity & Waste Management (LEABWM-25)

TOPICS So, Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to: I. Ecological Agriculture: Fostering Sustainability This pillar explores farming systems that work in harmony with nature. A. Soil Health and Fertility: - Regenerative Agriculture Practices: No-till farming, cover cropping, diverse crop rotations, and their impact on soil structure, carbon sequestration, and water retention. - Organic Farming Systems: Principles, practices, certification, and the latest research in organic crop and livestock production. - Agroecology: Integrating ecological principles into farm management, focusing on natural processes, biodiversity enhancement, and reduced external inputs. - Biofertilizers and Biopesticides: Exploring the effectiveness and application of microbial inoculants, compost teas, and natural pest control methods. - Soil Microbiome and Plant Health: Understanding the complex interactions in the soil and how to manage them for improved plant resilience and nutrient uptake. - Carbon Farming: Strategies for maximizing carbon sequestration in agricultural soils and its role in climate change mitigation. - Precision Agriculture for Ecological Goals: Utilizing technology (GPS, sensors, data analytics) to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact in ecological farming. - Water Management in Ecological Agriculture: Efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and strategies for maintaining water quality in agroecosystems. - Nutrient Cycling and Management: Natural methods for nutrient provision, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and minimizing nutrient runoff. B. Crop and Livestock Production: - Agrobiodiversity and Crop Genetic Resources: Conservation and utilization of diverse crop varieties, including heritage and local breeds, for resilience and nutritional value. - Ecological Pest and Disease Management: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, biological control, and fostering natural enemies of pests. - Agroforestry Systems: Integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems for multiple benefits, including soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision. - Pasture-Based Livestock Systems: Rotational grazing, silvopasture, and the ecological benefits of well-managed grazing lands. - Animal Welfare in Ecological Agriculture: Ethical considerations and practices in raising livestock in environmentally sound systems. - Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adapting farming practices to cope with climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. - Vertical Farming and Urban Agriculture (Ecological Approaches): Exploring sustainable methods for food production in urban environments. C. Socio-economic Aspects of Ecological Agriculture: - Local Food Systems and Short Supply Chains: The role of ecological agriculture in strengthening local economies and reducing the environmental footprint of food distribution. - Fair Trade and Ethical Considerations: Ensuring fair prices for farmers and promoting equitable labor practices in ecological agriculture. - Policy and Support Mechanisms for Ecological Transition: Examining government policies, subsidies, and research funding needed to support the adoption of ecological farming. - Farmer Knowledge and Participatory Research: The importance of farmer-led innovation and knowledge sharing in advancing ecological agriculture. - Consumer Education and Awareness: Raising public understanding of the benefits of ecological agriculture for health and the environment. II. Biodiversity in Agroecosystems: Enhancing Natural Capital This theme focuses on the vital role of biodiversity within and around agricultural landscapes. A. Functional Biodiversity: - Pollinators in Agriculture: Protecting and enhancing pollinator populations (bees, butterflies, etc.) for crop production and ecosystem health. - Biological Control Agents: Utilizing beneficial insects, predators, and microorganisms to manage pests and diseases naturally. - Soil Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: The role of soil organisms in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and soil structure. - Predator-Prey Relationships in Agroecosystems: Fostering natural pest regulation through habitat management and biodiversity enhancement. B. Habitat Conservation and Management: - Hedgerows, Buffer Strips, and Field Margins: Their importance for wildlife habitat, connectivity, and soil conservation in agricultural landscapes. - Wetland Restoration and Management in Farmlands: The role of wetlands in water filtration, flood control, and biodiversity conservation. - Agroforestry for Biodiversity: Designing agroforestry systems to maximize habitat provision for various species. - Conservation Agriculture and Wildlife: Exploring farming practices that minimize disturbance to wildlife and their habitats. - Protected Areas and Agricultural Landscapes: The interface between nature reserves and surrounding farmlands, focusing on ecological corridors and buffer zones. C. Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity: - Biodiversity Indicators for Agricultural Systems: Developing metrics to assess the health and diversity of life on farms. - Citizen Science and Biodiversity Monitoring: Engaging farmers and the public in collecting data on species presence and abundance. - Remote Sensing and GIS for Biodiversity Assessment: Utilizing technology to monitor habitat changes and biodiversity patterns in agricultural landscapes. - Economic Valuation of Biodiversity in Agriculture: Quantifying the economic benefits of ecosystem services provided by biodiversity. III. Waste Management in Agriculture: Towards a Circular Economy This area addresses the challenges and opportunities of managing waste generated by agricultural activities. A. On-Farm Waste Management: - Composting of Agricultural Waste: Transforming crop residues, animal manure, and other organic materials into valuable soil amendments. - Anaerobic Digestion for Biogas Production: Utilizing agricultural waste to generate renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate. - Livestock Manure Management: Sustainable practices for storing, treating, and utilizing manure to minimize environmental pollution and maximize nutrient recovery. - Crop Residue Management: Exploring alternatives to burning, such as incorporation into soil, mulching, and bioenergy production. - Management of Plastic Waste in Agriculture: Strategies for reducing the use of plastic films, nets, and other materials, and for recycling or safely disposing of them. - Water Management and Wastewater Treatment on Farms: Sustainable methods for treating wastewater from livestock operations and irrigation runoff. B. Regional and System-Level Approaches: - Circular Economy Models in Agriculture: Designing agricultural systems to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization through closed-loop processes. - Waste Valorization and By-product Utilization: Finding new uses for agricultural waste streams, such as in bio-based materials, animal feed, or energy production. - Industrial Symbiosis in Agro-Food Systems: Collaboration between agricultural producers and other industries to utilize waste streams as resources. - Policy and Regulations for Agricultural Waste Management: Examining the role of government in promoting sustainable waste management practices in the agricultural sector. - Logistics and Infrastructure for Agricultural Waste Collection and Processing: Developing efficient systems for handling and transporting agricultural waste for treatment or valorization. C. Specific Waste Streams: - Management of Pesticide Containers and Other Hazardous Agricultural Waste: Safe handling, storage, and disposal methods. - Food Waste Reduction and Management at the Farm Level: Strategies to minimize food loss during harvesting, storage, and processing. - Slaughterhouse Waste Management: Sustainable disposal and valorization of animal by-products. - Management of Waste from Aquaculture and Fisheries: Addressing the specific waste streams from aquatic food production. Overarching and Cross-Cutting Themes: - The Nexus of Ecological Agriculture, Biodiversity, and Waste Management: Exploring the interconnections and synergies between these three areas for holistic sustainability. - Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation through Integrated Approaches: How ecological agriculture, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable waste management can contribute to climate resilience. - The Role of Technology and Innovation: Exploring new technologies and digital solutions for advancing sustainability in agriculture and waste management. - Policy Frameworks and Governance for Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Management: Examining the enabling environment needed to support these transitions. - Social Equity and Justice in Sustainable Food Systems: Ensuring that ecological agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and waste management benefit all stakeholders.