Pests and diseases cause between 20-40% of all crop production to be lost each year, this equates to losing around $300 billion annually (FAO, 2023). Such losses contribute massively to food insecurity, which is particularly prevalent in African countries. Pesticides are typically used to control pests, but their excessive use has led to biodiversity loss and widespread pollution, which in turn harms humans and the environment. To combat this growing challenge, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies have been increasingly adopted. These strategies focus on a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical approaches to control pests in an environmen

Agriculture is the backbone of all civilizations, and the stronger this backbone is the stronger the civilization will be. Agricultural systems are man-made systems with the aim of cultivating the largest number of crops possible within the system. However, it makes no sense to follow a system that meets the aim we need if we can not sustain the system for years to come. Additionally, human and soil health should be evaluated as well, and the overall environmental effects should be studied before adopting any agricultural system. From this perspective, agronomists realized that the highest yield/production is not a reliable indicator for the efficiency or the sustainability

Balance is essential to maintain and regulate our planet. Unfortunately, anthropogenic activities have disturbed this balance. Each activity humans perform have an impact on our planet, such as building, eating, heating, travelling, transportation, electricity, etc. From this perspective, our everyday activities should be evaluated and considered, in order to minimize our actions’ negative consequences. However, how can you measure or calculate the harmful effect of your activities? A simple, but effective, solution is the carbon footprint, but what does it mean and how does it work?

Greenhouses are structures designed primarily for cultivating plants that require specific environmental conditions to thrive. They are typically made of transparent materials like glass or plastic to allow sunlight to penetrate and heat the interior. The transparent walls and roof help trap heat inside, creating a warmer climate than the external environment, which is crucial for growing plants that might not cultivate in the local climate. Greenhouses represent an innovative and important method for cultivating crops within an enclosed structure that regulates environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and ventilation. This method has gained great importance in

The complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms is defined as soil. It forms the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems and plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Soil serves as a medium for plant growth, regulates water flow, filters pollutants, and stores carbon (Robert E. White, 2005). Good soil management is key for a good production and a sustainable agro-ecosystem. Understanding the different types of soil is essential for effective land management, agriculture, and environmental conservation. The ideal soil composition consists of 50% solids (45% minerals and 5% organic matter) and 50% pores (25% air and 25% water).

In agriculture, irrigation systems play a fundamental role in ensuring the efficient and sustainable use of water resources for crop production. These systems are designed to deliver water to crops in a controlled way, supplementing natural rainfall and providing the necessary moisture levels for optimal growth. Irrigation technology has evolved significantly over time, ranging from simple techniques like surface irrigation to developed methods such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems. The purpose of irrigation is not only to provide water directly to plants but also to manage the timing, quantity, and distribution of water effectively. This helps farmers overcome challenges posed by