Soil salinity refers to the concentration of soluble salts present in the soil. These salts accumulate over time through various natural and human- induced processes, and when present in high concentrations, they can severely impact agricultural productivity and plant health. The primary measurement used to assess soil salinity is Electrical Conductivity (EC), typically expressed in deciSiemens per meter (dS/m). This measurement works because dissolved salts increase the soil's ability to conduct electrical current; the more salts present, the higher the conductivity reading. Understanding where your soil falls on the salinity spectrum is crucial

Egyptian agriculture faces significant economic losses from terrestrial snail infestations, particularly in the Nile Delta region where humid conditions favor their proliferation. Land snails cause extensive damage to vegetables, ornamentals, fruit trees, and field crops throughout Egypt. These molluscan pests consume plant tissue, damage seedlings, contaminate produce, and serve as intermediate hosts for parasitic diseases affecting livestock and humans. The reliance on synthetic molluscicides containing metaldehyde or methiocarb poses serious risks to non-target organisms, beneficial insects, soil health, and water quality. Organic integrated pest management provid

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?

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).

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

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It is caused by a virus belonging to the family Picornaviridae, genus Aphthovirus. The disease results in significant economic losses due to reduced milk production, weight loss, infertility, and mortality of young .animals