The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has contributed to a significant decrease in poverty rates; however, it is also associated with negative impacts on soils, water resources, and biodiversity. Presently, only a small fraction of agricultural land worldwide is cultivated sustainably prioritizing soil health. The intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides has contributed to an unprecedented reduction in poverty, however, it is also associated with negative impacts on soils, water resources, and biodiversity. In Indonesia alone, an estimated 107 million hectares of land are currently experiencing acidification, partly due to decades of excessive fertilization. The intensive and often unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has also greatly reduced soil organic matter.
How can smallholders be supported to transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices? What motivates farmers to use organic practices in the long-term? How can soil tests and digital extension resources be introduced to farmers to protect the environment and increase farm productivity? A team of researchers from the University of Passau and Universitas Gadjah Mada has explored these questions in two projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU).
For more details, please read the following article:
