Enhancing food safety and security through organic agriculture and innovative fertilizer management (original) (raw)

In recent years, the global discourse on food safety and security has increasingly focused on sustainable agricultural practices (Berry et al., 2015; Ala and Ridwan, 2020). As the world's population continues to rise, with projections suggesting a global population of nearly nine billion by 2050, ensuring that everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food is a pressing challenge (Bahar et al., 2020; Oluwole et al., 2023). In this context, organic agriculture, the use of biostimulants, and innovative fertilizer and stress management practices emerge as pivotal elements in the pursuit of a more resilient and secure food system (Malik et al., 2020; Sani and Yong, 2021). Organic agriculture, which eschews synthetic chemicals in favor of natural processes and materials, has gained significant traction globally (Tal, 2018). This approach aligns with growing consumer demand for healthier food options and environmental sustainability (Jaeger et al., 2023). Organic farming emphasizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance, which collectively contribute to improved food safety and security (Underwood et al., 2011; Gamage et al., 2023). The benefits of organic agriculture are multifaceted. Firstly, it promotes soil health through the use of organic fertilizers, compost, and crop rotations (Liu et al., 2024). Healthy soil is rich in organic matter, which enhances its ability to retain water and nutrients, thereby increasing crop resilience to adverse weather conditions (Lal, 2020; Wolf et al., 2023). This is particularly crucial in the face of climate change, which is expected to bring more frequent and severe droughts and floods. Secondly, organic farming reduces the risk of contamination from harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, ensuring that the food produced is safer for consumption (Benbrook et al., 2021; Ramakrishnan et al., 2021). Studies have shown that organic produce generally contains lower levels of pesticide residues compared to conventionally grown produce (Barański et al., 2014; Vigar et al., 2019). This not only benefits consumers but also farm workers and the surrounding environment, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. Biostimulants represent an innovative frontier in agricultural science, offering natural solutions to enhance plant growth, productivity, and resilience (Rouphael and Colla, 2020; Rakkammal et al., 2023; Tahiri et al., 2024). These substances, which include seaweed extracts, humic substances, and microbial inoculants, work by stimulating natural processes in plants, thereby improving nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and overall plant health (Kumari et al., 2022; Mackiewicz-Walec and Olszewska, 2023). The use of biostimulants in organic and conventional farming systems can significantly enhance crop performance without the negative environmental impacts associated with synthetic agrochemicals (Sani and Yong, 2021; Mandal et al., 2023). For instance, seaweed extracts have been shown to improve root