Land and water management

2252

Status

Active - Ongoing

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Wed, 2020-02-05 01:00

Start Date

Mon, 2020-07-27 02:00

Expected End Date

Tue, 2026-06-30 02:00

Description

Agriculture contributes 25% to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. To mitigate the emissions of these GHGs (nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) from agriculture under different agroecosystems, and to optimise capturing atmospheric CO2 through carbon (C) sequestration, there is an urgent need to develop and validate climate-smart agricultural practices. Based on the outputs and the recommendations from the final research coordination meeting (RCM) of the CRP D1.50.16, the consultants recommended that climate-smart agricultural practices is a promising tool to enhance crop production with lower GHG emissions. However, more quantitative information on the effect of soil processes (e.g. C- and N-dynamics) in relation to land-use changes are urgently needed. Also, the effect of various soil conditions (e.g. soil temperature, moisture, pH) and other eco-friendly management options (e.g. cropping options utilizing plants releasing biological nitrification inhibitors, plants having high biological nitrogen fixing potentials or agroforestry) should be addressed in more detail. Future research and development shall focus on arable cropping systems, and in particular rice paddy systems, given the reliance of the global population on rice as a staple food crop, especially in developing countries with high population growth. In addition to rice other cereal crops (e.g. maize, wheat) and legumes (e.g. soybean) are also recommended for future studies on GHGs. Under arable cropping systems, researchers shall focus on soil types and soil conditions under different climatic regimes and the impact of farm management practices (e.g. fertilizer type, timing, application rates and technique, irrigation and drainage management) on the effectiveness of nitrogen process inhibitors including urease and nitrification inhibitors to mitigate ammonia (NH3) and GHG (CO2, CH4, N2O) emissions. The GHG budget studies suggest the need to quantify direct and indirect GHG emissions and for a full overall picture, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) </a>is a suitable tool to assess mitigation strategies because it takes into account C footprints of all stages and aspects of crop production.
A focus of the new CRP should also be on using advanced nuclear techniques to address plant-soil interactions based on C and N isotopes (13C, 15N) and for quantifying major N transformation processes in response to management options under various soil and climate conditions. Upscaling and Life Cycle Analysis (based on C budgeting) should be included at varying scales considering the net effects of all factors contributing to gaseous emissions.

Objectives

To develop climate-smart agricultural practices for enhancing agricultural productivity, through increased soil C sequestration (based on C budgeting), and mitigation of GHG emissions (N2O, CH4, CO2), and minimise gaseous N losses (NH3, N2) from agricultural systems.

Specific objectives

1.1. To determine C budgets based on the quantification of C fluxes (CO2, CH4) using nuclear and related techniques, to derive soil C sequestration strategies in selected agroecosystems.
1.2. To quantify N2O and N2 emissions using 15N technique to validate agricultural system-specific emission factors (EF).
1.3. To evaluate the effect of N process inhibitors and biochar on soil N transformation rates using 15N technique and to test their N2O mitigation potential within specific agroecosystems (soil, plant, climate)
1.4. To develop guidelines of climate-smart agriculture practices for C sequestration, mitigation of GHG, improved N use efficiency to enhance crop productivity.

Participating Countries

Argentina

Austria

Bangladesh

Brazil

China

Costa Rica

Germany

Spain

Ethiopia

India

New Zealand

Peru

Pakistan

Viet Nam

CRP PO1 Name

JEYAKUMAR,Paramsothy

CRP PO1 Email

P.Jeyakumar@iaea.org

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

CRP PO2 Name

FUJISAWA,Mariko

CRP PO2 Email

M.Fujisawa@iaea.org

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Minimizing Farming Impacts on Climate Change by Enhancing Carbon and Nitrogen Capture and Storage in Agro-Ecosystems

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:39:43 +0000

Minimizing Farming Impacts on Climate Change by Enhancing Carbon and Nitrogen Capture and Storage in Agro-Ecosystems RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:39

Project Code

D15016

Project Type

2037

IAEA Programme

Status

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Thu, 2014-05-29 02:00

Start Date

Fri, 2014-09-12 02:00

Expected End Date

Wed, 2019-09-11 02:00

Completed Date

Tue, 2019-07-30 02:00

CRP Closed Date

Wed, 2021-02-24 01:00

Description

This CRP will explore potential farming practices under different agro-ecosystems to enhance soil carbon accumulation-sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Its main objectives are to (i) develop land management practices for reducing soil carbon depletion and enhancing soil carbon and nitrogen capture and storage, (ii) identify factors that influence GHG emissions from farmlands, and (iii) develop soil-water-nutrient management guidelines to enhance soil carbon and nitrogen capture and storage. Stable isotopic signatures of nitrogen-15 and carbon-13 will be used to identify sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and accumulation of carbon and nitrogen under different land uses

Objectives

To mitigate nitrous oxide emissions and minimise nitrogen losses from agricultural systems whilst enhancing agricultural productivity and sequestering soil C.

Specific objectives

To quantify N2 and N2O emissions simultaneously using 15N technique in selected agricultural systems

To quantify N2O emissions only in agricultural systems

To quantify soil nitrogen transformation rates (using 15N) and to assess efficiency of N process inhibitors/biochar used to manipulate them

To specify and test mitigation options (N process inhibitors/biochar) to decrease N2O fluxes to atmosphere

Impact

Some participating CSIs including Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Iran and Pakistan reported the emission factor of GHGs from agriculture as well as identified mitigation options. The CRP also identified two microbial processes of N2O production. A new low-cost field method was developed to measure ammonia emission which is a secondary source of GHGs. Several master and PhD students in China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Pakistan and Germany completed their studies under this CRP. Four success stories were published on IAEA website. Through this CRP a working group of leading scientists in Asia, Europe and America was established to write a book that provides protocols, methodologies and standard operating procedures stemming from the most recent research and technology development on GHGs emissions in a variety of agroecosystems. This book will be published in Springer as“ Measuring Emission of Agricultural Greenhouse Gases and Developing Mitigation Options using Nuclear and Related Techniques” in November 2020.

Relevance

The tangible results of this CRP led one regional technical cooperation project in Asia and three national technical cooperation projects.

CRP Publications

CRP PO1 Name

ZAMAN,Mohammad

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

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Soil Quality and Nutrient Management for Sustainable Food Production in Mulch-based Cropping Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:39:41 +0000

Soil Quality and Nutrient Management for Sustainable Food Production in Mulch-based Cropping Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:39

Project Code

D15012

Project Type

1760

IAEA Programme

Status

http://www.dgdingfa.net/publications/13482/sample-preparation-of-soil-and-plant-ma…

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Fri, 2011-07-15 02:00

Start Date

Fri, 2011-11-18 01:00

Expected End Date

Sat, 2016-12-17 01:00

Completed Date

Mon, 2018-04-23 02:00

CRP Closed Date

Wed, 2021-02-24 01:00

Description

The overall objective of this CRP is to pilot test soil management and agronomic practices in mulch-based farming systems that aim to restore soil fertility, optimize ecosystem service efficiency and increase agricultural productivity, while adapt to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and variability in cropping or integrated crop-livestock systems in the moist and dry savannahs of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The goal is to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and rural communities in the region which is dominated by a savannah ecosystem in its natural state. The key to the management of soils in mulch-based farming systems is to increase the soil organic matter content (carbon sequestration) and to maximize the efficiency of utilization of soil nutrients, applied synthetic and organic fertilizers and water storage for crop growth. Soil organic matter plays a key role in soil fertility by providing plant nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur, stabilizing soil structure (aggregation, porosity) which in turn improves the capacity of the soil to absorb and hold water for crop growth, as well as providing a carbon source for the soil fauna and flora which themselves interact with and enhance the soil’s chemical and physical properties. The use of stable isotopic techniques (13C and 15N) at enriched or natural abundance levels will facilitate an in-depth analysis and understanding of the basic soil biological-physical processes, including soil C and nutrient cycling in mulch-based systems. The CRP will provide a platform for extrapolation of the recommended practices to all agro-ecological regions of SSA because of the selection of benchmark sites in diverse and representative environmental conditions.

Objectives

To pilot test soil management and agronomic practices in mulch-based agricultural systems that aim to restore soil fertility, optimize ecosystem service efficiency and increase agricultural productivity, while adapt to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and variability in cropping and integrated crop-livestock systems in the moist and dry savannahs of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Specific objectives

To assess economic feasibility and conduct impact assessment of mulch-based farming systems in SSA

To improve soil fertility and soil health by promoting carbon sequestration through the replacement of exported nutrients (especially N, but also P and S to a lesser extent) and by applying the principles of conservation agriculture

To increase on-farm and area-wide ecosystem service efficiency (e.g. nutrient, water, labour and energy use efficiency)

To increase productivity in integrated crop-livestock systems across different spatial scales in the moist and dry savannahs of SSA.

Impact

The CRP results provided insights into mulch application technology. Retaining crop residue as soil mulch or soil cover is a proven beneficial soil water management practice which is known to enrich and protect soil and thereby provides better growing environments for a plant or crop. However, there are several limitations to its widespread adoption which includes competition with other usages of crop residue (this is especially true in Sub-Sahara Africa which is the target of this CRP), labor intensive nature and the need of customized crop management practices. For these reasons, widespread adoption of residue mulch will be a slow process in most agricultural systems. Eight publications including 3 IAEA TECDOCS and 5 scientific papers were published from this CRP.

Relevance

The benefits of mulching and conservation agriculture are manifold, such as it reverses the process of soil degradation, enhance soil biodiversity and provides shelters for natural enemies of pests and is the sink of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. This CRP sets the basis for subsequent CRPs on crop-livestock integration and climate-smart agriculture (D1.20.12) as well as current CRP on mitigating greenhouse gas emission (D1.50.20). Several long-term trials in the CRP have continued to study the long-term impact of the CRP.

CRP Publications

Austria Vienna, IAEA

TECDOC-1870

2019

IAEA (2019). Sample Preparation of Soil and Plant Material for Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry, IAEA-TECDOC-1870. 48 pp.

CRP PO1 Name

ZAMAN,Mohammad

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

CRP PO2 Name

DERCON,Gerd

CRP PO2 Email

G.Dercon@iaea.org

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Optimizing Soil, Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Integrated Cropping-Livestock Production Systems

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:39:41 +0000

Optimizing Soil, Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Integrated Cropping-Livestock Production Systems RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:39

Project Code

D12012

Project Type

1923

IAEA Programme

Status

http://www.dgdingfa.net/newscenter/news/integrated-farming-finds-success-i…

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Fri, 2013-02-08 01:00

Start Date

Tue, 2013-06-04 02:00

Expected End Date

Sun, 2018-06-03 02:00

Completed Date

Mon, 2019-03-11 01:00

CRP Closed Date

Wed, 2021-02-24 01:00

Description

The introduction, adaptation and implementation of good farming practices are needed to address the challenges of increasing global population, food scarcity and making agriculture resilient to climate change. These practices are also important to maintain local and national food security and livelihoods, improve agricultural resource use efficiency and provide social and economic benefits. The integration of crops with livestock in agricultural production systems is a winning combination which results in many benefits such as: (1) conserving natural resources, (2) enhancing ecosystem services and environmental sustainability, (3) providing natural pest control (4) improving soil quality and crop yield, and (5) reducing risk through diversification of crop and livestock enterprises. However, many of these benefits have not yet been quantified or clearly understood. Persuading farmers to adopt integrated crop-livestock production systems, and policy makers to provide institutional support for implementing these systems is critically important. Success depends on the provision of quantitative information on the economic, environment and resource use benefits of such systems. The proposed CRP assesses farming practices to improve the efficiency of soil, water and nutrient use in integrated crop-livestock production systems and to unlock the resources for improving food security. Both outcomes depend on identifying and quantifying improved management of soil, water, nutrient and soil quality, GHG emissions and nutrient losses from animal manure and crop residues. Using isotopic and nuclear techniques will provide more insight on the soil-water-crop-nutrient-animal interactions in integrated crop-livestock production systems.

Objectives

To enhance food security and rural livelihoods by improving resource use efficiency and sustainability of integrated crop-livestock systems under a changing climate

Specific objectives

To assess socio-economic and environmental benefits of crop-livestock systems

To assess the influence of crop - livestock systems on GHG emissions, soil carbon sequestration and water quality

To develop soil, water and nutrient management options in integrated crop-livestock systems for potential adoption by farmers

To identify the potential for improving soil quality

To optimize water and nutrient use efficiency in integrated crop-livestock production systems

To strengthen the capacity of Member States to use isotopic and nuclear techniques as tools for improving the management of crop-livestock systems

Impact

The tangible results of this CRP were published in two success stories by IAEA OPIC and one story by India magazine highlighting the role of ICLS in improving soil fertility, C sequestration, mitigating GHGs, improving crop and livestock production and the role of nuclear and isotopic techniques in measuring nutrient and water use efficiencies. The CRP results also led to starting a new regional technical cooperation project in Africa.

Success Stories:
Integrated Farming Finds Success in India with Help of Nuclear Science (Oct 2017)

Application of nuclear technologies in agriculture saw positive results in India: Mohammad Zaman
https://www.nuclearasia.com/views/application-nuclear-technologies-agri…

Using Nuclear Techniques to Combat Climate Change and Improve Crop Yields Jul 2018
http://www.dgdingfa.net/newscenter/news/using-nuclear-techniques-to-combat…

Relevance

The CRP results in a new regional TC project in Africa.

CRP Publications

IAEA

IAEA TECDOC No. 1924

2020

http://www.dgdingfa.net/publications/13634/optimizing-soil-water-and-nutrient-use-…

CRP PO1 Name

ZAMAN,Mohammad

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

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Strategic Placement and Area-Wide Evaluation of Water Conservation Zones in Agricultural Catchments for Biomass Production, Water Quality and Food Security

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:39:16 +0000

Strategic Placement and Area-Wide Evaluation of Water Conservation Zones in Agricultural Catchments for Biomass Production, Water Quality and Food Security RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:39

Project Code

D12010

Project Type

1543

IAEA Programme

Status

http://www-pub.iaea.org/books/IAEABooks/10985/Management-and-Area-wide-Evaluati…

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Fri, 2008-08-01 02:00

Start Date

Thu, 2008-10-30 01:00

Expected End Date

Wed, 2013-10-30 01:00

Completed Date

Tue, 2014-05-13 02:00

CRP Closed Date

Fri, 2015-07-03 02:00

Description

Climate change and extreme variability threaten food security in many regions worldwide. In addition, demands on limited water supplies for food production often are in sharp conflict with other needs. Strategic placement and area-wide evaluation of water conservation zones such as riparian areas, wetlands and ponds in agricultural catchments can be suitable options to store freshwater for biomass production, water quality and food security. Availability of additional freshwater in the catchments can provide opportunities for multiple uses, including livestock and aquaculture. In addition, these water conservation strategies can also improve water quality through various biogeochemical processes to filter agricultural pollutants including both nutrients and sediments. At present, there is a lack of understanding of the linkage between land use activities and the functions of these water conservation systems. Activities and hydrological processes occurring in the upper catchment often affect downstream water storage and nutrient availability. Area-wide knowledge on the sources and sinks of water such as the magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of the water flow regimes, and nutrient and their cycling into and out of the system as influenced by upland activities is therefore needed to underpin the selection of sustainable management practices of these systems for conservation and reuse of water and nutrients.

Objectives

To improve water management for agriculture and downstream water quality using water conservation zones (farm ponds, wetlands and riparian buffer zones) in agricultural catchments

Specific objectives

To maximise the use of water conservation zones for crop production

To optimize water and nutrient capture and storage in water conservation zones for downstream irrigation use

To regulate water and nutrient cycling in water conservation zones to improve biomass production and downstream water quality.

Impact

(1) In Tunisia, a farm pond occupying approximately 3% of the catchment area (272 ha) was able to capture surface runoff and subsurface water (up to 140,000 m3) and associated nitrogen (up to 280 kg) generated in from the catchment. The captured is water and nitrogen are used for growing high value vegetable crops of (6 tonnes per /ha) per year and potentially reduce the nitrogen contamination of downstream water by 90%.
(2) In Iran, 30 surface ponds (Ab-bandans) in the Caspian lowlands occupying approximately 3% of the catchment area (10,400 ha) was able to capture 7 million m3 of water together with of 86 tonnes N and 17 tonnes of phosphorus. This water along with nutrients helped to increase irrigation area from 730 to 1,500 ha and rice production from 2,560 to 5,050 tonnes
(3) In Northeast China wetlands can be used to cultivate 10 tonnes/ha of rice without contaminating surface and ground water by nitrate through optimizing water conservation in these rice wetlands.
(4) Wetlands in the Manafwa catchment, Uganda was able to remove 64 tonnes of N (70%) from the incoming river water in a single growing season and used for rice production providing a net economic return of US$1,300 per ha per cropping season.
(5) The riparian buffer zones with alder trees used for fuel wood remove between 170 and 350 kg N/ha/year and reduce nitrate contamination of downstream water by 50%. Most of this removal was accompanied by denitrification to N2 gas thus reducing greenhouse gas emission to the atmosphere.
(5) The capacity of participating institution on the use and application of isotopic and nuclear techniques has been enhanced as results of this project. This include nitrogen-15, oxygen-18 and hydrogen-2

Relevance

The CRP provided very useful data and information on sources and pathways of water and nutrients that can help develop guidelines for designing and managing water conservation zones in agricultural catchments. A guidelines for designing and operating wetlands for optimizing the performance is currently under preparation and will be completed by the end of 2015.

CRP Publications

IAEA

TECDOC 1784

2016

Management and Area-wide Evaluation of Water Conservation Zones in Agricultural Catchments for Biomass Production, Water Quality and Food Security

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

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Assess the Effectiveness of Soil Conservation Techniques for Sustainable Watershed Management Using Fallout Radionuclides

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:38:54 +0000

Assess the Effectiveness of Soil Conservation Techniques for Sustainable Watershed Management Using Fallout Radionuclides RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:38

Project Code

D15008

Project Type

618

Status

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Mon, 2002-03-04 01:00

Start Date

Fri, 2002-11-01 01:00

Expected End Date

Mon, 2007-12-31 01:00

Completed Date

Mon, 2008-02-18 01:00

CRP PO1 Name

DERCON,Gerd

CRP PO1 Email

G.Dercon@iaea.org

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

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Integrated Soil, Water and Nutrient Management in Conservation Agriculture

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:38:54 +0000

Integrated Soil, Water and Nutrient Management in Conservation Agriculture RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:38

Project Code

D15009

Project Type

305

Status

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Fri, 2003-10-24 02:00

Start Date

Wed, 2004-12-01 01:00

Expected End Date

Thu, 2009-04-09 02:00

Completed Date

Fri, 2010-04-09 02:00

CRP Closed Date

Mon, 2011-06-20 02:00

Description

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a management system that maintains a continuous soil cover through surface retention of all crop residues, reduced or zero tillage, and the use of cove or green manure crops in rotations. CA is practiced on a total of 72 Mha of cropland worldwide, with the proportions of total croplands under CA being 47.5 % in Latin America, 36.7 % in North America, 12.5 % in Australia and 3.3 % in the rest of the world. CA has potential application in all agroecological zones, and is expected to expand rapidly in Asia and more gradually into Africa and Europe as socio-economic conditions permit. Many positive benefits are claimed for CA including inter alia reduced soil erosion, improved soil fertility, better water relations, soil organic matter accumulation, reduced soil compaction, increased soil biodiversity, resilience to climate change and greenhouse gas mitigation, all of which interact in a complex way to increase agricultural productivity and system sustainability. However, there is a paucity of experimental data to support many of these claims. The overall objective of the CRP is to enhance the productivity and sustainability of farming systems through a better understanding of the principles and practice of conservation agriculture. More specifically, the individual and interactive effects of conservation tillage practices, residue management, crop rotations, nutrient and water inputs on soil organic matter stocks, resource use efficiency, agricultural productivity and environmental quality will be investigated. The project will be implemented in 2005 and preference will be given to scientists and institutions with experience in nuclear techniques and on-going research in conservation agriculture, so that the CRP can be fully integrated with existing experiments and available resources.

Objectives

To enhance the productivity and sustainability of farming systems through a better understanding of the principles and practice of conservation agriculture

Specific objectives

To quantify the individual and interactive effects of conservation tillage practices, residue management, crop rotations, nutrient and water inputs to increase soil organic matter, resource use efficiency, agricultural productivity and environmental quality

Impact

1. It created an effective network of research scientists and national agricultural research systems (NARS) involved in CA research and promotion.
2. It increased awareness and stimulated interest in the unique role of nuclear techniques in acquiring new knowledge of key physical (e.g. water retention), chemical (e.g. C sequestration) and biological (e.g. BNF) processes in CA.
3. It generated new knowledge and a database on soil-water-plant relationships in CA, including C sequestration, nutrient and water use efficiencies and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. It paved the way for the implementation of projects in CA under the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme.

Relevance

The relevance of this CRP is that it has placed CA on a firmer scientific footing by generating data which support or challenge some of the claimed benefits of CA mentioned above. However, due to the limited scope of the CRP because of financial and time constraints, it was possible to address some, but not all of the proposed benefits of CA. Nevertheless, the CRP should act as a catalyst to stimulate further research through the creation of a research network which has introduced the NARS participants to the unique role that nuclear techniques can play in generating data that cannot be obtained using conventional techniques. The expansion of CA into new regions will ultimately depend on the demonstrated benefits of CA and a better understanding of the scientific basis of CA.

CRP Publications

Austria/IAEA

Overview paper

2011

The CRP has created a database on soil-water-plant relationships in CA, which is now being analysed in detail, and will lead to an overview paper (planned towards the end of 2011).

CRP PO1 Name

DERCON,Gerd

CRP PO1 Email

G.Dercon@iaea.org

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

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Selection and Evaluation of Food (Cereal and Legume) Crop Genotypes Tolerant to Low Nitrogen and Phosphorus Soils through the Use of Isotopic and Nuclear-Related Techniques

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:38:54 +0000

Selection and Evaluation of Food (Cereal and Legume) Crop Genotypes Tolerant to Low Nitrogen and Phosphorus Soils through the Use of Isotopic and Nuclear-Related Techniques RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:38

Project Code

D15010

Project Type

1290

IAEA Programme

Status

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Fri, 2005-12-09 01:00

Start Date

Thu, 2006-06-15 02:00

Expected End Date

Sat, 2011-12-31 01:00

Completed Date

Wed, 2012-05-09 02:00

CRP Closed Date

Wed, 2013-04-10 02:00

Description

Low inherent soil nutrient status, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are widespread limitations for adequate crop production in many developing countries in tropical and subtropical regions. The cycle of unsustainable agriculture and soil fertility degradation in these areas can be disrupted by identifying and promoting the development of food (cereal and legume) crop genotypes with enhanced nutrient (N and P) use efficiency and greater productivity in these low fertility soils. This research programme seeks to develop technologies for identifying superior crop genotypes leading to enhanced nutrient (N and P) use efficiencies by major food cereal and grain legume crops. Further, this research work will initiate the exploitation of the identified crop lines in breeding programmes and development of improved management schemes. Isotopes, in particular 15N and 32P will be essential tools in the identification and exploitation of superior crop lines. The results of this research will provide improved knowledge and understanding of the processes involved, approaches, and plant genotypes to enhance crop performance in regions of inherent low soil fertility.

Objectives

To develop integrated crop, soil and nutrient management practices to increase crop production in marginal lands by identifying and promoting the development of food crop genotypes (cereals and legumes) with enhanced N and P use efficiency and greater productivity in marginal lands

Specific objectives

(i) to develop and validate screening protocols for plant traits that enhance N and P acquisition and utilization in major food cereal and legume crops grown in low fertility soils,
ii) to employ validated screening protocols including the use of isotopic tracer techniques and induced mutations to identify genotypes with superior N and P acquisition and/or utilization. This might include mutants identified for novel traits
iii) to assess the selected genotypes with traits for enhanced nutrient acquisition and/or utilization in selected cropping systems, including yield and productivity. This assessment could include long-term sustainability of soil fertility.

Impact

This CRP assisted Member States in their efforts to optimize crop yields and soil productivity in low N and P environments. This includes the development, evaluation validation, and harmonization of appropriate screening protocols for (i) plant root traits (architecture and morphology) associated with enhanced N and P uptake (ii) fractionation of soil N and P to understand the mechanisms of uptake from the different soil N and P pools. The genotypes of rice, common bean, maize, soybean and cowpea identified provide valuable resources for plant breeding programmes aimed at enhancing P and N use efficiency in crops and for framers to optimize crop productivity in low nutrient environments. Laboratory and field protocols for evaluation of root traits (architecture and morphology) contributing to enhanced N and P were developed in collaboration with Pennsylvania State University and available online (http://roots.psu.edu).The assessment of selected genotypes with enhanced different root architecture and morphology that explores nutrients from different soil depth under the field conditions is relevant for enhancing food security and the long-term sustainability of soil fertility. The CRP also helped to nature MSc and PhD students.

Relevance

Global climate change is likely to exacerbate plant abiotic stress in the coming decades by increasing water stress and by accelerating soil fertility degradation. To respond to this set of challenges, there is a need to develop agricultural systems with significantly greater productivity and resilience that at the same time use limited nutrient resources more efficiently. This CRP contributes to the Agency’s Subprogramme E1, Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition, Project 2.1.1.5, Integrated soil-water-plant approaches to enhance food production and biomass productivity, and is in line with the Major FAO’s Medium Term Plan and strategic objectives. Food security and environmental sustainability is a main initiative of the FAO to help improve crop yields through efficient utilization of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in low fertility soils. The CRP supports the characterization of the plant-nutrition related traits of superior genotypes and to identify mechanisms for adaptation and high productivity of selected legumes and cereals to low N and P soils. It also helps build-up of competence in the use of isotopic techniques (stable N-15 and radioactive P-32) in the field as well as in the laboratories to obtain quantitative estimates on optimization of plant nutrient (N and P) uptake and utilization from fertilizers and soils. Overall, the CRP assists Member States in their efforts to optimize crop yields and soil productivity in low N and P environments.

CRP Publications

An IAEA Technical Document (IAEA TECDOC)

2013

CRP PO1 Name

DERCON,Gerd

CRP PO1 Email

G.Dercon@iaea.org

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

CRP PO2 Name

DERCON,Gerd

CRP PO2 Email

G.Dercon@iaea.org

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Response to Nuclear Emergencies Affecting Food and Agriculture

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:38:51 +0000

Response to Nuclear Emergencies Affecting Food and Agriculture RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:38

Project Code

D15015

Project Type

1992

IAEA Programme

Status

Project Author

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Approved Date

Thu, 2013-07-04 02:00

Start Date

Fri, 2013-09-13 02:00

Expected End Date

Sun, 2019-03-31 01:00

Completed Date

Wed, 2019-07-17 02:00

CRP Closed Date

Mon, 2019-12-23 01:00

Description

This CRP aims to assist Member States to develop and assess systems of innovative data collection, database management and geo-visualization platforms that can be used during both emergency responses as well as for routine monitoring of nuclear and radiological incidents that could affect food and agriculture. Data will be managed in real-time and up-to-date information on the spatial and temporal distributions of radionuclides in the landscape for decision-makers and end-users.

Objectives

The CRP aims to develop and assess systems of innovative data collection, management and geo-visualization platforms that can be used in both routine monitoring and also for emergency response to nuclear and radiological incidents that could affect food and agriculture. Through this CRP networks of institutions and governments involved in nuclear emergency response in food and agriculture will be strengthened. The CRP will also assist in compiling Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) for actions required in case of a nuclear emergency affecting food and agriculture, as well as sampling analytical SOPs for activity measurements. Further geographical data layers will be compiled for selected case studies.

Specific objectives

To determine how online geo-visualization tools can influence emergency response strategies, approaches to learning from nuclear accidents, and end-users ability to generate future short-term and long-term scenarios about the impact of nuclear accidents on food and agriculture

To ensure that systems use common or standardized protocols that can be shared across different software platforms

To identify sampling and analytical strategies in nuclear emergencies affecting food and agriculture

To produce decision support tools that will help rapid analysis of the situation in radionuclide contamination in food stuffs

To produce low-cost computer-based platforms that are robust and can be used both routinely to monitor every-day sampling as well as in nuclear emergency situations

Impact

The CRP can help Member States who are seeking to strengthen response to nuclear emergencies affecting in food and agriculture, as it provides standardized methodologies for sample collection and analysis, a robust IT-tool for data collection, management and visualization, and a publication on the development of IT based decision support tools for nuclear emergency response.

Ten Member States were directly involved in the development and planning of project outputs, and close collaboration was also achieved with the IAEA-IEC (Incident and Emergency Center), the EU JRC (Joint Research Center).

The publications and IT tool ensure all Member States are provided access to the project outputs, while the strong network resulting from this CRP provides a platform where the subject topic experts can continue to provide guidance to Member States.

The CRP is related to the following programme objective of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture: To improve nuclear emergency preparedness and response in food and agriculture, which falls under project 2.1.3.003 (Cooperative arrangements related nuclear and radiological accidents in relation to food safety and control systems) and project 2.1.1.001 (Data collection, management and visualization tools for crisis management).

Relevance

Presently, there are no internationally established protocols for large-scale food monitoring and analysis, or information systems available that assist Member States in decision-making, at different stakeholder levels, to keep food and agriculture safe during nuclear or radiological emergencies. The targeted protocols or information system can be used by agricultural departments and, as the information system stores data on radioactivity in food which is georeferenced and time-stamped information, helps them map and contain areas where radionuclide levels would be unacceptable.

CRP PO1 Name

DERCON,Gerd

CRP PO1 Email

G.Dercon@iaea.org

CRP PO1 Section

SWMC - Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory

CRP PO1 Division

NAFA - Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agricult

CRP PO2 Name

LEE ZHI YI,Amelia

CRP PO2 Email

A.Lee-Zhi-Yi@iaea.org

CRP Open for proposals

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Enhancing Agricultural Resilience and Water Security Using Cosmic-Ray Neutron Technology

RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:38:43 +0000

Enhancing Agricultural Resilience and Water Security Using Cosmic-Ray Neutron Technology RjsQpiclZhPveHiPjdqS Mon, 2025-09-15 15:38

Project Code

D12014

Project Type

2188

IAEA Programme

Status