Articles
HIGH QUALITY COMPOST: A PROMISING FUTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRO-INDUSTRY IN MOROCCO
Article number
1044_13
Pages
119 – 125
Language
English
Abstract
Intensive horticulture has developed substantially in Morocco over the last decades, with many associated benefits.
However, it has also brought by a dramatic increase in the consumption of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, including fumigants.
Among these, methyl bromide, once widely used for the control of soilborne pests and diseases, is subjected to controls and phase-out under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting potential.
Final phase-out for developing countries like Morocco is due on January 1, 2015.
As fewer chemicals are available to growers other fumigants and pesticides besides MB are also subjected to regulatory restrictions, and importing markets are demanding produce grown with fewer chemicals production within the high quality standards favoured by end consumers becomes a true challenge.
With the aim of developing reliable, non-chemical soil pest management options, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has set up a composting pilot unit in Agadir in cooperation with APEFEL (Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Exporters) and AGRINEWTECH. Composting processes, optimum compost production methods, as well as compost composition and quality parameters and application methods were evaluated, before promoting the technology among vegetable growers.
This option has further provided an excellent solution to the large amounts of organic waste typically generated by horticulture, turning waste into a natural fertilizer that is rich in antagonists, and which has become a valuable input for enhancing the sustainability of the agro-industry sectors involved.
However, it has also brought by a dramatic increase in the consumption of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, including fumigants.
Among these, methyl bromide, once widely used for the control of soilborne pests and diseases, is subjected to controls and phase-out under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting potential.
Final phase-out for developing countries like Morocco is due on January 1, 2015.
As fewer chemicals are available to growers other fumigants and pesticides besides MB are also subjected to regulatory restrictions, and importing markets are demanding produce grown with fewer chemicals production within the high quality standards favoured by end consumers becomes a true challenge.
With the aim of developing reliable, non-chemical soil pest management options, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has set up a composting pilot unit in Agadir in cooperation with APEFEL (Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Exporters) and AGRINEWTECH. Composting processes, optimum compost production methods, as well as compost composition and quality parameters and application methods were evaluated, before promoting the technology among vegetable growers.
This option has further provided an excellent solution to the large amounts of organic waste typically generated by horticulture, turning waste into a natural fertilizer that is rich in antagonists, and which has become a valuable input for enhancing the sustainability of the agro-industry sectors involved.
Publication
Authors
R. Savigliano, Z. Hanich, M. Pugliese, M. Pizano
Keywords
methyl bromide, Montreal Protocol, ozone layer protection, soil health management, sustainable agriculture, UNIDO
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