Supporting sustainable agriculture aims to increase the soil’s organic matter and carbon sequestration, decrease carbon emissions and pesticide usage, while improving soil health and crop yield. This is achieved by strengthening both soil and plant immunity through the use of organic-based biostimulants instead of pesticides and fertilizers.
The project was initiated in 2024. A 324 m² area allocated for Migros Ticaret in Kayseri was divided into four equal plots, and trials were conducted in these plots. In plots 1 and 2, Sultan variety green lentil seeds obtained from the Kayseri Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry were sown between sugar beets, and varying rates of biostimulants were applied. In plot 3, green lentils were also intercropped, but no biostimulants were used. Plot 4 was designated as the control plot, where neither green lentils were sown nor biostimulants applied.
Before and after harvest, soil and plant samples were collected and analyzed for organic matter, nitrogen, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni, Si, Cd, B, Cr, Cu, antioxidants, enzymes, plant hormones, organic acids, and amino acids. The same procedure has been followed this year as well. The project is currently in the analysis phase, and it is planned to be monitored for at least three years to report its development.
Increase organic matter in agricultural fields
Prevent water and nutrient loss through minimum tillage practices
Ensure efficient water management via controlled and pressurized irrigation instead of flood irrigation
Grow strong and productive crops using balanced plant nutrition with biostimulants
Avoid unnecessary pesticide use by applying alternative methods
Utilize smart agriculture monitoring systems
Record and track production through digital farming applications
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions during production and harvesting by minimizing pesticide/fertilizer use, applying biological pest control, and implementing minimum tillage
Based on the plant analyses obtained in the first year, the effects of the treatments were evaluated. According to the results, the first treatment—biostimulants in two doses combined with intercropped lentils—showed the highest impact on nutrient content and uptake of sugar beet roots. This was followed by the second treatment (biostimulants in two doses with intercropped lentils), and the third treatment (intercropped lentils only). All three treatments were statistically more significant compared to the control group.
Similarly, for antioxidant enzymes, plant hormones, organic acids, and amino acids, the first treatment again demonstrated the highest effect, followed by the second and third treatments — all statistically more significant than the control.
According to our 2024 report, noticeable benefits were achieved in parcels 1 and 2, with improvements in crop productivity, sugar content, and other parameters. To demonstrate soil improvement — the main focus of the project — two sets of data have been shared.
Figure 7. Evaluation of the impact of biostimulant sugar beet–lentil intercropping applications on soil quality index and soil rehabilitation (Regenerative Agriculture) using PCA.
Worries about reduced yield performance from the producer’s perspective
Lack of legislation and enforcement mechanisms related to regenerative agriculture
Lack of knowledge and awareness
Economic challenges and lack of infrastructure
Mismatch between growth periods and characteristics of main vs. intercrop species
Concerns about market access and buyer availability for the secondary crop
Unexpected agricultural frosts caused by climate change
Challenges in measuring greenhouse gas emissions during production and harvesting, and difficulties in recording consumption data related to emissions
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