Agricultural Innovation Research Articles

Adapting smallholder irrigation systems to extreme events: a case of the Transforming Irrigation in Southern Africa (TISA) project in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Smallholder irrigation schemes are vulnerable to increased climate variability and change, particularly increased water stress. This paper explores whether the introduction of Agricultural Innovation Platforms and soil monitoring tools in smallholder irrigation schemes can improve the adaptive capacity of farmers and schemes in the Insiza District. Drawing on household survey and qualitative data, collected through the Transforming Irrigation in Southern Africa project, we analyse a comprehensive set of measures across four domains: field, household, community and markets. We find that social capacity and increased climate adaptation can be built with modest cost through combined social and technological interventions.

Box Design Selection for Portable Minapadi Based on Hydrostatic and Thermal Loading Simulation

Land conversions pose a threat to food security. Urban agriculture is considered to be a solution to this issue. Urban agricultural innovations are diverse, including vertiminaponics, cube-model microirrigation, and Nonpowered Automatic Fertigation systems. The development of a powerless automatic fertigation innovation involves creating a portable Minapadi concept by substituting some components, such as pots, with fiberglass boxes. This study aims to achieve a good box design to support the concept of urban agriculture. The study began by testing 10 fiberglass samples on a UTM machine to obtain the mechanical properties of the material, such as the modulus of elasticity, which were input into a computer simulator along with other physical and mechanical properties. The computer-aided simulator used was the ANSYS 2024 R2 Student software, simulating two potential box designs: the first box had a thickness of 4 mm with a lateral support in the middle of its vertical span, while the second box had a thickness of 6 mm without lateral support. Loading was applied hydrostatically with water level heights ranging from 50 to 400 mm and thermal loading simulating solar radiation. The results of this study show that solar radiation has a minimal impact on box deformation, whereas water-level height plays a significant role in box deformation. The first box design was considered the best based on deformation due to hydrostatic pressure, with a maximum deformation of 2.175 mm under hydrostatic loading with a water level height of 400 mm.

Challenges in Singapore Aquaculture and Possible Solutions

Singapore’s aquaculture sector is critical to achieving the nation’s ‘30 by 30’ food security goal, which aims to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030. However, the sector faces several significant challenges. Limited land and water resources, high operational costs, disease outbreaks, reliance on imported seedstock, and environmental impact are among the key issues. Additionally, the industry struggles with a shortage of skilled manpower and high dependency on foreign labour. This study explores these challenges in detail and suggests potential solutions to enhance the sustainability and productivity of Singapore’s aquaculture. Innovative farming techniques such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) and vertical farming, advanced water quality management, and the adoption of renewable energy sources are recommended to address space and cost constraints. Developing local breeding facilities, enhancing education and training programs, and adopting sustainable practices are also crucial. The establishment of a national hatchery and increased investment in research and development (R&D) are essential for long-term growth. By implementing these strategies, Singapore can overcome the challenges in its aquaculture sector and ensure a sustainable future for local food production.

Global Meta-Analysis of Innovation Attributes Influencing Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption for Sustainable Development

Climate-smart agricultural technologies offer transformative potential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially in mitigating extreme weather impacts and enhancing food security. Despite this potential, adoption rates remain limited due to various factors, with perceived complexity playing a significant role. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the influence of perceived innovation complexity on adopting climate-smart technologies. Using frameworks of the Technology Acceptance Model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, we systematically reviewed 28 studies and conducted a meta-analysis of 15 studies across diverse geographic contexts. Our findings from the systematic review indicate inconsistent results on the impact of complexity on adoption due to the different items and scales used to measure the concepts of complexity across contexts, suggesting that there is a need for the development of a standardized scale to measure complexity. Results from the meta-analysis generated a summary effect size (r = 0.51, 95% CI = [0.05, 0.72], z = 6.78, p ≤ 0.0001), revealing a significant relationship between perceived complexity and adoption intent. The effect size of 0.51 indicates that higher complexity levels significantly decrease the likelihood of adoption intent for climate-smart technologies. Differences in CSA research trends across geographic regions highlight the need for tailored approaches to technology adoption that take into account the specific capabilities and constraints of each region. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, Extension professionals, and technology developers to design interventions to promote ease of use and enhance technology diffusion in sustainable farming practices and food security. These findings contribute to ongoing efforts to foster sustainable agricultural innovations, offering guidance to accelerate the global transition to more resilient farming systems.

Agricultural Innovations and Adaptations to Climate Change in the Northern Cameroon Region

Adaptation to climate change has remained a major socio-ecological issue in the Northern Region of Cameroon since 1973. Presently, this region is subject to the severe chaos of drought, floods, and ecosystem degradation, causing harm and disrupting climatic patterns. Climate change results in the drying of surface water and crops, threatening food security and the well-being of households. It has a serious impact on the entire agricultural production system at global scale. Here, it is suggested that successive adjustments to deeper systemic and transformational adaptations through efforts from NGOs, the Government, and donors, as well as innovations, are necessary to offset the negative impact of climate change on the agricultural value chain. Therefore, this research aimed to identify adaptation strategies and practices for rural communities and households, who suffer from limited access to these agricultural innovations, for a transformative adaptation. Through surveys and focus group discussions carried out in several villages in the Northern Cameroon Region, this study provides empirical data on emerging agricultural innovations in contrasting socio-economic, agricultural, and ecological contexts. Our findings demonstrate that agricultural innovations fostered at the village level have several characteristics that contribute to adaptation and mitigation of the impact of climate change. To begin with, conservation agriculture is very interesting, because crop residues left on the soil protect it from rainfall and dry winds, and gradually add humus to the top soil. In addition, agroforestry plays an important role for the household regarding ecosystem services, including food supply, soil fertility, protection from erosion, regulation of water regime, and sociocultural value. Generally, heads of households (83%) were more involved in innovative initiatives than other social strata, resulting in unequal access and proximity to agricultural innovations. Furthermore, the results highlight a significant lack of coordination and poor visibility of permanent structures supporting agricultural innovations at local level, weakening the sustainable transformation of adaptation. From a scientific perspective, this study could help build a conceptual relationship between agricultural innovation and sustainability transformation, i.e., a climate-smart agriculture. In practice, it provides levers that can be used to multiply and expedite agricultural innovation processes, water conservation, and livestock sustainability, thus contributing to the sustainability of the whole agricultural system in Cameroon and within the Sahel region of Africa.

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Digital Village Construction and Agroecological Efficiency in China

Whether digital village construction can effectively promote agriculture’s green development is essential for modernizing agriculture and rural areas. Using panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2022, this study empirically examines the relationship between digital village construction and agroecological efficiency and explores its mechanism of action and threshold effect, contributing to the exploration of agricultural digitization and sustainable development. This study shows that (1) AEE is positively associated with digital village construction; (2) the positive association size varies in regions and construction levels; (3) agricultural land transfer and technological innovation play a mediating role in the positive effect; and (4) there is a single threshold value for the positive effect of digital village construction, and after crossing the threshold value, its marginal effect shows a positive and increasing nonlinear characteristic. This study enhances our comprehension of digital village development to advance agroecological efficiency and offers theoretical insights and policy recommendations for optimizing the rural digital infrastructure and fostering sustainable agricultural growth.

Influence of Communication on Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Agriculture Innovations in Damongo of the Savannah Region of Ghana

Influence of Communication on Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Agriculture Innovations in Damongo of the Savannah Region of Ghana

Determinants of adoption of automation and robotics technology in the agriculture sector–A mixed methods, narrative, interpretive knowledge synthesis

Automation and robotics technologies in agriculture promise to increase productivity with a smaller environmental footprint. However, adoption of agri-innovations is rarely a simple decision. The decision to adopt is determined by numerous factors. Employing a mixed methods narrative, interpretive knowledge synthesis, we review 72 unique studies between 2017–2021, and conduct a thematic analysis. Noting the innate complexity of agriculture, we identify 13 determinants of adoption of automation and robotic technologies in agriculture: data; farm characteristics and surrounding physical environment; farmer characteristics; policy and regulation; labour’s absorptive capacity; social elements; interoperability; standards; access to information; operational benefits; public infrastructure; technological characteristics; and uncertainty and risk. We conclude with seven observations. First, while automation and robotics are promising agri-innovations, they will not be appropriate or beneficial for all farms. There are other forms of agricultural innovation, and their uptake likely will always vary even within the same commodity and region. Second, taking a reductive approach to understanding adoption of agri-innovations may hinder the transformation to sustainable agriculture production systems; it is important to understand the role of complexity in shaping the dynamic interplay among determinants. Third, public infrastructure is more than just the Internet, yet there was little reference to other forms of public infrastructure in the dataset. Fourth, while many papers argue public policy is important for increasing the adoption of these innovations, few provide concrete policy suggestions or scalable examples. Fifth, trust and transparency are central to adoption. Technology developers need to take farmers concerns and needs seriously. Sixth, technology developers must offer practical solutions to real problems. Seventh, automation and robotics encompasses many technologies, and yet no standard or consistent terminology exists. This makes communication about these innovations more difficult. We propose a typology under the rubric of data-driven agricultural technologies.

Can nanotechnology and genomics innovations trigger agricultural revolution and sustainable development?

At the dawn of new millennium, policy makers and researchers focused on sustainable agricultural growth, aiming for food security and enhanced food quality. Several emerging scientific innovations hold the promise to meet the future challenges. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to tackle the diverse challenges in agriculture. By leveraging nanomaterials, including nano fertilizers, pesticides, and sensors, it provides targeted delivery methods, enhancing efficacy in both crop production and protection. This integration of nanotechnology with agriculture introduces innovations like disease diagnostics, improved nutrient uptake in plants, and advanced delivery systems for agrochemicals. These precision-based approaches not only optimize resource utilization but also reduce environmental impact, aligning well with sustainability objectives. Concurrently, genetic innovations, including genome editing and advanced breeding techniques, enable the development of crops with improved yield, resilience, and nutritional content. The emergence of precision gene-editing technologies, exemplified by CRISPR/Cas9, can transform the realm of genetic modification and enabled precise manipulation of plant genomes while avoiding the incorporation of external DNAs. Integration of nanotechnology and genetic innovations in agriculture presents a transformative approach. Leveraging nanoparticles for targeted genetic modifications, nanosensors for early plant health monitoring, and precision nanomaterials for controlled delivery of inputs offers a sustainable pathway towards enhanced crop productivity, resource efficiency, and food safety throughout the agricultural lifecycle. This comprehensive review outlines the pivotal role of nanotechnology in precision agriculture, emphasizing soil health improvement, stress resilience against biotic and abiotic factors, environmental sustainability, and genetic engineering.

Advancements in Hydroponic Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Hydroponics, the practice of growing plants without soil using mineral nutrient solutions in water, represents a significant shift in agricultural methodologies. Modern hydroponic systems have evolved substantially since the early 20th century, with advancements in system design, automation, nutrient management, and environmental control enhancing efficiency, scalability, and applicability. This review examines recent innovations that have addressed traditional challenges and created new opportunities for hydroponic cultivation. Hydroponics offers advantages over traditional soil-based agriculture, including precise nutrient control, reduced water usage, and the elimination of soil-borne diseases and pests. These benefits are critical in addressing modern agricultural challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and the need for increased food production for a growing global population. Hydroponic systems can be implemented in diverse environments, making them adaptable solutions for enhancing food security and sustainability. Key developments in various hydroponic systems are highlighted, including the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), Ebb and Flow, Aeroponics, Wick Systems, and Drip Systems. Innovations in these systems focus on optimizing nutrient delivery, oxygenation, and integrating sensors for precise control, improving overall performance and yield. Technological advancements, such as automation and control systems, sensors, and monitoring technologies, have revolutionized hydroponic farming by enabling real-time data collection and environmental management. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart farming practices, combined with data analytics and machine learning, has further optimized system performance and decision-making. LED lighting and vertical farming techniques have maximized space utilization and improved crop yields, particularly in urban environments. Advances in nutrient solutions, disease management, and water quality have optimized plant health and resource efficiency. Economic and environmental considerations, including cost-benefit analyses and comparisons with traditional agriculture, highlight the potential for hydroponics to offer better returns on investment and reduce environmental impact. Despite the significant progress, challenges such as high initial setup costs and technical complexities remain. Future research opportunities and interdisciplinary collaborations are essential to address these challenges and drive further innovation in hydroponic farming.

Wild again: recovery of a beneficial Cannabis seed endophyte from low domestication genotypes

BackgroundBeyond carrying the plant embryo, seeds harbour intricate microbial communities whose transmission across successive plant generations can significantly influence the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plant–microbe symbioses. The process of plant domestication has potential repercussions in genes involved in plant-microbiome interactions. However, the extent to which breeding can impact the seed microbiome is sparsely explored. Cannabis is a high-value crop but sparsely subjected to agricultural innovations established in other crop species during the last century. Here, we conduct a large-scale analysis of the bacterial seed microbiome of Cannabis across different domestication grades and investigate the potential of seed-associated endophytes as plant growth-promoting agents under both controlled and field conditions.ResultsAnalysis of Cannabis seed endophyte composition and diversity across 46 plant genotypes revealed 813 different bacterial genera with a predominance of Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, Actinobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria but a genotype-specific microbiome. The assessment of domestication and breeding on microbial assembly revealed a higher bacterial diversity in low domestication genotypes (Shannon index, H′: 1.21 vs. 1.05) and a higher homogeneity in bacterial composition caused by line development. Further, a seed bacterial isolate (Bacillus frigoritolerans C1141) associated with low domestication genotypes, and with genes associated with bio-fertilization, bioremediation and phytohormone production, increased plant growth by 42.3% at the time of harvest, under field conditions.ConclusionThis study addresses critical knowledge gaps related to the assembly of the Cannabis seed-endophytic microbiome. It reveals that Cannabis breeding is linked to alterations of seed microbial communities, which potentially led to the loss of bacteria with functional significance. These results highlight the importance of preserving seed microbiomes in plant breeding to support sustainable plant health and growth enhancement in Cannabis.CAHvc7HPtw2foEoMit4yw-Video

Public Preparedness for Agricultural Investment and its Contribution to Sustainable Economic Growth in Nigeria

Purpose: The study investigated public preparedness for agricultural investment and its contribution to and economic growth in Nigeria. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess the level of individuals' awareness on the current condition of the agriculture industry in Nigeria, public's perspective of the substantial influence of agricultural on Nigeria's overall economic growth, the preparedness of citizens to invest in the agriculture sector for the enhancement of Nigeria's economic growth and delineate the agriculture sector's contribution to GDP. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on Lewis (1979) theory of impacting economic growth. Method: The study utilized a descriptive research approach involving 133 respondents across the 36 states, including the federal capital territory, whose major vocation is food production. The samples were selected by a convenience sampling method, considering the respondent geographic closeness and included only those present throughout the survey. Closed-ended questionnaire was utilized as a data-collecting instrument to assess the variables under study; the data on the contribution of agricultural practices to GDP was access from Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (2022-2023). To ensure content validity, the survey instrument was validated utilizing the Lawshe's template. A threshold of 0.99 was noted, signifying that the questionnaire was both representative and comprehensible. The Cronbach alpha technique yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.83, affirming the instrument's homogeneity. The data was analyzed using frequency counts (f) and percentages (%) while the results was presented in graphs. Findings: The survey revealed that most respondents are aware of the current state of agriculture in Nigeria. The heightened awareness has impacted public perception of agriculture's significant role in national economic growth, as the majority of respondents acknowledged that agriculture not only provides food for the populace but also improves farmers' living standards by reducing poverty and hunger, thus promoting economic development. They are willing to invest in agriculture despite a decline in production and a reduced contribution to the national GDP. Conclusion: Although the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP has diminished, individuals are inclined to invest in agriculture therefore, enhanced engagement in agriculture, along with Nigeria's extensive arable land and various people and material resources, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural innovations, will result in significant economic growth.

Methodological guidelines for a rapid appraisal of agricultural innovation systems under agroecology (RAAIS-AE)

The agricultural innovation system (AIS) is an approach that considers agricultural innovation from a multidisciplinary perspective. The Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems is one of the commonly used operational methods. It involves a series of structured and participatory activities, including interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholder workshops, to identify the actors, institutions, and relationships involved in the AIS, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the system. This approach has been structured in such a manner that it adapts easily to different contexts where different stakeholders, such as developers, academicians, and policymakers are working with community members on innovation. A reflection on the concept -what to know (the requirements) and what to get (the outputs) is necessary for coming up with practical, reflective analysis and applicable procedures for a deeper understanding of the context where the innovations are introduced. Following this will enable us to fully understand the bottlenecks in transitioning from conventional systems to an agroecological model thus pinpointing potential entry points for promoting these systems’ dissemination and scaling.

Climate Information as A Support for Optimizing Agricultural Public Policies: A Comparative Analysis Among Peasant Communities in The Middle Couffo (Benin) And Kpékplémé In the Middle Mono in The South-East of Togo

Responses to climate change often take the form of strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacities of communities vulnerable to hazards. To this end, climate information is very crucial and must constitute an essential element of local public agricultural policies. In this perspective, how do local communities participate in the popularization of climate information in order to establish sustainable strategies for climate resilience? This involves analyzing the role of local communities in agricultural extension through the dissemination of climate information. The methodological approach taken is based on the observation of the agrarian landscape and the modification of the finage, the techniques of resilience of the peasant communities and semi-structured interviews carried out with 221 targeted actors in three agricultural communes of Moyen-Couffo in Benin. and in Kpékplémé and Aklakou in southern Togo. The analytical approach oriented from the perspective of local agricultural public policies has made it possible to bring climate information closer to a competence of local communities. This article, based on a corpus of resilience itineraries, sheds light on the role of local authorities in anticipating and adapting to climate change. It appears from the cases studied that the promotion of sustainable adaptation strategies depends on a local public agricultural policy supported by planning and agricultural innovations based on climate information and their popularization by decentralized territorial entities.

Enhancing Food Security in an Era of Rising Fertilizer Prices: Evaluation of an Intervention Promoting Mungbean Adoption in Nepal

The improved food security in Asia that has facilitated the region’s development progress depends on nitrogenous fertilizers. Rising prices and shortages of imported fertilizer have prompted countries to explore alternative sources of crop nitrogen, including diversification with legumes. We evaluate an intervention in Nepal that promoted mungbean adoption. Our doubly robust impact evaluation approach accounts for nonrandom patterns of adoption related to livestock rearing, participation in agricultural cooperatives and training, and greater irrigated land use. Adopters growing mungbean for the 2-year study period showed an average increase of 20 kilograms (kg) in their annual consumption of mungbean-based foods, applied almost 40[Formula: see text]kg per hectare (ha) less fertilizers to their rice crops, and obtained an additional 280[Formula: see text]kg in rice yield per ha. Hence, agricultural innovations that use legumes such as mungbean can help promote sustainable intensification of cereal-based production systems, while enhancing food security and reducing balance-of-payments issues for the countries dependent on fertilizer imports.

Bridging research and practice: developing beekeeping knowledge and innovation systems

This paper presents the concept of a Beekeeping Knowledge and Innovation System (B-KIS). This concept is closely related to the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) – both theoretically and methodologically. By adopting a B-KIS approach we can: a) depict the general structure and functioning of activities aiming for knowledge development, innovation and learning within the apicultural sector; b) improve understanding of how services for beekeepers are embedded into national B-KIS; and c) provide some conceptual elements to support the development of a national or regionally adapted communication strategy for improved sustainability of beekeeping. From a policy perspective, it is important that the B-KIS becomes integrated into the national strategic AKIS plans.

Comprehensive Exploration of CRISPR and Gene Editing Technologies: Applications, Ethical Considerations, and Future Implications in Genetic Research

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and other gene-editing technologies have revolutionized genetic research by enabling precise, targeted modifications of DNA sequences. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of CRISPR technology, detailing its development, mechanism of action, and versatility in diverse applications. From advancements in medicine, including therapeutic interventions for genetic disorders, to innovations in agriculture aimed at enhancing crop resilience and yield, CRISPR's transformative potential is vast. However, the rapid evolution of gene editing presents significant ethical and societal challenges, particularly concerning human germline editing, ecological impacts, and issues of accessibility and equity. This paper examines these ethical considerations, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and responsible scientific practices. It also projects the future trajectory of gene editing technologies, speculating on emerging trends, possible breakthroughs, and the global implications of CRISPR in fields such as personalized medicine, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. By critically analyzing current applications and addressing ethical concerns, this study aims to provide a balanced perspective on CRISPR's potential to reshape genetic research while advocating for ethical governance and public engagement in its ongoing development. CRISPR’s ability to target specific genes with high accuracy has made it an invaluable tool not only in research laboratories but also in clinical settings, where it shows promise in treating previously incurable diseases. Recent advancements have extended CRISPR’s applications beyond simple gene knockout, allowing for base editing, prime editing, and epigenetic modifications that expand the possibilities for genetic correction and enhancement. As scientists explore using CRISPR in complex organisms, the precision and control required for safe and effective treatments become a key focus, particularly in addressing off-target effects that could lead to unintended genetic consequences.

Agricultural innovation for climate change: limited but positive impacts of commercialized drought-tolerant corn

Abstract The extent to which new technologies can countervail the risks posed by climate change is a critical element for designing adaptation strategies. This study uses new experimental data spanning 17 US states from 2008 to 2023 to examine the potential impact of recently commercialized drought tolerant (DT) traits on both yield and yield resilience in US corn production. We find that there is no yield advantage for DT hybrids under average weather conditions, but they improve yield resilience, particularly with respect to precipitation. These effects are spatially heterogeneous, such that DT has a positive yield impact in the droughty, western US, but a small, or even negative, impact in the central and eastern US. In addition, the presence of DT reduces yield variance and kurtosis, and increases skewness, all of which imply a reduction in yield risk. Using the statistical model estimates, we project the impact of DT on corn yields under future climate conditions obtained from 20 general circulation models with two representative concentration pathways. The projected ensemble means of yield gains are 6.34 bu/acre and 5.39 bu/acre under moderate and extreme warming scenarios, respectively, by the mid-twenty-first century. These gains compensate for 23% and 13.5% of total yield loss due to climate change. Our results indicate that current commercial DT hybrids reduce yield risk, improve resilience with respect to precipitation, and have the potential to offer moderate benefits under climate change warming scenarios.

Climate change, agricultural transformation and climate smart agriculture development in China

Against the backdrop of increasingly severe global climate change, it has become an inevitable choice to promote the transformation of agriculture oriented to climate smart agriculture. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate realistic problem faced by China's agricultural transformation and identify key factors affecting agricultural development under the background of climate change. The paper constructs a linear econometric model and employes time series data from 1990 to 2019 to empirically test the impact of climate change and agricultural investment on agriculture in China. The results indicate that climate change has a negative impact on agriculture, while agricultural investment has a positive impact. Therefore, it is necessary to promote agricultural transformation oriented to climate smart agriculture. To this end, China must vigorously promote agricultural system reform, accelerate agricultural technological innovation, accelerate the development of agricultural big data and informatization, and strengthen financial support for agriculture.

Organic farming innovations: Cultivation of wheatgrass microgreens in soil enriched with fruit peels and antimicrobial assessment

ObjectiveThis study explores the viability of fruit peel-enriched soils as a sustainable growth medium, acting as a biofertilizer for wheatgrass microgreens. Additionally, the research seeks to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of fruit peels, typically considered agricultural waste, to determine their influence on plant growth parameters. MethodsFruit peels from pomegranate, orange, and sweet lime were collected and processed into powder, and diluted with water to create enriched soil. Wheatgrass microgreens were cultivated in conventional potting soil and soil enriched with fruit peel powder. Growth parameters, including germination rates, shoot and root length, and total yield of wheatgrass microgreens, were monitored over a 15-day growth cycle. Antimicrobial analysis was conducted on selected fruit peels, assessing their impact on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to a control (Rifampicin). ResultsThe results, analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey (post hoc) tests, indicate significant differences among fruit peel-enriched soils. Pomegranate peel emerged as a particularly effective enhancer of wheatgrass microgreen growth. Furthermore, the antimicrobial analysis revealed that pomegranate and sweet lime peels exhibited superior properties, with a notable zone of inhibition effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to the control (Rifampicin). ConclusionThis study demonstrates the potential of fruit peels as effective biofertilizers to promote wheatgrass microgreen growth in sustainable agricultural practices. The multifaceted benefits include enhanced crop development and the discovery of natural antimicrobial agents, particularly in pomegranate and sweet lime peels. These findings support the broader adoption of environmentally conscious approaches in agriculture, emphasizing the value of utilizing agricultural waste for plant growth promotion and the development of natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents.