
Sustainable management of land for agriculture (educational outreach)
15.2.5
SDG15

Sustainable management of land for agriculture (educational outreach)
In the third phase of the USR (University Social Responsibility) program, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is promoting natural farming and microbial farming methods, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and mitigating the negative impact of agriculture on soil, ecosystems, and biodiversity. The team further integrates hillside farming with disaster prevention measures, addressing extreme climate events and the specific geographical characteristics of the region. This includes stabilizing slopes, managing water resources, and protecting the environment to ensure the long-term productivity of agricultural land. Additionally, the concept of agricultural circular economy is introduced by processing non-standard green asparagus into new products, reducing agricultural waste. This not only lessens the burden on the land caused by waste but also enhances the overall value chain of agriculture.
The establishment of the rice carbon sequestration demonstration base facilitates carbon absorption during the rice growth process, and by incorporating the remaining plant material back into the soil after harvest, organic matter is formed, promoting carbon sequestration and thereby protecting and restoring soil health. The promotion of natural farming preserves the natural structure and nutrients of the soil, reduces the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, helps maintain soil biodiversity, and fosters the balance of the agricultural ecosystem. Moreover, the rice carbon sequestration can be converted into additional income for farmers through carbon credit trading. This not only creates new revenue streams for farmers but also encourages them to adopt more sustainable farming practices, further promoting environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development.
- Link 1: NCKU USR Program: "Agriculture and Livestock Harmony, and Agro-Green Symbiosis: Technology and Value Innovation with Technological Democracy as the Core Action"
- Link 2: Microbial Farming Connects Local Farmers: NCKU Life Sciences' Third USR Project Drives Sustainable Agricultural Development
- Link 3: Liujia Farmers' Association collaborates with NCKU professors to enhance carbon sequestration in rice paddies, creating new carbon credit income opportunities for farmers