Non destructive techniques for food quality assesment
Given the global scope of the CoCoFe, do you think the objectives are appropriate? Yes, I think so.
How should be the CoCoFe be structured to have the maximum positive impact? In my opinion, the CoCoFe structure should matches the fertilizers behaviour in soil. Nitrogen fertilizers deserves particular attention, since the stability in soil of mineral N is very few. P, K and other may be grouped in common procedures. I think the CoCoFe structure may be similar to that of 'Good agricultural practices for fertilization', developed in some countries (I know the case of Spain, to which good practices codes I indirectly contributed through my doctoral tesis entitled 'Nitrate leaching under corn monoculture').
Who would be the best audience for the CoCoFe to meet our objectives and how could we broaden and diversify this audience to increase its influence? I think the agents involved in the decisions on the dates when the fertilizers must be applied, they are the best audience. It is today well known that N fertilizers must be saved from rainy seasons, which dramatically lixiviate the mineral nitrogen from the upper layer of the cultivated soil.
What should the scope of the CoCoFe be? Which nutrient input sources should be included; only synthetic fertilizers, or also manure, biosolids, compost, etc.? In my opinion, all fertilizers types should be included. In Europe, the largest points of groundwater contamination by nitrates was produced, some decades ago, by organic residues from big livestock farms.
Should other products such as bio-stimulants, nitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors, etc., be included as well? Yes, in brief.
Will the CoCoFe assist in promoting responsible and judicious use of fertilizers? Yes, it will. Why or why not? It will guides good practices. What other suggestions do you have to help the CoCoFe meet our objectives? I think the 'Good practices for fertilizers management' codes developed in some countries can help.
Д-р. José Antonio Cayuela
Answer to Question A: Yes, I find the proposed scope comprehensive, and I do not see any major gaps or omissions. Perhaps it lacks an explicit mention regarding what is commented on below (Question B).
Answer to Question B: Perhaps it is obvious to mention! In my opinion, one strategy that could aid in the proposed scope can be intensity crop technics, including several types of greenhouse cropping, a large variety of hydroponic techniques, and vertical cropping. This approach has the potential to dramatically increase yields. Nevertheless, an economic assessment is required to determine its suitability. The participation of expert technicians in these crop systems is also necessary for their setup and supervision.