Press Release
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFNGI), in partnership with the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the University of Belize (UB), convened an expert mission under the IAEA-supported Project BZE5012, “Use of Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques for Optimizing Soil–Water–Nutrient Management in Rainfed Agriculture Systems.”
The mission, conducted from January 26–30, 2026, was led by consultant Dr. Bruno José Rodrigues Alves of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). Key participants included senior research and department heads, Mr. Luis Hernandez and Ms. Teresita Balan (MAFNGI); Ms. Omaira Avila Rostant (CARDI); Mrs. Leticia Westby (SIRDI); and Dr. Geraldo Aldana (UB), supported by their respective technical teams of researchers and agronomists.
The mission, entitled “Expert Mission to Follow-up on Use of N15 Isotope Fertilizer Use Efficiency” (EVT2501699), focused on strengthening Belize’s technical capacity to improve fertilizer use efficiency, reducing nitrogen losses to the environment, and advancing climate-smart agricultural practices. Between January 26–28, 2026, activities were conducted at Central Farm, where Dr. Bruno José Rodrigues Alves, together with the national team, assessed ongoing soybean and corn research trials. The team reviewed experimental designs, data collection methodologies, and protocols for processing plant samples, ensuring alignment with international standards for N15 isotope analysis.
From January 28–30, 2026, the mission advanced to the SIRDI research plots in the Corozal District, located within Belize’s northern sugarcane belt. During this phase, Dr. Bruno José Rodrigues Alves and the national team conducted hands-on training in field sampling techniques. Sugarcane plots were systematically sampled by collecting dry leaves, green leaves, and stalks to generate material for subsequent N15 isotope analysis. These samples will enable researchers to trace the fate of applied nitrogen within the crop system, providing critical data on fertilizer uptake, soil retention, and potential environmental losses.
Through this collaborative effort, three priority crops, soybean, corn, and sugarcane, are being evaluated using nitrogen isotope (N15) techniques. This approach will enable researchers to determine how applied fertilizer is absorbed by plants, retained in the soil, or lost to the environment, thereby supporting the development of more precise and cost-effective fertilizer recommendations. In addition to field evaluations, the expert mission reviewed the operational readiness of CARDI and SIRDI laboratories to handle N15-labeled samples. Practical guidance was provided on equipment operation, sample milling, and packaging procedures to ensure proper preparation for external N15 analysis. These measures strengthen Belize’s technical capacity to apply nuclear techniques in agriculture and enhance the reliability of future research outcomes.
This initiative, funded through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) technical cooperation programme under Project BZE5012, positions Belize to use advanced nuclear and isotopic tools to optimize soil–water–nutrient management, increase yields, and support sustainable growth in key agricultural value chains.
The post Belize Advances Climate-Smart Farming with Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Press Release The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFNGI), in partnership with the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the University of Belize (UB), convened an expert mission under the IAEA-supported Project BZE5012, “Use of Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques for Optimizing
The post Belize Advances Climate-Smart Farming with Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
