By Zoila Palma: Belize is strengthening climate-smart agriculture through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques, following an expert mission convened by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFNGI) in partnership with national and regional research institutions.
The mission was carried out under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)–supported Project BZE5012, which focuses on optimizing soil, water, and nutrient management in rainfed farming systems.
It brought together key stakeholders from MAFNGI, the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the University of Belize (UB).
The mission, held from January 26–30, 2026, was led by Dr. Bruno José Rodrigues Alves of Brazil’s Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA).
Activities began at Central Farm, where national researchers and agronomists reviewed ongoing soybean and corn trials, assessed experimental designs, and strengthened protocols for data collection and plant sample processing in line with international standards for nitrogen-15 (N15) isotope analysis.
The focus was on improving fertilizer use efficiency and reducing nitrogen losses to the environment, key components of climate-smart agriculture.
From January 28–30, the team continued fieldwork at SIRDI research plots in the Corozal District within the northern sugarcane belt. Hands-on training was conducted in systematic sampling of sugarcane leaves and stalks for N15 analysis, allowing researchers to trace how applied fertilizer moves through crops and soils.
The initiative evaluates soybean, corn, and sugarcane using advanced isotope techniques, while also strengthening laboratory readiness at CARDI and SIRDI.
Funded through the IAEA technical cooperation programme, the project positions Belize to improve yields, lower production costs, and support sustainable growth across key agricultural value chains.
The post Belize boosts Climate-Smart Agriculture with Nuclear techniques to improve fertilizer efficiency appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belize is strengthening climate-smart agriculture through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques, following an expert mission convened by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFNGI) in partnership with national and regional research institutions. The mission was carried out under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)–supported Project BZE5012,
The post Belize boosts Climate-Smart Agriculture with Nuclear techniques to improve fertilizer efficiency appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
