2024-03-14
Mica-Could Kaolin Clay Replace Pesticides in Crops?
Farmers consider how other species influence crops to create a nourishing agricultural environment. Hungry insects, fungi and animals search for delicious dinners and put farms at risk, so crops need effective yet healthy ways to deter pests.Environmental concerns grow as the density of pesticides detected in soil, air, water and organisms rises. Chemical-free alternatives like kaolin clay could be a solution for protecting plants using local resources.Kaolin clay is a plentiful and accessible resource for African agriculturalists. There are over 290 kaolin clay deposits on the continent. Smartly harvesting this natural resource could create a safety net for the future of plants and farmers.