An international study revealed that the combination and diversity of crops, along with plant species rotation, can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in agricultural soils. The research, led by Nanjing Normal University in China and involving scientists from CREAF and CSIC, also warns about the impact of antibiotic use in livestock and irrigation with wastewater on the proliferation of these microorganisms.
Every year, thousands of people worldwide die from infections caused by superbugs, microorganisms capable of resisting most available antibiotics. Globally, it is estimated that by 2050 this number could exceed 10 million deaths per year.
Agricultural soils have been identified as an important source of these bacteria’s spread. This is due to the use of animal manure, which contains residues of antibiotics and resistant microorganisms, favoring their dissemination in the environment.
The key is in biodiversity and crop combination
The study, published in Advanced Science, showed that crops with greater species diversity reduce antibiotic resistance genes by between 20% and 50%. The explanation lies in the root exudates of plants, which release compounds such as sugars, hormones, and amino acids that feed soil microorganisms.
The greater the variety of crops, the greater the diversity of these compounds generated, promoting more varied and competitive microbial communities. Thus, the proliferation of resistant bacteria is hindered, as they must compete for resources with other less harmful species.
A risk that reaches the table
Resistant bacteria can adhere to fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products, entering the human body if foods are not properly washed or cooked. Once in the intestine, these microorganisms can transfer their resistance genes to the microbiota, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics in future infections.
Therefore, researchers emphasize the importance of implementing polycultures and crop rotation as an effective solution to reduce the presence of superbugs in soils. They also recommend avoiding the use of untreated manure, restricting irrigation with wastewater, and reducing the unnecessary administration of antibiotics in animals.
Experimental results
The experiment was carried out for seven months in pots with different types of soil and crops. In those with greater plant diversity, a significant reduction in antibiotic resistance genes was recorded, especially in soils rich in organic matter.
These findings reinforce the need to promote more sustainable and diversified agricultural practices, such as crop combination, to combat the spread of superbugs and protect public health.
What are the environmental benefits of crops?
Sustainable, ecological, and conservation crops have environmental benefits such as:
- Reduction of erosion: Protects the soil and maintains its nutrients.
- Improvement of water quality: Prevents water source contamination.
- Improvement of air quality: Reduces the need for agrochemical substances that pollute the air.
- Increased biodiversity: Promotes biodiversity and contributes to animal welfare.
- Carbon sequestration: Carbon is sequestered in the soil, helping to combat climate change.
- Soil structure improvement: Enhances soil formation and structure.
- More efficient use of water resources: Improves water management.
- Generation of carbon credits: Carbon credits can be generated.
- Healthier food: Organic products are free from harmful residues.
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