Green Deeds Vol. 10 Contest | #ClimateAction: Do at least two things to fight Climate Change. 06/10/2021

Agriculture is said to be the heart of every living human community as we consume the products obtained from our farmlands. This has been successful over the years but in the quest to produce more food to feed the hungry population, farmers tend to use chemicals in farmlands which does gives good yields and increase income but it has led to so many environmental and health problems like air; land and water pollution which contributes in the negative effects of climates change which also affects plants growth and development by increased and spread of diseases due to pesticide resistance of plants, presence of invasive plants species; and diminishing human health like cancers.

Some methods have been developed like biotechnology to produce plants which are disease resistant, increased food nutrient (solving problems of malnutrition) and insect and pest resistant. These crops can be produce with little or no usage of synthetic substances/chemicals. This is mot still enough as these products are costly to a local farmers so plant extracts have been experimented and found to be successful in treating farmland and environmental problems. Neem and ginger is one of those many plant extracts which have been widely used in organic farming. Some other plants include garlic, black pepper, chili pepper, turmeric and many others. They are been used in liquid and powder form from processing the leaves, barks, seeds or roots to get the available form need to apply in farmlands. These plants also contain important compounds that have many medicinal and beauty properties. In this write up I will be explain how neem oil and ginger can be used to solve some of our agricultural problems at a low cost rate and also solve the problem of environmental hazards and hence climate change.

• It has antioxidant properties which protect the skin from harmful radiations like UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors. Neem contains vitamins and fatty acids which help to improve and maintain the elasticity of the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines. This makes your skin look rejuvenated and youthful.

• Neem has anti-fungal properties which are very helpful in fighting against fungal infection and anti-bacterial properties which protect the skin and keeps the skin free from skin related diseases.

• Neem has medicinal properties and so extracts like oil have been for centuries in the curing of many human diseases with a lot of success. Neem tea produced from the leaves is also widely prescribed to reduce fever, especially the malaria since neem tastes bitter, the tea acquires a similar taste but works magically.

• Neem leaves contain powerful calcium and mineral content in them which help build strong bones and reduce any inflammation. In some branches of medicine, neem leaves and neem oil is often prescribed to elderly patients to relieve arthritic pain and any stiffness or pain which comes with age. Regularly massaging the skin with neem oil also helps promote strong bone health.

• Neem is been used in organic farming as it contains chemical properties which are effective in fighting against plant diseases like fungi, bacteria and nematodes. It also has the ability to repel/ward of insects from attacking and destroying our plants. In your homes, you can keep neem soaked cotton near your windows or burn neem leaves to ward off insects. It is extremely effective and is used to fight mosquito menace. The neem seed residue which is left after oil extraction is good for enriching the soil as it reduces nitrogen loss and works as a nematicide.

• Humans use neem twigs to brush their teeth hence serving a dental hygiene purpose. In our markets we can find toothpaste been made using neem which can be used to ensure good dental health. It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties which keeps away all kinds of dental infections and diseases.

• Neem has the abilities to heal wounds without leaving ugly scars on our skin. Due to its antiseptic nature it is used to heal wounds and also prevents septic infections. Simply apply small amount of neem oil onto the wounds and on scars twice daily until heals. Neem Oil also contains fatty acids which promotes wound healing and make your skin bright and healthy.

From recommendations neem oil can be used for all plants with the respective dosage. I have be carrying out a research on how angular leaf spot disease of beans can be treated organically with success and her is what I did below.

• 8 hours before usage, get a cube of soap and cut 37.5g of soap for a 15L knapsack sprayer (i.e 2.5g/L of water) then soak in 0.5L of water. Or you can use any mild detergent which acts as an emulsifier.

• After 8 hours ensure the soap has fully dissolve and mix well.

• Before spraying first fill in 7L of water into the Knapsac, add in the soap.

• Measure out the required neem oil needed and add. That is 7.5mil/L of water. Add in 7.5L of water and shake very well so that it mixes well. Then spray to your plants.

•Do not put more than the required amount as it can burn the plants instead of ensuring growth and protection from diseases.

• Use neem once every 2-4 weeks during the dry season and once every week during the wet season.

• Apply very early morning or late afternoon. Do not apply neem oil in direct sunlight. It may cause leaf burn.

• carry out spot test on some plants first for sensitivity to sprays.

• Ensure to spray the diluted solution generously on all leaf surfaces including theo lower sides/undersides.

• Store in above 65° F and below 95° F. Neem oil may harden at cooler temperatures, in case it thickens; place the bottle in hot water to melt.

• Ginger contains gingerol which is the main properties (the bioactive substance/compound) that promotes health in human and plants.

• Ginger can help ease digestion, treat nausea, used to manage cold by drinking ginger tea.

• It can help in weight loss. Many people use ginger in weight loss program all over the world.

• It has anti-diabetic properties which help reduce/ lower blood sugars and improve heart disease risks.

• Consuming ginger reduces menstrual pains/cramps in women.

• Ginger has anti-cancer properties which helps reduce cancer occurrence in humans Constant consumption of ginger also reduces cholesterol levels.

• Ginger contains antioxidants and bioactive substances that can inhibit inflammatory responses that can occur in the brain hence enhancing brain function.

• The gingerol helps fight against diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.

• Most importantly, in relation to this contest the gingerol is the active ingredient responsible for the fight against fungal, bacterial, nematodes associated diseases of plants. The smell of the ginger caused by the active ingredient acts as a repellant for insects hence plants are free from insect pests and disease attack.

• Get cloves of ginger about 30g and slice into smaller fragments, add half glass of water and ground using a blender or any means you can.

•Pour out the ground ginger in a bowl and cover for 24 hours for fermentation to take place.

•Drain out the juice using a sieve and take for spraying in your farm.

• spraying percentage always depends on the crop type and age so for my beans I am using 10ml/L of water.

Organic farming is one of those things that I am passionate about because I am able to participate in solving human health problems and environmental problems. If all farmers can go organic we will not have negative environmental reactions caused by the chemicals which we use on our farmlands. So it's a call for all of use to help protect the environment at all cost. Using my two botanicals is a good way to solving climate change problems

Thank you @thegreens for the wake up call to solve climate change problems. Thank you all for visiting my post.