1.Working Hypothesis 1

Genetically modified organisms enable farmers to be better stewards of the environment, allowing farmers large and small to grow more crops on less land while using fewer pesticides and less water.

1a. Working Hypothesis 2

Genetically modified organisms not only benefit mankind by increasing the availability and quality of food and medical care, and contributing to a cleaner environment, it improves life for a farmer because they require less water and fewer chemical applications than conventional crops, and they are better able to survive drought, weeds, and insects.

2. Five Academic Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/11/4456 – Waste Management through Composting: Challenges and Potentials: Retrieved by November 1st, 2022

This source offered insight on composting. With the help of microorganisms, composting is the regulated transformation of wastes and degradable organic materials into stable products. Although composting has been around for a while, there are significant drawbacks that have limited its widespread application and effectiveness. Pathogen detection, low nutrient status, prolonged composting, prolonged mineralization, and odor creation are some of the drawbacks. These issues have gradually raised awareness of the usage of chemical fertilizers created using the Haber-Bosch process as an alternative to compost. Chemical fertilizers enable plants to easily access nutrients, but their drawbacks exceed their benefits.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772427122000766#! – Sustainable approach to manage solid waste through biochar assisted composting: Retrieved November 1st, 2022

The source goes in-depth on research that has been undertaken over the past few years to analyze the effect of using biochar on the composting of organic solid waste. In essence, the environmental advantages brought about by the process of composting organic waste with biochar have been carefully examined.

http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/AD8.pdf – The preparation and use of compost: Retrieved November 1st, 2022

Nutrients need to be supplied to the soil in order to temporarily boost soil fertility. This is frequently accomplished by using chemical fertilizers. However, the cost of chemical fertilizers makes them unaffordable for the majority of small-scale farmers. Composting can be created and used as a remedy to that issue. Long-term soil fertility can only be improved by strengthening the soil’s structure and adding more organic matter to the soil. Because it contains both organic waste and nutrients, compost is a good fertilizer.

https://www.tucson.ars.ag.gov/isco/isco13/PAPERS%20F-L/GOLABI.pdf – USE OF COMPOSTED ORGANIC WASTES AS ALTERNATIVE TO SYNTHETIC FERTILIZERS FOR ENHANCING CROP PRODUCTIVITY AND AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY ON THE TROPICAL ISLAND OF GUAM: Retrieved November 1st, 2022

The poor organic matter content of the agricultural soils in the tropical Pacific region is one of their main issues. Composted organic material is used as an amendment on agricultural fields to improve the physical and chemical properties of the farmed soils, as well as to add nutrients and increase the organic matter content. Composted organic material, particularly N and P, contains critical nutrients for plant growth.

https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=1EoPEAAAQBAJ&o%20%20i=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=what+is+composting&ots=KjwLmbR93C&sig=o9_%20Y-XxNYCaZYlL5_kXIzNc8Z5E#v=onepage&q=what%20is%20composting&f=false – The Science of Composting: Retrieved November 7th, 2022

For many people, composting is an easy process. Major failures and setbacks have occurred as a result of the underappreciation of the complexity and involvement of the biological, physical, and chemical aspects of composting. The biological process of composting is influenced by and is influenced by physical and chemical forces. The extremely intricate process of composting is covered in this book.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Getinet-Adugna/publication/329655248_A_review_on_impact_of_compost_on_soil_properties_water_use_and_crop_productivity/links/5c13adf2a6fdcc494ff3cbc1/A-review-on-impact-of-compost-on-soil-properties-water-use-and-crop-productivity.pdf – A review on impact of compost on soil properties, water use and crop productivity: Retrieved November 7th, 2022

The review provides a summary of the research and understanding of how compost fertilization affects the soil plant system. The majority of researchers indicated that adding compost to soils might enhance their physical, chemical, and biological properties as well as their nutritional status and soil organic matter.

https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jest.2011.93.102 – Composting as A Sustainable Waste Management Technique in Developing Countries: Retrieved November 7th, 2022

Sustainable waste management calls for a strategy that uses environmental friendliness. Such a method needs to be more affordable, effective, and efficient than numerous alternatives. Due to reasons including poverty, population growth, urbanization, and a lack of adequate government funding, solid waste management is a huge issue in developing countries all over the world.

https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/65466 – On-Farm Composting Methods: Retrieved November 7th, 2022

The productivity of soil and environmental concerns have rekindled interest in composting and other organic recycling techniques worldwide. The idea of composting organic waste from on-farm into a useful farm resource is appealing. For various circumstances, a variety of composting techniques have been employed.

https://extension.umn.edu/nutrient-management-specialty-crops/correct-too-much-compost-and-manure – How to correct problems caused by using too much compost and manure: Retrieved November 20th, 2022

A surplus of compost can be harmful to the environment and your plants’ health while also increasing the organic matter in your soil and enhancing its health and fertility. Growers have faced difficulties as a result of techniques including deep compost mulching, adding additional compost to high tunnels, and growing in raised beds with only compost. Learn how to evaluate the state of your soil and how to correct overuse of compost.

https://www.fftc.org.tw/en/publications/detail/1431#:~:text=Long%2Dterm%20and%2For%20heavy,animal%20and%20human%20health%20(Fig. – Benefits and Drawbacks of Composting: Retrieved November 20th, 2022

Composting, like other recycling initiatives, has numerous positive effects on agriculture, the environment, the economy, and society. However, if composts are handled or utilized improperly, they can have negative effects on agriculture and the environment.

https://extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/hg/can-compost-damage-plants/#:~:text=High%20Salinity%20(Salts)%20%E2%80%94%20High,plant%20and%20yellowing%20of%20leaves. – Compost Damage Plants?: Retrieved November 20th, 2022

It is difficult to understand that using compost might harm plants given the myriad advantages it offers to soils and plants. Even though it is unlikely, it is conceivable, particularly if the compost is not adequately prepared or is not appropriate for the application. When using compost at high rates or with delicate plants, such seedlings, the risk of injury rises. An immediate assumption is that a contaminant, such as a herbicide, is to blame when compost harms plants. However, it’s more likely that other factors are at play. The following are other elements that can make a particular compost become a problem. They are separated into those that have both acute and long-term effects.

https://www.gardenmyths.com/composting-climate-change/#:~:text=In%20simple%20terms%2C%20a%20compost,the%20warming%20of%20our%20planet. – Does Composting Contribute to Climate Change?: Retrieved November 20th, 2022

Composting is thought to produce carbon dioxide, and we all know that CO2 plays a role in climate change. Gardeners, especially organic gardeners, are faced with a serious conundrum. You learn that you can be harming the environment just when you believed you were helping the environment.

3. Topics for Smaller Papers

Topics that are related to GM crops and foods are the decrease in chemicals for farmers and foods. You can genetically modify food so less insects are attracted to them and by doing all that it saves energy, time and money.

4. Current State of My Research

So far I am enjoying my research paper. I grew up on a farm and it is interesting learning about the new way of farming and how to save more resources and GM crops. When picking a topic for a research paper it is good to pick a topic that you don’t know a lot about, but interest you because it keeps the writer more engaged and willing to learn more and that is how I am at this moment of the paper. It is just the beginning and I am excited to continue this research paper.