Dr. Mohamed TRIGUI is a Full Professor of Biochemistry and Environmental Microbiology. He obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology, Enzyme Engineering, and Bioconversion from the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC, France). With 20 years of experience in teaching and Research and development across France and Tunisia, Dr. Trigui specializes in Biochemistry, Enzyme Engineering, and Environmental Microbiology. He has published over 63 papers in international indexed journals across these areas of expertise. Since 2018, he has served as the Head of the Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development (LASED). Dr. Mohamed TRIGUI is implicated in leading research projects, supervising graduate research (theses), and has developed eight national patents. His contributions to institutional leadership are notable, including his role as the elected Director of the Sfax Preparatory Engineering Institute in 2019 and as Head of the Department of Biology and Geology from 2011 to 2017. Additionally, he served on the IPEIS Scientific Council from 2017 to 2020. Dr. Mohamed TRIGUI's research focus is to creating sustainable solutions for agriculture by exploring and developing natural alternatives to chemical pesticides. His work includes producing microbial and plant-based biopesticides, like biofungicides and natural antibiotics, that help to protect crops without harming the environment. He's also focused on transforming organic waste into valuable soil amendments through co-composting, a process that not only reduces waste but improves soil health and resilience against climate change. At the core of his research is the discovery and identification of bioactive compounds and beneficial microorganisms, all aimed at building healthier soils and more sustainable agricultural systems.
Abstract
The widespread use of chemical pesticides in modern agriculture has raised significant concerns regarding their detrimental effects on human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Additionally, in arid and semi-arid regions, climate change intensifies challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and increasing salinity, making soil conservation and efficient water management essential. Therefore, there is a pressing need to shift towards sustainable agricultural practices by adopting eco-friendly solutions, such as integrated pest management, organic farming, and agroecological approaches that protect biodiversity and ecosystem health. By adopting these practices, farmers can not only reduce their reliance on harmful chemicals but also enhance food security, improve soil health, and promote resilience to climate change. This shift is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural systems and safeguarding public health and the environment for future generations. Integrating circular economy principles with biotechnology offers transformative approaches to achieve this sustainability, especially in arid and semi-arid regions highly vulnerable to climate change. Circular economy in agriculture emphasizes waste reduction, resource recycling, and renewable inputs, reducing dependency on finite resources. Composting/Co-composting is the aerobic process of degrading organic compounds using agricultural waste to create nutrient-rich soil amendments. This process enhances soil fertility and structure while reducing landfill waste. Biotechnology provides also additional solutions through plant growth-promoting (PGP) microorganisms as biofertilizers, which not only boost plant growth but also enhance resilience to drought and salinity stress, crucial for crop survival under harsh environmental conditions. Together, these approaches create a regenerative agricultural system that conserves resources, recycles waste, and fortifies soil health. Advancing biotechnological innovations and circular practices in agricultural systems offers a pathway toward a sustainable and climate-adaptive strategy for the future in arid and semi-arid regions.