Joint Meeting of Scientific Clubs

7.3.2025

On March 7, a joint meeting of the scientific clubs “Scientific achievements in chemistry and earth sciences” and “Innovative technologies for teaching geography” was held at the Department of Chemistry, Geography and Earth Sciences.

The second-year student majoring in “Earth Sciences” Denys SHCHUKA presented a report on the topic “BIOPREPARATIONS – A FASHIONABLE TREND OR A NEW REALITY IN THE CONTEXT OF FERTILIZER DEFICIT?”. The speaker described the advantages of biopreparations compared to traditional fertilizers, spoke about the successful practice of producing biopreparations in our country.

The strong point of the speech was the lively interaction with the audience. The speaker provoked a discussion, involving the audience in the discussion. The audience asked quite sharp questions, namely:

• Aren’t biopreparations a “marketing ploy” promoted by agricultural companies to increase sales, and not to really help agriculture?
• If biopreparations are so effective, why haven’t leading agricultural countries, such as the USA or China, abandoned mineral fertilizers yet?
• Can we guarantee that biopreparations will not cause the appearance of “unwanted” microorganisms or resistant pathogens in the soil?
• How do you explain to farmers in developing countries that they need to switch to biopreparations if they can barely afford to use conventional fertilizers? Isn’t this another way to control the agricultural market?

The report was also useful for students and master’s students majoring in “Secondary Education (Geography)”. Future geography teachers made suggestions on the need to integrate the topic of biopreparations into the school geography course when considering issues of sustainable development, food security, and highlighting topics about the economic gap between developed and developing countries. Students also noted that since the topic of biopreparations causes heated discussions about their effectiveness, accessibility, and prospects, covering it in geography lessons will contribute to the development of critical thinking among students.

Department of Chemistry, Geography, and Earth Sciences