Granja: Cultivating Solutions for a Changing Planet
Where Science Meets Soil
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Introduction: Where Science Meets Soil
Nestered within Ecuador's biodiverse landscapes, Granja: Revista de Ciencias de la Vida (Journal of Life Sciences) has emerged as a critical voice in global environmental science. Since its founding in 2002 by the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, this bilingual (Spanish/English) journal has bridged Global North knowledge and Latin American ecological challenges. With over 300 articles published and indexing in Scopus, Web of Science, and DOAJ, Granja prioritizes open-access science to address urgent planetary crises—from soil degradation to climate resilience 1 5 . Its unique focus on Andean ecosystems and sustainable agro-technology offers solutions where they're needed most.
I. The Science of Survival: Granja's Research Universe
A. Scope and Impact
Granja spans ten interdisciplinary domains, with core strengths in:
- Environmental Science (Q3 in Scopus 2024)
- Agricultural & Biological Sciences (Q3)
- Earth & Planetary Sciences (Q3) 5
Despite its regional roots, 25–33% of articles involve international collaborations, reflecting global relevance. Its 2024 SJR score (0.212) shows steady growth from 0.122 in 2019, signaling rising scientific influence 5 6 .
| Subject Area | Quartile | CiteScore |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science | Q4 | 1.1 |
| Agricultural & Biological Sci. | Q3 | 1.4 |
| Earth & Planetary Sciences | Q3 | 0.1 |
| Biochemistry & Molecular Bio. | Q4 | - |
Subject Distribution
Impact Growth
B. Knowledge Democratization
As a gold open-access journal, Granja eliminates paywalls—critical for researchers in developing economies. All papers use double-blind peer review (avg. 12 weeks) and adhere to CC BY-NC-SA licensing, enabling broad reuse for education and policy 1 2 . This aligns with its mission to turn science into actionable tools for farmers, educators, and policymakers.
Open Access
No paywalls for global accessibility
Double-blind Review
Ensures unbiased evaluation
CC Licensing
Promotes knowledge sharing
II. Experiment Spotlight: Fungi-Powered Farming in Andean Quinoa Systems
A. The Problem: Barren Soils, Hungry Communities
Ecuador's Imbabura Province faces soil acidification and nutrient depletion due to monocropping. Traditional fertilizers accelerate erosion, threatening quinoa—a protein-rich staple. Granja researchers sought solutions through symbiotic microbiology .
B. Methodology: Step-by-Step Biointervention
Reference: "Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Enhance Resilience in Chenopodium quinoa" (Granja, 2024)
- Site Selection: Divided 20 hectares into 100 plots (4 treatments × 25 replicates).
- AMF Inoculation: Applied Glomus intraradices to soil at 50 spores/g. Control plots received chemical fertilizer or no treatment.
- Monitoring: Measured weekly for 6 months:
- Soil pH & organic matter
- Plant height/biomass
- Grain yield
- DNA Sequencing: Verified AMF colonization via root sampling 7 .
Experimental Setup
C. Results: Microbial Magic
AMF-treated plots showed 89% higher phosphorus uptake and 42% increased drought resistance. Crucially, quinoa yields matched conventional fertilization—without ecological damage.
| Treatment | Yield (kg/ha) | Soil Organic Matter (%) | Water Use Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMF Inoculation | 1,890 | 3.8 | 9.2 L/kg grain |
| Chemical Fertilizer | 1,950 | 2.1 | 14.7 L/kg grain |
| Control (No input) | 1,210 | 1.9 | 17.3 L/kg grain |
Analysis: AMF acts as a "biofertilizer," extending root reach and secreting glomalin—a protein that binds soil particles, reducing erosion. This experiment proves low-cost adaptability for subsistence farms 7 .
Yield Comparison
Water Efficiency
III. The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Reagents for Agroecology Research
| Reagent/Material | Function | Example in Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculant | Enhances nutrient uptake & soil structure | Glomus spp. in quinoa trials |
| N-P-K Testing Kits | Quantifies soil macronutrient levels | Monitoring fertilizer impacts |
| PCR Primers for 16S rRNA | Identifies microbial communities in soil | Verifying AMF colonization |
| pH Buffers | Calibrates soil acidity measurements | Tracking liming effects |
| ELISA Kits for Glomalin | Measures soil-aggregating protein secretion | Assessing erosion resistance |
| Cobalt;copper | 12506-85-3 | CoCu |
| Galactomannan | 11078-30-1 | C18H32O16 |
| Validamycin E | 12650-71-4 | C26H45NO18 |
| Cerium;copper | 12157-55-0 | CeCu4 |
| Boron dioxide | 13840-88-5 | BH2O2 |
Field Research Kit
Essential tools for on-site soil analysis and sample collection.
Microbial Analysis
Advanced microscopy for studying soil microorganisms.
Molecular Biology
DNA sequencing to identify microbial communities.
IV. Beyond the Lab: Granja's Global Harvest
Granja's experiments translate into real-world tools:
- AMF Adoption: 320 Ecuadorian farms now use fungal inoculants, cutting fertilizer costs by 60%.
- Policy Shifts: Colombia's Cauca Valley integrated Granja-validated biofertilizers into subsidy programs.
- Carbon Capture: Mycorrhizal soils sequester 3.2x more COâ‚‚ than conventional farms 5 .
Impact Metrics
Future Directions
Future priorities include AI-driven soil sensors and crop-resilience genomics, highlighted in Granja's 2025 special edition. As climate volatility grows, this journal remains a seedbed for life-saving innovation.
"Science without accessibility is a harvest locked away. Granja turns knowledge into tools for those feeding the world."