Many sectors have come under intense pressure to adopt practices that contribute to sustainability. The agricultural sector has not been an exception. Depletion of natural resources such as soil and water and the production of toxic produce (both plant and animal) have been the two main driving factors for this shift. If they wish to adopt practices that contribute to sustainable agriculture Omaha farmers should understand a number of things beforehand.
A major benefit of agriculture that is carried out in a sustainable way is that it promotes environmental preservation. This is because toxic pesticides are avoided when treating animal diseases and instead alternatives that have very little or no environmental impact are used. Crop production is carried out in ways that help conserve soil, water as well as other natural resources. Organic fertilizers are chosen over chemical fertilizers for soil enrichment.
Another major benefit is the protection of public health. Since toxic chemicals are avoided throughout the crop production process, the safety of fruits, vegetables and cereals that are meant for human consumption is assured. Sustainable livestock husbandry is devoid of the use of arsenic-based growth factors and non-therapeutic antibiotics and instead uses a natural approach. Livestock waste is disposed of responsibly to prevent human exposure to pathogens and toxins.
The commonly used techniques in crop production include crop rotation, the use of cover crops, soil enrichment and the use of natural pest predators. Crop rotation involves the growth of different crops during alternating planting seasons. This practice helps interrupt the existence of pests associated with a certain type of crop. When the crop is grown again several seasons later, yields are likely to be higher since the pest will have been eliminated.
Cover crops are grow in spreading fashion and protect the top soil from environmental hazards. Their presence greatly improves the quality of soil. They prevent soil erosion by holding the top soil together and preventing the direct impact of rain water and wind. Other benefits include the maintenance of a high moisture content and suppression of weeds.
When soil is of good quality, the crops grown tend to be robust with reduced vulnerability to pest infestation. This helps increase the yields. Natural soil enrichment can be achieved in a number of ways such as plowing under cover crops, leaving crop residues in the farm after harvesting and addition of compost manure. To control pests naturally, allow for an environment that promotes the existence of predators such as birds, insects, bats and spiders.
A farmer needs to properly select their animals. The species of animal to be selected will depend on the environment in which they are to be reared; some of them need a lot of forage while others can survive in less favorable environments. Proper reproduction by carefully selecting the quality of the sperm helps in the improvement of herd performance. Other measures include grazing management and maintaining good herd health.
The use of chemical techniques in agricultural production has been steadily giving way to safer, more sustainable techniques. The newer options are based on three main goals: maintenance of environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic equity. Sustainability means that our efforts to provide for the current generation should not disadvantage the ability of future generations to do the same. It also means that natural and human resources need to be used responsibly.
A major benefit of agriculture that is carried out in a sustainable way is that it promotes environmental preservation. This is because toxic pesticides are avoided when treating animal diseases and instead alternatives that have very little or no environmental impact are used. Crop production is carried out in ways that help conserve soil, water as well as other natural resources. Organic fertilizers are chosen over chemical fertilizers for soil enrichment.
Another major benefit is the protection of public health. Since toxic chemicals are avoided throughout the crop production process, the safety of fruits, vegetables and cereals that are meant for human consumption is assured. Sustainable livestock husbandry is devoid of the use of arsenic-based growth factors and non-therapeutic antibiotics and instead uses a natural approach. Livestock waste is disposed of responsibly to prevent human exposure to pathogens and toxins.
The commonly used techniques in crop production include crop rotation, the use of cover crops, soil enrichment and the use of natural pest predators. Crop rotation involves the growth of different crops during alternating planting seasons. This practice helps interrupt the existence of pests associated with a certain type of crop. When the crop is grown again several seasons later, yields are likely to be higher since the pest will have been eliminated.
Cover crops are grow in spreading fashion and protect the top soil from environmental hazards. Their presence greatly improves the quality of soil. They prevent soil erosion by holding the top soil together and preventing the direct impact of rain water and wind. Other benefits include the maintenance of a high moisture content and suppression of weeds.
When soil is of good quality, the crops grown tend to be robust with reduced vulnerability to pest infestation. This helps increase the yields. Natural soil enrichment can be achieved in a number of ways such as plowing under cover crops, leaving crop residues in the farm after harvesting and addition of compost manure. To control pests naturally, allow for an environment that promotes the existence of predators such as birds, insects, bats and spiders.
A farmer needs to properly select their animals. The species of animal to be selected will depend on the environment in which they are to be reared; some of them need a lot of forage while others can survive in less favorable environments. Proper reproduction by carefully selecting the quality of the sperm helps in the improvement of herd performance. Other measures include grazing management and maintaining good herd health.
The use of chemical techniques in agricultural production has been steadily giving way to safer, more sustainable techniques. The newer options are based on three main goals: maintenance of environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic equity. Sustainability means that our efforts to provide for the current generation should not disadvantage the ability of future generations to do the same. It also means that natural and human resources need to be used responsibly.
About the Author:
For the latest information about sustainable agriculture Omaha locals can visit our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://getdowntoearthfoods.com now.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire