Modern agriculture has, for the last few decades, been characterized by use of advanced technologies both in crop production and in animal husbandry. While these methods have greatly boosted yields, they have had a number of negative effects. Destruction of natural resources is one of the effects that have caused the greatest concern. Sustainable agriculture has been devised to sort out there problems. There are several things on sustainable agriculture Omaha residents need to know.
One of the major benefits of sustainable agriculture is environmental preservation. Farmers avoid the use of toxic pesticides to treat diseases in animals and instead use options that will have as little impact to the environment as possible. When it comes to the production of crops the practices that are used are those that conserve the soil, water and other natural resources. Organic fertilizers are chosen over toxic synthetic fertilizers.
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.
Crop rotation, soil enrichment, the use of cover crops and natural predators are all useful techniques that farmers can try to implement. In crop rotation, different crops are grown on a piece of land during alternating seasons. Commonly maize (corn) is alternated with legumes. The importance of this practice is that it helps get rid of pests and also helps to restore soil fertility.
Cover crops mainly help in maintaining soil integrity. Some of the cover crops that may be used include oats, hairy vetch and clover among others. The presence of cover crops helps prevent the erosion of fertile top soil. The crops suppression the growth of weeds and maintain a high moisture content by preventing evaporation. The need for herbicides and chemical fertilizers is reduced.
Good quality soil helps to better the yields. The crops acquire a robust stature that can easily resist pest infestation. There are several ways of enriching soils naturally. When the land is plowed under cover crops, the crops are later converted to manure that provides nourishment for other crops. A similar technique is one that involves the leaving of crop residues behind after harvesting.
There is a need to properly select animals depending on the environment. Some animals need regularly feeding with both pastures and grown forage but others have the ability to survive in hardship areas with limited feeds. During breeding, careful selection of sperms should be done so as to improve on the preexisting breeds of animals. Other measures include maintenance of good herd health and grazing management.
Agricultural practices have been changing drastically in recent times. Chemical-driven techniques are now giving way to more sustainable techniques. Sustainable agriculture is based on three main principles: economic profitability, maintaining environmental health and ensuring social and economic equity. The process of providing the needs of the present generation should not interfere with that of the future generation to do so. Important resources (both natural and human) have to be managed well for this to be realized.
One of the major benefits of sustainable agriculture is environmental preservation. Farmers avoid the use of toxic pesticides to treat diseases in animals and instead use options that will have as little impact to the environment as possible. When it comes to the production of crops the practices that are used are those that conserve the soil, water and other natural resources. Organic fertilizers are chosen over toxic synthetic fertilizers.
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.
Crop rotation, soil enrichment, the use of cover crops and natural predators are all useful techniques that farmers can try to implement. In crop rotation, different crops are grown on a piece of land during alternating seasons. Commonly maize (corn) is alternated with legumes. The importance of this practice is that it helps get rid of pests and also helps to restore soil fertility.
Cover crops mainly help in maintaining soil integrity. Some of the cover crops that may be used include oats, hairy vetch and clover among others. The presence of cover crops helps prevent the erosion of fertile top soil. The crops suppression the growth of weeds and maintain a high moisture content by preventing evaporation. The need for herbicides and chemical fertilizers is reduced.
Good quality soil helps to better the yields. The crops acquire a robust stature that can easily resist pest infestation. There are several ways of enriching soils naturally. When the land is plowed under cover crops, the crops are later converted to manure that provides nourishment for other crops. A similar technique is one that involves the leaving of crop residues behind after harvesting.
There is a need to properly select animals depending on the environment. Some animals need regularly feeding with both pastures and grown forage but others have the ability to survive in hardship areas with limited feeds. During breeding, careful selection of sperms should be done so as to improve on the preexisting breeds of animals. Other measures include maintenance of good herd health and grazing management.
Agricultural practices have been changing drastically in recent times. Chemical-driven techniques are now giving way to more sustainable techniques. Sustainable agriculture is based on three main principles: economic profitability, maintaining environmental health and ensuring social and economic equity. The process of providing the needs of the present generation should not interfere with that of the future generation to do so. Important resources (both natural and human) have to be managed well for this to be realized.
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