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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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