Agricultural methods that have existed since the end of the Second World War have had numerous benefits. Unfortunately, it is becoming clear that they have also had negative effects to natural resources and to the consumers of the produce. A more informed consumer market is now favoring products that have been produced in a sustainable manner. If they wish to undertake sustainable agriculture Omaha farmers need to know a number of things beforehand.
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.
Proper animal selection is a prerequisite for the production of quality animal produce. The type of animal to be reared by a farmer is dependent on the environment. Whereas some animals need constant supply of pastures and other prepared feeds, others can still live comfortably in hardship areas. Selection of sperm cells during breeding will help in improvement of breed quality over time. Other things that can be done include grazing management and the maintenance of good health.
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.
Proper animal selection is a prerequisite for the production of quality animal produce. The type of animal to be reared by a farmer is dependent on the environment. Whereas some animals need constant supply of pastures and other prepared feeds, others can still live comfortably in hardship areas. Selection of sperm cells during breeding will help in improvement of breed quality over time. Other things that can be done include grazing management and the maintenance of good health.
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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