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.
Sustainability also ensures that good public health is maintained. The avoidance of toxic inputs and herbicides when growing crops leads to the production of healthier vegetables, fruits and cereals. As for animal products, the levels of toxins derived from pesticides are usually negligible hence the products are safe for human consumption. Another important measure that affects public health is the proper disposal of animal waste to prevent transmission of animal diseases.
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 are greatly beneficial to soil integrity. Examples include clover, hairy vetch and oats. Some of the benefits associated with the cover crops include prevention of soil erosion, suppression of weeds and an enhancement of general soil quality. An indirect benefits of these crops is that they reduce the need for chemical herbicides and fertilizers.
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.
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.
Sustainability also ensures that good public health is maintained. The avoidance of toxic inputs and herbicides when growing crops leads to the production of healthier vegetables, fruits and cereals. As for animal products, the levels of toxins derived from pesticides are usually negligible hence the products are safe for human consumption. Another important measure that affects public health is the proper disposal of animal waste to prevent transmission of animal diseases.
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 are greatly beneficial to soil integrity. Examples include clover, hairy vetch and oats. Some of the benefits associated with the cover crops include prevention of soil erosion, suppression of weeds and an enhancement of general soil quality. An indirect benefits of these crops is that they reduce the need for chemical herbicides and fertilizers.
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.
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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