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.
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.
Protection of public health is another important benefit of this kind of practices. With the avoidance of toxic inputs, the plant products that are produced are almost always safe for human consumption. The same applies to animal products in which everything remains as natural as possible. The disposal of livestock waste is done in a manner that poses the least danger to the general public thus prevents the transmission of animal diseases to humans.
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.
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.
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.
Protection of public health is another important benefit of this kind of practices. With the avoidance of toxic inputs, the plant products that are produced are almost always safe for human consumption. The same applies to animal products in which everything remains as natural as possible. The disposal of livestock waste is done in a manner that poses the least danger to the general public thus prevents the transmission of animal diseases to humans.
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.
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.
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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