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.
Environmental preservation is one of the most important benefits of taking up sustainable practices. These methods have very little negative impact on the environmental for both crop and animal production. For instance, they avoid the use of harmful pesticides when there is a need to treat animal diseases and instead use alternatives that are less toxic. As for cultivation of crops organic fertilizers are used in place of toxic chemical 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 production employs a number of special techniques to make it more sustainable. They include, among others, the use of cover crops, crop rotation, soil enrichment and natural pest predators. In crop rotation, different crops are alternated during planting seasons. This has two main benefits: getting rid of pests and diseases and restoring soil fertility. The most effective rotation is where the alternation is done after every four to five seasons.
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.
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.
Chemical-driven agriculture has been steadily making way for other options that are more sustainable. These newer methods are guided by three main principles: achievement of social and economic equity, maintenance of environmental health and economic profitability. Proponents of these newer techniques are driven by the belief that our efforts to provide for ourselves should not interfere with the ability of the future generation to provide for itself. They emphasize the need to use natural and human resources responsibly.
Environmental preservation is one of the most important benefits of taking up sustainable practices. These methods have very little negative impact on the environmental for both crop and animal production. For instance, they avoid the use of harmful pesticides when there is a need to treat animal diseases and instead use alternatives that are less toxic. As for cultivation of crops organic fertilizers are used in place of toxic chemical 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 production employs a number of special techniques to make it more sustainable. They include, among others, the use of cover crops, crop rotation, soil enrichment and natural pest predators. In crop rotation, different crops are alternated during planting seasons. This has two main benefits: getting rid of pests and diseases and restoring soil fertility. The most effective rotation is where the alternation is done after every four to five seasons.
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.
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.
Chemical-driven agriculture has been steadily making way for other options that are more sustainable. These newer methods are guided by three main principles: achievement of social and economic equity, maintenance of environmental health and economic profitability. Proponents of these newer techniques are driven by the belief that our efforts to provide for ourselves should not interfere with the ability of the future generation to provide for itself. They emphasize the need to use natural and human resources responsibly.
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