Modern agriculture has, for the last few decades, been characterized by use of advanced technologies both in crop production and in animal husbandry. While these methods have greatly boosted yields, they have had a number of negative effects. Destruction of natural resources is one of the effects that have caused the greatest concern. Sustainable agriculture has been devised to sort out there problems. There are several things on sustainable agriculture Omaha residents need to know.
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.
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.
There is a need to properly select animals depending on the environment. Some animals need regularly feeding with both pastures and grown forage but others have the ability to survive in hardship areas with limited feeds. During breeding, careful selection of sperms should be done so as to improve on the preexisting breeds of animals. Other measures include maintenance of good herd health and grazing management.
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.
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.
There is a need to properly select animals depending on the environment. Some animals need regularly feeding with both pastures and grown forage but others have the ability to survive in hardship areas with limited feeds. During breeding, careful selection of sperms should be done so as to improve on the preexisting breeds of animals. Other measures include maintenance of good herd health and grazing management.
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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