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.
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 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 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 the soil is maintained at high quality, the yields will be better. The crops grow strong and have an ability to resist infestation by pests. Farmers can use a number of ways in improving the quality of soil. Among them is the act of plowing the land without removing cover crops or after harvest residues. All these are later converted to natural manure for crops in the next planting season.
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.
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 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 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 the soil is maintained at high quality, the yields will be better. The crops grow strong and have an ability to resist infestation by pests. Farmers can use a number of ways in improving the quality of soil. Among them is the act of plowing the land without removing cover crops or after harvest residues. All these are later converted to natural manure for crops in the next planting season.
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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