Many sectors have come under intense pressure to adopt practices that contribute to sustainability. The agricultural sector has not been an exception. Depletion of natural resources such as soil and water and the production of toxic produce (both plant and animal) have been the two main driving factors for this shift. If they wish to adopt practices that contribute to sustainable agriculture Omaha farmers should understand 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 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 mainly help in maintaining soil integrity. Some of the cover crops that may be used include oats, hairy vetch and clover among others. The presence of cover crops helps prevent the erosion of fertile top soil. The crops suppression the growth of weeds and maintain a high moisture content by preventing evaporation. The need for herbicides and chemical fertilizers is reduced.
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.
A farmer needs to properly select their animals. The species of animal to be selected will depend on the environment in which they are to be reared; some of them need a lot of forage while others can survive in less favorable environments. Proper reproduction by carefully selecting the quality of the sperm helps in the improvement of herd performance. Other measures include grazing management and maintaining good herd 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.
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 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 mainly help in maintaining soil integrity. Some of the cover crops that may be used include oats, hairy vetch and clover among others. The presence of cover crops helps prevent the erosion of fertile top soil. The crops suppression the growth of weeds and maintain a high moisture content by preventing evaporation. The need for herbicides and chemical fertilizers is reduced.
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.
A farmer needs to properly select their animals. The species of animal to be selected will depend on the environment in which they are to be reared; some of them need a lot of forage while others can survive in less favorable environments. Proper reproduction by carefully selecting the quality of the sperm helps in the improvement of herd performance. Other measures include grazing management and maintaining good herd 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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