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.
One of the major benefits of sustainable agriculture is environmental preservation. Farmers avoid the use of toxic pesticides to treat diseases in animals and instead use options that will have as little impact to the environment as possible. When it comes to the production of crops the practices that are used are those that conserve the soil, water and other natural resources. Organic fertilizers are chosen over toxic synthetic fertilizers.
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.
Agricultural practices have been changing drastically in recent times. Chemical-driven techniques are now giving way to more sustainable techniques. Sustainable agriculture is based on three main principles: economic profitability, maintaining environmental health and ensuring social and economic equity. The process of providing the needs of the present generation should not interfere with that of the future generation to do so. Important resources (both natural and human) have to be managed well for this to be realized.
One of the major benefits of sustainable agriculture is environmental preservation. Farmers avoid the use of toxic pesticides to treat diseases in animals and instead use options that will have as little impact to the environment as possible. When it comes to the production of crops the practices that are used are those that conserve the soil, water and other natural resources. Organic fertilizers are chosen over toxic synthetic fertilizers.
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.
Agricultural practices have been changing drastically in recent times. Chemical-driven techniques are now giving way to more sustainable techniques. Sustainable agriculture is based on three main principles: economic profitability, maintaining environmental health and ensuring social and economic equity. The process of providing the needs of the present generation should not interfere with that of the future generation to do so. Important resources (both natural and human) have to be managed well for this to be realized.
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