Sustainable Agriculture
Changing agricultural practices in order to protect the environment.
In 1990, the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act (Farm Bill) was passed by Congress, implementing practices to promote sustainable agriculture. Overall, this system outlines the applications that should be utilized by farmers. Agricultural practices should…
- fulfill the necessity for human food.
- provide the natural resources upon which the economy is dependent.
- make efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources.
- implement biological cycles and controls when applicable.
- sustain the economic viability of farm operations.
- enhance the quality of life for farmers and the overall society.
Sustainable Processes
Organic Agriculture
As discussed in previous lessons, modern-day agriculture practices rely heavily on chemicals to grow and protect animals and crops. Organic agriculture attempts to prevent chemical pollution from negatively impacting the surrounding ecosystem by forgoing the use of antibiotics, hormones, fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. Overall, organic agriculture promotes biodiversity, protects natural biological cycles, and enhances soil quality. Oftentimes, these agricultural practices also utilize cleaner, more eco-friendly resources rather than fossil fuels. Organic agriculture can prevent the destruction of ecosystems by keeping things all-natural!
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically-based pest control practice that seeks to reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides. Firstly, pest populations are controlled to keep them at a safe level to protect the ecosystem as a whole. Importantly, the pests are not entirely destroyed as this is detrimental to the ecosystem’s balance. Secondly, non-chemical procedures are used to control pests if possible. This reduces the extensive chemical pollution from spraying pesticides. If pesticides have to be used, the safest and least destructive chemicals should be used. The goal of IPM is to restore balance to ecosystems without creating long-lasting negative impacts.
Biological Control (Biocontrol)
The process of biocontrol utilizes one species to reduce the populations of another. If there is no balance between predator and prey, one population of species will take over an ecosystem and drastically affect its dynamic. The goal of biocontrol, as with IPM, is to restore ecological balance and reduce the environmental stress caused by the overpopulation. The video below explains how the introduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park completely changed the ecosystem for the better.
Intercropping
Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in close proximity to each other. This practice mimics nature and, therefore, is greatly beneficial to ecosystems. Ultimately, the implementation of intercropping results in a more stable crop-ecosystem relationship by more efficiently utilizing space, water, sunlight, and nutrients.
Intercropping…
- promotes biodiversity.
- promotes interactions between plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- reduces pest outbreaks.
- improves nutrient cycling.
- increases water infiltration and moisture retention.
- improves soil and water quality.
Minimal or No Tillage
Heavy machinery saves time and labor, but greatly disrupts the soil. Tillage promotes the breakdown of organic matter, but simultaneously releases excess carbon and nitrous oxides during decomposition. Moving to a minimal or no tillage program can improve the soil quality by limiting compaction, preventing erosion, and protecting microorganisms, while reducing the release of greenhouse gases.
Crop Rotations
Crop rotations are planned sequences of crops over time on the same cropland. Rotating crops has many benefits including improvement of nutrient levels. Furthermore, this process reduces the necessity of pesticides by disrupting weed, insect, and disease cycles.
