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A major practice of sustainable agriculture is to maintain or enhance the soil’s quality and productivity.
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Soil Conservation
Soil erosion is a big problem. The Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework says that agricultural soil erosion “degrades crops and rangeland, damages agricultural infrastructure, carries sediment and pollutants into surface water, and contributes to off-site impacts such as sedimentation in lakes and reservoirs.” Soil erosion can have a big impact on farmers’ pocketbooks as well as the environment.
No-till farming
No-till farming is a type of soil conservation practice that involves minimal disturbance of the soil. This means that the soil is not tilled or plowed before planting, and crop residue from the previous year’s crop is left on the field. No-till farming can help reduce soil erosion, improve water infiltration and increase organic matter in the soil.
Crop rotation
A major practice of sustainable agriculture is crop rotation. Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It is one component of polyculture. Crop rotation also aids in fertility restoration of depleted soils and can improve soil health by increasing biomass from varied root depths. Different crops also require different nutrients, further aiding in restoration.
Cover crops
A cover crop is a plant grown for the primary purpose of protecting and improving the soil. Common cover crop species in the United States include cereal grains (oats, barley, wheat, rye), legumes (clover, alfalfa, vetch), and Brassicas (turnips, rapeseed/canola, mustard). Cover crops are often planted between cash crop growing seasons as a way to add organic matter and improve soil properties such as structure, fertility, and drainage.
Pest Management
Pest management is the practice of using the least toxic method to manage pests. This includes using cultural, biological, and mechanical methods before resorting to pesticides. Pest management is a vital part of sustainable agriculture because it reduces the need for harmful pesticides, which can pollute the environment and harm human health.
Use of natural predators
Use of natural predators is a major practice of sustainable agriculture. By choosing this method over more toxic methods, farmers are able to protect their crops and the environment. This type of pest management includes the use of ladybugs, wasps, and other predatory insects to control crop pests.
Use of traps
One major practice of sustainable agriculture is the use of traps to manage pests. Traps are Devices used to capture or kill pests, and can be specific to a certain type of pest or general. Some common traps used to control pests include:
-Flypaper: Coated with a sticky substance, flypaper hangs from the ceiling and catches flies when they land on it.
-Sticky boards: Sticky boards are placed on the floor or ground and catch crawling pests when they stick to the board.
-Glueboards: Glueboards are coated with a sticky substance and placed in areas where pests are active. Pests get stuck to the board and are unable to escape.
-Catch covers: Catch covers are placed over plants and have a sticky substance on the inside which catches pests when they enter the cover.
-Light traps: Light traps use light to attract flying insects which then get trapped in the device.
-Pheromone traps: Pheromone traps use chemicals that mimic the scent of a female insect to attract males. The males then get trapped in the device
Use of barriers
Barriers are physical structures that separate fields from surrounding areas, preventing crop pests from entering and damaging the crops. Barriers can be either permanent or temporary, and they can be made out of diverse materials, such as fencing, concrete, or plastic.
Water Conservation
Water is one of the most important things on Earth. It is essential for all life. People, animals, and plants all need water to survive. Water is also necessary for many other things, such as manufacturing and growing food.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone, through a network of valves, pipes, emitters, and controllers.
Rainwater harvesting
A major practice of sustainable agriculture is rainwater harvesting. This process essentially involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, rather than allowing it to run off of the land. In many cases, the stored rainwater can be used for irrigation or other agricultural purposes.
There are a number of different ways to collect and store rainwater. One common method is to simply dam up a portion of a stream or river that runs through the property. This can be done with natural materials such as rocks or logs, or with man-made structures such as concrete walls. The water that is collected behind the dam can then be released when needed and used for irrigation or other purposes.
Another common method of rainwater harvesting is to collect the water in above-ground storage tanks. These tanks can be made from a variety of materials, but they must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the water they are storing. PVC pipes and gutters can also be used to collect rainwater, which can then be directed into storage tanks.
There are a number of benefits to using rainwater harvesting as a means of conserving water. First, it helps to reduce the amount of runoff from agricultural land, which can minimize erosion and prevent pollutants from entering waterways. Second, it provides a source of water that can be used during times of drought or other water shortages. Finally, it reduces the demand on groundwater reserves, which helps to protect these important resources for future generations.
Use of mulch
Mulching is the practice of covering the soil with a layer of organic material, such as leaves, straw, or grass clippings. Mulch helps to conserve water by reducing evaporation from the soil surface, and it can also reduce weed growth.
