The technological and industrial revolution has transformed agriculture. The production of food is much faster with the use of various equipment, machinery, and advanced agricultural methods. It also involves the use of synthetic pesticides and other harmful chemicals that gradually damage the soil, water, air, and climate.
Despite the overflowing supply of food, farmers and agriculturists have taken initiatives to take a different course which leads to a more sustainable life – environmentally, economically and socially. They believe that humans do not need food that will last them for a single day, but a food that will last them until the end of time. This movement has paved the way to sustainable agriculture.
Why do we Need to Completely Shift to Sustainable Agriculture?
The signs and effects of global warming can already be felt. The climate has changed throughout the history. According to the latest data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), August 2017 was the second warmest August (as per modern records). The global temperature today has increased up to 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880. With climate change, sea-level increases and weathers are unexpected. On the other hand, the carbon dioxide concentration in the air today is at its highest since 650,000 years ago, with 406.94 parts per million increase.
These are all results of industrialization. If these continue, the environment will deteriorate and will be incapable in providing us with food, shelter and all our daily needs. According to World Resources Institute, the world will have a global population of 9.6 billion by 2050. In that case, we need 70% more food supply to support this population. However, if we do not change our ways, we are gradually bringing our children to a deadly future. This calls for us to shift completely to sustainable agriculture.
What are the Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture?
If we talk about sustainability, it should benefit the environmental, economic and social aspects of the world. Sustainable agriculture definitely promotes environmental health, strengthens global economy and optimizes human function enabling them to interact effectively in the community.
So basically, the practice of sustainable agriculture produces food products that are essential for human health. Sustainable farming also uses methods and practices that do not hurt biodiversity and natural resources. With this, the economy will continue to soar and grow towards the common good of the people.
What are the Sustainable Farming Methods and Practices?
It is really the time that we need to change our ways in agriculture. We should completely practice sustainable agricultural methods in food production. Sustainable farming does not use chemicals and other harmful chemicals that harm our health and the health of the environment.
Permaculture is an agricultural system that utilized patterns directly observed from natural processes in the ecosystem, allowing humans to coexist in harmony with the natural world. Its principles include care for the earth and care for the people. It also sets limits to population and consumption. Permaculture also highlights the use of perennial crops such as shrubs, nut trees, and fruit trees. Some of the permaculture techniques include sheet mulching, herb spirals, no-till cultivation and more.
Biodynamics is a holistic and ecological approach to farming, food, and nutrition based upon the philosophy of anthroposophy. According to Biodynamics, this agricultural practice “strives to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem” which promote health and fertility within the farm itself. Manure, minerals, and herbs are utilized to restore vital life forces of the farm and enhance the quality of food being raised.
Hydroponics and Aquaponics
These agricultural techniques deviate from the traditional use of soil to the use of water added with essential nutrients. In hydroponics, crops are grown with the roots exposed directly to the mineral solution or may be supported by an inert medium, such as gravel or perlite. On the other hand, aquaponics raised crops with aquatic animals. The waste of the marine animals will be used to nourish the crops.
Basically, this type of practice aims to provide us easier access to local food sources. In the future, it is foreseen that cities will dominate the Earth. As early as now, we should learn how to grow food near our homes. This involves home gardens, orchards, rooftop farms, indoor hydroponic farms and urban farm towers, among others.
Agroforestry is the integration of forestry into agriculture. This practice involves the growth of shrubs and trees amongst agricultural fields which promote more productive and diverse land use. In contrary, crops can coexist in forests through food forest systems. This promotes a symbiotic relationship between forest biodiversity and perennial food plants.
Crop Rotation and Diversity
Crop rotation is the successive cultivation of dissimilar or different crops in a specified order on the same fields. Whereas crop diversity is the variance in characteristics of crops used in agriculture. These two help maintain soil nutrients that can be consumed by different varieties and types of crops. This can also help reduce soil erosion and promote fertility.
Natural Animal Raising
Conventional methods of farming raise animals in confined areas like cages. They are also exposed to various chemicals, including antibiotics, genetically-modified organisms, growth hormones and other drugs. With this, it is important that animals should be free in their natural habitat where they can do their thing. Livestock grazing and pasture systems also help prevent soil erosion.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management acknowledges the role of predator in naturally eliminating pests in the fields. Not all pests are harmful. Some of them are predators that consume the pests which destroy crops. Some of these include beetle, wasps, hornets, and birds. Further, targeted spraying should be performed in order to kill specific pests only.
Renewable Energy Use
Conventional farming uses more energy than organic farming. Sustainable practices should utilize renewable energy sources in the operations. Solar, wind, and hydropower are eco-friendly sources of energy. Farmers can use solar panels to run pumps and heaters. Hydropower can also be used to power machines in farms.
One of the major factors of soil erosion is the tillage. No-till farming is a method of growing crops without disturbing the soil arrangement. It increases the amount of water and moisture that goes into the soil and boosts organic matter retention.
These are just a few of the hundreds of agricultural methods that promote sustainability. With these healthy farming practices, the agricultural systems in the world shall gradually realize the handful benefits it can provide for the environment, global economy and human welfare.