Sustainable Agriculture

1、Sustainable AgricultureChapter 11APES January 2007GOALS:Define sustainable agricultureExamine the obstaclesExplore options to enhance the sustainability of agriculture over timeFrom Hunter and gatherer.To an agrarian lifestyleTo today.How can we make it sustainable?What is Sustainable Agriculture?Th

2、e goal is to sustainably produce enough food and fiber and repair the damage caused by the process.Where can we find the solutions to these problems?The Past and the Future.Old methods that have been long forgotten and new technologies we have yet to try out.Step 1: Conserve the SOIL!Carefully manag

3、e these factors:Land managementGround coverTillage systemClimateSoil typeManaging the TopographyContour farmingStrip farmingTerracingPerennial speciesContour FarmingContour FarmingStrip farmingStrip farming and contour farmingWhat do these do?Contour farming works across the hill rather than down, s

4、lowing down the erosive process.Strip-farming allows the farmer to harvest one crop while leaving the other crop behind to hold the soil in place.TerracingTerracingThis methodInvolves shapingThe land to createShelves to holdSoil and waterAnd nutrients.Perennial species: orchardsPerennial species: gr

5、apesPerennial species: AlfalfaPerennial Crops: HAYProvide ground coverLEAVE crop residuePROVIDE a cover cropCROP RESIDUEPros and Cons of Crop ResidueThis can save 99% of the erosion from happeningBut it can cause disease and pest issues requiring more spraying the following year.Cover CropsCover Cro

6、psCover crops factsRye, wheat, alfalfa can be planted immediately and plowed under at planting time. The problem: you have to pay to seed it and that costs $.This can provide a source of fertilizer for the next crop or allows for a double harvest. It can also improve the soil.MulchReduce the Tillage

7、 ImpactsMoldboard PlowControls weedsControls pestsBrings nutrients upReduces competitionProvides good seedbedImproved drainage Improved aerationLESS IS MORELess Plowing and cultivation:Better water managementPreserves soilSaves energyIncreases crop yieldsReduced Tillage SystemsMinimum tillConserv-tillNo-tillMinimum tillConserv-tillNo-tillLow Input