Techniques used in Sustainable Agriculture - Essay Example

Two different techniques used in sustainable agriculture Introduction Sustainable agriculture employs use of several farming techniques in order to produce high yields without chances of undermining on the natural systems and the resources upon which productivity depends on. Farmers who engage in sustainable farming approach work efficiently with the natural processes through utilizing the use of the best current knowledge and technology in order to avoid any related consequences of the industrial, chemical-based agriculture.

As part of the significant outcome, farmers are able to minimize on the frequency of using pesticides and fertilizers, which helps them in saving money and protecting the future productivity, together with protecting the environment. The two chapters below discuss two techniques applicable in sustainable farming;Crop Rotation – it is the mechanism of growing crops in succession within the same field. Currently, it is subject to regard as the most powerful technique of sustaining agriculture, as it helps in avoiding most of the unintended consequences related to putting the same plants in the same soil year in year out.

The technique is a key element of both permanent and effective solution to the pest problems. This is because many pasts seem to have preferences for the specific crops, and when there is continuous growth of the same crop, it will guarantee such pasts of the steady food supply, thus increasing on their populations. In this regard, rotation will help at reducing past pressure on all kinds of crops through breaking on the pest reproductive cycles. Through the same farming technique, farmers may plant crops like soybeans and other legumes, which have the capacity of replenishing plant nutrients, thus reducing on the need of utilizing chemical fertilizers.

Cover Crops – It is a farming technique whereby a particular crop is planted for the intention of managing the soil. Through this farming technique, farmers have the opportunity of taking the advantage presented by the benefits of having plants growing in the soil at all times, as compared to the option of leaving the ground bare in-between cropping periods. The type of cover crops may include hairy vetch, clovers, or the oats. Plating of such crops helps farmers into achieving the basic goals of preventing soil erosion, suppressing the weeds, and enhancing the soil quality.

Employing the use of this sustainable farming technique is worth the extra effort since it helps in reducing the needs for the various chemical inputs, such as herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.