With the rising awareness about the environmental harm caused by large-scale agriculture, eco-friendly farming has become a priority. The solution which can offset damages such as forest clearings, destruction of habitats, the negative impact of pesticides and intense carbon outputs is sustainable farming. Both policymakers and environmentalists are actively promoting eco-friendly and sustainable farming solutions to overcome these damages. Here are the top 5 sustainable farming practices which guarantee a green and environmentally friendly growth of vegetables and plants.
1. Permaculture
Permaculture is a food production system which mimics how vegetables and plants grow in natural ecosystems. It applies natural principles which combine intention, smart farming and design to reduce waste of resources and increase production efficiency. The design techniques in permaculture include growing grains and vegetables without tillage, each plant undertaking various purposes, herb and plant spirals, hügelkultur beds and developing swales to hold water.
2. Aquaponics & Hydroponics
Aquaponics and hydroponics are innovative farming methods which involve soilless plant and vegetable growth, feeding the plants with nutrients which are carried by the water. Hydroponics systems involve using mineral solutions to feed the plants' roots directly in a passive medium such as perlite or gravel. However, aquaponics farming systems combine aquaculture and hydroponics elements. Water which contains nutrients resulted from the mineralization of fish waste feeds the roots of plants and vegetables which can grow in various mediums. The water is purified by the plants and returns to the hydroponics section of the system.
3. Using Renewable Energy Resources
Sustainable farming involves the use of alternative energy sources such as hydropower, solar power or wind farms which are eco-friendly. Solar panels can be used to run pumping and heating systems. Also, hydroelectric power sourced from river water can be used for various farming machinery.
Farmers can compare energy consumption rates by using an online energy compare site to identify the best suitable power sources.
4. Crop Rotation & Polycultures
Farmers can decrease the chances of plant and vegetable diseases through crop diversification on a surface of land and through crop rotation techniques. The practices can also reduce the amount of pesticides and chemical fertilizers required.
5. Trees Can Increase Crop Yields
Agroforestry is a farming method which involves growing shrubs and trees among other plants and vegetables. It combines forestry and agricultural practices to guarantee a sustainable and highly productive approach to land use. The system mimics forest ecosystems found in nature and it's designed to comprise multiple layers of food forests. It includes perennial plants such as fruit trees, perennial herbs, mushrooms, and other vegetables on the ground level and underground root vegetables. Compared to traditional farming systems, agroforestry can double crop yields and significantly decreases the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Wrapping It Up
Sustainable farming is the key to a better tomorrow. Promoting sustainability across the farming value chain guarantees increased food production capacities and active environmental protection. It's farming for a better tomorrow.