|
Elements of Sustainability
Farmers and ranchers can choose many ways to improve their sustainability,
and these vary from region to region, state to state and farm to
farm. However, some common sets of practices have emerged, many
of them aimed at greater use of on-farm or local resources. Some
of those practices are illustrated here, each contributing in some
way to long-term farm profitability, environmental stewardship and
improved quality of life.
1. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)
IPM is an approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural,
physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health
and environmental risks.
2. ROTATIONAL GRAZING
Management-intensive grazing systems take animals out of the barn
and into the pasture to provide high-quality forage and reduced
feed costs while avoiding manure buildup.
3. SOIL CONSERVATION
Many soil conservation methods, including strip cropping, reduced
tillage and no-till, help prevent loss of soil due to wind and water
erosion.
4. WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS
Water conservation and protection have become important parts of
agricultural stewardship. Practices such as planting riparian buffer
strips can improve the quality of drinking and surface water, as
well as protect wetlands.
5. COVER CROPS
Growing plants such as rye, clover or vetch after harvesting a grain
or vegetable crop or intercropping them can provide several benefits,
including weed suppression, erosion control and improved soil nutrients
and soil quality.
6. CROP/LANDSCAPE DIVERSITY
Growing a greater variety of crops and livestock on a farm can help
reduce risks from extremes in weather, market conditions or pests.
Increased diversity of crops and other plants, such as trees and
shrubs, also can contribute to soil conservation, wildlife habitat
and increased populations of beneficial insects.
7. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
Proper management of manure, nitrogen and other plant nutrients
can improve the soil and protect the environment. Increased use
of on-farm nutrient sources, such as manure and leguminous cover
crops, also reduces purchased fertilizer costs.
8. AGROFORESTRY
Agroforestry covers a range of tree uses on farms, including inter-planting
trees (such as walnuts) with crops or pasture, growing shade-loving
specialty crops in forests, better managing woodlots and windbreaks,
and using trees and shrubs along streams as buffer strips.
9. ALTERNATIVE MARKETING
Farmers and ranchers across the country are finding that innovative
marketing strategies can improve profits. Direct marketing of agricultural
goods may include selling at farmers markets, roadside stands or
through the World Wide Web; delivering to restaurants and small
grocers; and running community-supported agricul-ture (CSA) enterprises.
 Top
|
