From humankind's first farmers to the present-day battle over GMOs, photographer Jim Richardson takes us on a 5,000-year journey documenting how agriculture has transformed our planet and how we must continue to transform in order to feed Earth's ever-increasing population. The reason government initially got behind this type of factory farm model is because of one thing: maximizing production. Engage farmers and ranchers in the development and adoption of practices that are profitable and environmentally sound. In fact, soil erosion due to industrial farming is the second largest environmental problem in the world. Unleashing its controversial cargo, a colorful crop duster saturates the skies above a field of winter wheat in Oklahoma. You may be thinking, “So what? How does it work? Sustainable farms don’t rely on toxic chemicals, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs to produce healthy crops. Aside from her love of writing and eye for style, Emily likes to travel, read anything Anthony Bourdain related, and go on spontaneous adventures. Download the app for easy shopping on the go, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, soil erosion compounds even more on a national and global scale, Research shows that pasture-raised meat, eggs, and dairy are far superior, Studies show that sustainable farming supports local economies, The U.S is losing soil 10 times faster than the natural replenishment rate, Each year it costs the nation nearly $37.6 billion in productivity losses due to soil erosion (and worldwide, that figure jumps to about $400 billion per year), Up to 30 percent of the world’s bountiful land is now infertile because of soil erosion over the past 40 years, Up to 60 percent of soil that is washed away ends up in rivers, streams, and lakes, making waterways more likely to flood and also contaminating native species with fertilizer and pesticide residue, Soil erosion increases the amount of dust that is carried by wind, contributing to greater air pollution and carrying nearly 20 human infectious disease organisms (including anthrax and tuberculosis). A regionally integrated system of plant and animal production practices are designed to produce long-term results such as: NIFA seeks to stimulate innovation in key areas of sustainable agriculture. Legumes are essential for nitrogen fixation into the soil. The sustainable agriculture method known as soil amendment encourages farmers to use locally available compost. Since the end of World War II, agriculture has changed significantly due to new technologies, mechanization, increased use of chemicals, and further specialization. The purpose is so that farm soil is not fixed to only one type of nutrient and can be adaptable, which helps to reduce soil erosion. While these are just a couple facts to take note of, according to David Pimentel, ecology professor at Cornell University, soil erosion compounds even more on a national and global scale: This is another sustainable farming method in which soil cultivation leaves behind the previous year’s crop residue, such as corn stalk or wheat stubble. The growing organic food industry serves those who prefer food free of treatment with most conventional pesticides. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- Its effects have led to increased pollution in rivers and streams, which backs up waterways and dwindles populations of fish and other species. Not only are the free-range foods lower in calories and fat, but they also have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and a healthy balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. When you buy pasture-raised products, you’re taking a step to maintain good health, protect the environment, and improve animal well-being. Based on a multi-pronged goal, sustainable agriculture seeks to: Sustainable agriculture frequently encompasses a wide range of production practices, including conventional and organic. Research shows that pasture-raised meat, eggs, and dairy are far superior to products from livestock that are pumped with artificial growth hormones, are fed poor diets, and live in tight quarters. It’s dirt.” But soil is so much more than that—it’s the Earth’s skin that anchors all life on this planet. Think of it as an umbrella: Pieces of crop residue act as a shield to protect soil particles from rain and wind until the new plants can grow in and can produce their own canopy over the dirt. Industrial farms can produce mass quantities of cheap food in a short amount of time; however, this efficiency fails to acknowledge several hidden dangers to the environment (such as topsoil depletion and groundwater contamination) as well as the devastating effects to family farms (poor living and working conditions for farm laborers, increased costs of production, and the decline of economic and social conditions in rural communities). Some of these large agricultural businesses are even branded as monopolies since they have the power to say what consumers get to eat, what people pay for food, and what wages farmers are ultimately paid for their livestock and crops. Questions? Sustainable farming is a growing movement that promotes the production of food, such as crops and animal products, through various farming techniques. Based on a multi-pronged goal, sustainable agriculture seeks to:Increase profitable farm … This has a “multiplier effect” (see page 19), meaning for every dollar the farm spends, a percentage remains in the neighboring economy. Studies show that sustainable farming supports local economies when people can buy goods directly at neighborhood markets. If you shop in a chain supermarket, don’t be discouraged—you can still find local, sustainable, and organic groceries. By leaving residue on the fields before and after planting the next crop, it helps to reduce soil erosion and runoff by 60 to 90 percent (depending on the tillage method used). https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/sustainable-agriculture.html. All rights reserved. Pesticides protect crops against insects, invasive weeds, and even microorganisms—and they often increase the yield produced by a given field. Conservation tillage is also beneficial for conserving water since it reduces evaporation at the surface level where the soil rests and enhancing crop growth through dry periods and droughts.

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