Techniques used in Sustainable Agriculture Essay

Techniques used in Sustainable Agriculture - Essay Example 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