Tomorrow’s challenge: By 2050, United Nations’ experts say our planet must double food production to feed an anticipated population of 9.3 billion people.
A dwindling water supply coupled with farmers in need, increased demands for energy, and a rapidly changing climate have placed more pressures on agriculture than ever before. How do we overcome these obstacles? Understanding all the challenges is the first step to creating solutions. Innovation holds the key.
Spotlight on sustainability: Conservation tillage
Agricultural production has involved some form of tillage for centuries. The breaking up, grinding and smoothing out of soil with plowing devices has long been the farmer’s way of preparing a field for planting. But this long-established technique can damage soil and cause other environmental harm.
This month’s spotlight focuses on conservation tillage – a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional tilling and plowing practices. The benefits of conservation tillage are both economical and environmental. Farmers are able to save time and fuel while conserving soil and reducing GHG emissions.
Seed technology is key to expanding reduced-till agriculture. Herbicide resistance gives farmers a way to control weeds without having to disturb their soil. Farmers continue to be stewards of the environment and conservation tillage is another example of how they are caring for the land while conserving more natural resources. Learn more by exploring this month’s spotlight on sustainability.
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Farm Bureau.
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Advancements in Planting Methods Help Conserve More Natural Resources Farmers have been using tilling practices to preserve their soil for many years. Learn how.
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Digging up the Dirt on Soil Conservation Read about how critical soil conservation is and how modern science is helping farmers to protect their soil.
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Biotechnology for Sustainability Guest contributor Kent J. Bradford discusses how biotech can help agriculture become more sustainable.
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U.S. Farmers Find Benefits in Innovation How have biotech crops led to increased profits across the United States?
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New Soybeans Spur Environmental Benefits Farmers can help conserve soil and fuel by implementing a no-till farming system.
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Discussions About Conservation Tillage Play video Experts talk about the benefits conservation tillage brings to farmers, the environment, and society.
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Environmental Benefits of Biotechnology Play video Brazilian farmer Armindo Mugnol cites benefits for the soil and surrounding wildlife.
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Soil Benefits from Biotechnology Play video Brazilian farmer Joao Baggio talks about the ways in which biotechnology can improve the environment and help conserve natural resources, including soil.
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Reduced Tillage in Oklahoma Play video Hear one farmer discuss the numerous benefits that no-till farming has brought to his farm in Oklahoma.
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Dr. Klaus Ammann Digs into Dirt and Tilling Play video Biotechnology provides a better way to tend to soil and control weeds.
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Biotech Crops: Evidence, Outcomes and Impacts 1996-2007: Focus on Environmental Impacts
Read about the evidence, outcomes and environmental impacts of biotech crops in a report from PG Economics.
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Soil: A Closer Look The makeup of this seemingly simple resource is actually quite complex. Take a look and see how soil interacts with crops.
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Featured voice
Elizabeth Jele
South African small-holder grower says her life was changed when she adopted farming innovations never before used in her community.
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