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Earth Day 2010

April 20, 2010

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How have farming practices become more environmentally friendly? Find out here.

By Produce More, Conserve More staff

April 22, 2010 marks Earth Day, a day to reflect and appreciate the Earth’s environment. This day we recognize farmers, the original environmentalists. Farmers care for the land and strive to leave the land better for the next generation. Over the years farmers have adapted new technologies and agricultural practices that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Agriculture and the Environment

Conservation tillage — or no-till — is an environmentally friendly practice that has been increasing in use on U.S. farms over the years.

In no-till systems, farmers plant the new crop in the previous year’s plant residue, leaving the soil undisturbed. Potential benefits of no-till are reduced soil erosion, more nutrient-enriched soil, and reduced consumption of fuel to operate equipment, among others. Some studies suggest the increase in no-till systems is due to increased use of herbicide-tolerant crops.

Since 1997, the use of pesticides has been reduced by 359 million kg of active ingredient (ai). This is often attributed to the fact insect-resistant plants may require little to no applications of pesticides. Application rates vary by region, but globally rates have been reduced.

Reduced fuel use from less frequent applications of pesticides and no-till farming associated with the use of biotechnology are believed to have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gasses (GHG).

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