While crop production is booming, it is horribly failing in the realm of sustainability. Farms are producing large amounts of food, fuel, and fiber, which appear effective and profitable, but over-harvesting can occur and diminish natural resources that many organisms need to survive. On the bright side, farmers throughout the world have been working to come up with innovative approaches to produce food and fuel at a sustainable rate. There are many different approaches, but all are working towards the same result of maximizing productivity while lowering resource degradation. Here are a few examples of some of these practices:

1.   Crop Diversity & Rotation

This is said to be one of the most effective control strategies. Crop rotation is the process of growing different types of crops in the same area over multiple seasons. Rotation times differ with each growing season, but generally, crops will stay in one place for a maximum of 3-4 years. 

Having numerous types of plants – otherwise known as crop diversity – is a large part of sustainable farming as well. Multiple varieties of plants produce stronger crops based on their wider genetic range. This aids in controlling pests and weeds and provides a healthier soil by preserving the nutrients within. It also limits the need to apply pesticides and fertilizers.

2.   Agroforestry and Food Forests

Agroforestry is the process of allowing the growth of shrubs and trees around crops and the farming land. It combines forestry and agriculture practices with the result of long lasting, productive land use. When the trees around the crops create a positive microclimate, the soil humidity and temperature are more naturally maintained by the surrounding roots. They also provide resources of shade, water, and shelter for crops. Trees can reduce nutrient runoff by stabilizing and improving the soil. Agroforestry is an effective tool used by farmers in dry seasons who have soil prone to desertification. Aside from maintaining soil fertility for healthy crops, trees surrounding the farming area also provide fruits and wood which are additional sources of income for farmers. 

Food forests or “forest gardens” are systems that contain a multifaceted edible forest. This forest is almost entirely made up of perennial plants; usually tall nut and dwarf fruit trees, fruit shrub layers, and layers of herbs, mushrooms and vegetables at the ground level. Food forest systems are extremely beneficial because of both the diversity of plants being grown and the plants benefiting from each of the existing niches within the system.

3.   Benefits of Animals

Animal-focused sustainability farming is good for the environment and for our nutritional needs. When animals are raised on pastures (or in their preferred environment), they live under less stress by being closer to their natural way of living. They can have social interactions with other animals and behave in a way that is natural to them, such as roaming freely and picking the plants they want to eat.  While it’s true that keeping the animals away from the crops will protect the crops from being eaten; evidence shows that the integration of livestock and crop production can actually balance out a whole farm’s nutrient imports/exports. This, in addition to livestock improving organic matter and biological activity in the soil, makes a good case for focusing your sustainability efforts around the animals present on your farm.

4.   Pest Management

Using chemical pesticides may help with pest management, but they are unhealthy and an over-use of specific types can lead to pesticide-resistant breeds of pests. There are a variety of other methods that can be implemented to reduce the use of pesticides. For example, farmers can release a group of beneficial insects like ladybugs into the farm to help control the pests. 

As mentioned previously, agroforestry is an effective method to manage pest problems. Planting trees around the farm area to attract birds who will nest and feed on the insects can save crops from destructive bug infestations.

5.    Reduce Tilling

Tilling is a form of deep cultivation and farmers think it’s absolutely necessary when preparing their fields. This method is best known to prevent weed problems and prepare the land for planting. However, tilling soil can be harmful because it breaks and disrupts the soil’s structure which speeds up soil erosion. It can also reduce crop residue, which is necessary to help cushion the force or harsh rains. A better method is to insert all the seeds directly into the unplowed soil, as this prevents soil erosion and improves the quality of the soil.  

Although it seems beneficial to maximize crops from farms in order to maximize profit; over-developing it will affect the long-term production. This is why investing in sustainable farming methods will aid in the increase of productivity without abusing the farm. Sustainable agriculture is necessary to provide food for the present generation while assuring that the future generations will get the same benefits from the land being used.