subject: 10 Tips For Sustainable Farming | Heart 2 Heart Farms [print this page] Sustainable farming is a way of growing food and raising livestock that is healthy for the consumers as well as the animals. In addition, it does not harm the environment. In essence it is centered on the idea of conservation and preservation where what is taken out of the environment is put back in so that resources (such as water, soil and air) can be replenished for future generations. Farmers who practice sustainable agriculture, like Heart2Heart Farms , also try to minimize the waste the farm produces so that it stays within the farms ecosystem and doesnt result in a buildup of waste or pollution. And finally, sustainable farming tries to remain as local as possible to minimize transportation costs and the use of fossil fuels.
Many local family owned farms are working to implement sustainable farming practices which benefit both the farm and the community. However, while many small farms do this, it can be hard for home growers starting out to get a handle on how to make their gardening efforts sustainable. Here are some tips for the home farmer/gardener to practice sustainable farming:
1.Understand that sustainable means farming a single area so that it produces food indefinitely, avoid damaging the soil (erosion) and dont take anything from it that cant be replaced by the environment (not using more water than can be replaced by natural rainfall)
2.Consider the source. Where are resources and input coming from including water, energy, soil amendments, and feed? Its not possible to be completely self-sufficient but farming of any kind can be done with stability and productivity in mind.
3.Eliminate waste. Dont throw anything away: reduce, reuse, recycle. Always ask, what else can I do with this?
4.Diversify: Choose polyculture over monoculture. This means grow different crops that work together to replenish the soil. It produces less waste and sometimes reduces fossil fuel consumption.
5.Use varieties and breeds that fit your climate and locale.
6.Rotate crops. Each crop should bring something to the soil that helps replenish what it took out of the soil
7.Encourage diversity: plant trees that act as windbreaks and habitat for birds (who can eat the insects attracted to crops).
9.Mulch. Mulching helps conserve water. It also keeps soil temperatures stable which plants like. It acts like a soil conditioner
10.Compost. Composting makes for great food for plants, reduces ones carbon footprint and saves fossil fuels.
Just following these 10 simple tips can help even the most novice home grower begin to create a sustainable farming environment, whether its for a small herb garden, or for a larger project. Sustainable farming is well worth the little extra time and consideration it takes to make it work.
