Sustainable Agriculture

“Sustainable agriculture

is any practice, method,

technique/technology, philosophy or system of

production that makes agriculture economically

feasible, ecologically sound, socially just and humane

(equitable), culturally appropriate and grounded on

holistic science”.

Soil fertility management

Establishing contour lines planted with

nitrogen-fixing plant species to prevent soil erosion

and conserve soil

Mulching

Using organic wastes/matter to cover the soil

Composting

A method where decomposition process of organic

matter is being managed and enhanced. There are

many ways to compost organic matter, e.g.,

compost peat, compost heap, compost pile, etc.

Sometimes enhancing materials and effective

microorganisms are added to hasten decomposition

process

Concoction of extracts and solutions for “biospray”

Preparation of mixtures and solutions as substitutes

for pesticides

Cropping patterns

Diversity of crops is maintained through space and

time

Integration of animals

Animals are raised up to the level that is possible

Farm planning

Long-range farm plan to respond to short-, medium-

and long-term farmers’ needs

Design of farm system is defined

Farm system design is deliberate and intended

NO-TILL FARMING

Soil is left intact and crop residue is left on the field.

NO-TILL FARMING

Soil layers, conserving organisms and layers in their natural state.

KEYLINE DESIGN

Maximizes beneficial use of water resources of a piece of land.

KEYLINE DESIGN

Refers to a specific topographic feature linked to water flow

GROWING WIND BREAKS TO HOLD THE SOIL

Planting trees and hedges

Prevent wind from blowing away top soil

INCORPORATING ORGANIC MATTER BACK INTO FIELDS

Composting! Puts carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, water and microbes back into the soil!!!

Can also even add urine!

PROTECTING SOIL FROM WATER RUNOFF

Careful placement of rocks and trees.

SOIL STEAMING

Sterilize soil with steam in open fields or greenhouses

GROW A VARIETY OF CROPS

Spreads economic risk and are less susceptible to the radical Price fluctuations associated with changes in supply and demand.

CROP ROTATION

Used to suppress weeds, pathogens and insect pests.

COVER CROPS

Stabilizing effects by holding soil and nutrients in place