Monday, April 17, 2017

hook 2

The main focus of this researched article is related to the innovation of technology in the agriculture corridor. In order to properly understand the topic, research was gathered across many regions, including peer reviewed articles and conversations with farmers to get their opinions on technology. One of the largest innovations in agriculture, while widely unknown, is the forthcoming of no-till farming. For thousands of years the traditional practice of farming included plowing the land, planning the seed, then harvesting the crop. With “no-till” farming, however, the plowing is eliminated. Even though this method is different than what farmers have always done, some farmers in Southeastern Virginia discovered this process actually benefits the soil, and the environment. One may ask the question: “How does not tilling your land help the crops?” Well, author Jonathan Rauch of The Atlantic observed this in those Southeastern Virginia fields mentioned above: “Insects and roots and microorganisms had given the soil an elaborate architecture, which held the earth in place and made it a sponge for water. That was why erosion and runoff had been reduced to practically nil. Crops thrived because worms were doing the ploughing. Crop residue that was left on the ground, rather than ploughed under as usual, provided nourishment for the soil's biota and, as it decayed, enriched the soil. The farmer saved the fuel he would have used driving back and forth with a heavy plough. That saved money, and of course it also saved energy and reduced pollution. On top of all that, crop yields were better than with conventional methods. (Rauch, 2003).” The mitigation of storm water runoff (water filled with sediments and pesticides/insecticides that gets into the local waterways) plays a major role in keeping the drinking water clean, which is as important as producing food for the world to eat. The fuel saved by the farmer benefits the environment because that makes less carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Lastly, the crop yield is higher with no-till farming, which serves as a self-explanatory benefit to society. Overall, to better the agriculture corridor and help battle the changing climate, no-till farming needs to become more of a widespread practice rather than just a local method.  

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