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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