Using Farming Resources Responsibly
Conservation tillage is a beneficial and on going endeavor many farmers have taken
to increase their crop yield and field health for the future. Using alternative till
methods can help increase organic content in soil, moisture, and decrease pesticide
runoff and air pollution. Though conservation tillage may seem like a large
investment, it will save a farmer over 30 percent of their income when buying fuel,
pesticides, and water.
Water
In Arizona agriculture water is vital. Since water must be transported to farmlands,
the fuel used to bring the water can be expensive. Using conservation tilling
methods help keep moisture in the soil so there is less need to always have water on
tap.
No till is one of the best ways to conserve water when farming. There is plenty of
water and organic materials for the plant to germinate and thrive. It does however,
require more pesticides and plenty of sunlight since there is little movement in the
soil makeup. When using the no till method, be sure that the pesticides will not
contaminate bodies of water and there will be sun as the plants grow.
Strip tillage is another responsible tilling method that will conserve water and
aerate the field. Only a small percentage of land is used in this tilling method so less
soil is dried and less organic content and water is exposed. Since strip tilling only
requires a small amount of land to be tilled, a farmer can conserve their water
resources and save money over time.
Nutrients
For crops to be healthy and nutritious, a certain amount of organic content must be
in the soil. Organic matter is a mixture of plants from older harvests that have
decomposed back into the soil. This material will hold on to moisture and nutrients
that plants need to thrive. Organic content, also known as humus, also helps crops
absorb nutrients so plants are stronger and healthier come harvest season.
Single pass tilling is a great way to aerate the soil, manage moisture, and keep
organic material in the land. One pass tillage is when a plow or chisel only goes
through the ground once before the new crop is planted. This gives the topsoil
drying time without extracting all the moisture and also keeps most of the humus
intact.
This method of tilling also gives the farmer a chance to plant within hours of the
field being tilled. Since the field is only tilled once, a whole day or week does not
need to be devoted to tilling depending on the size of the land. After a few hours, the
soil will be aerated and most of the moisture and organic matter will still be intact,
making it easier for plants to grow and less time transporting water and fertilizer to
the field.
Soil Erosion
When farmland becomes overused and dry, soil erosion often occurs. Erosion is
preventable when there is more than one crop being planted in the same land, or
there is less tilling involved. Conservation tillage leaves less loose particles that
rainwater can wash away and will keep more organic material in the soil to hold
onto the nutrients and moisture.
Rotational tillage will keep a variety of humus in the soil. Since there will be
different crops planted in the land over the seasons, organic matter and nutrients
will build over time. Humus will help keep the soil in the field and will help the
plants grow strong enough for the root systems to hold onto the land.
Mulch tillage will also build up organic content that will keep soil in the farmland.
This technique is a great way to recycle organic matter and retain soil. Using what
there is in composts and spreading organic matter such as old fruit, vegetables,
eggshells, and newspaper scraps can help keep the soil intact after tilling. By
spreading the mulch shortly after tilling you will bring new nutrients to the soil and
plenty of matter for crops and soil to hold on to.
Air Pollution
Conservative tilling will also combat air pollution. Since there is less soil being dried
and then moved, dirt does not cloud the surrounding area after tilling. Less fuel is
also used in machinery and transporting necessary resources such as plows
fertilizer, or water to the land. Taking steps to making the land more nutrient-rich
and through conservation tilling will help retain moisture and soil.
Using responsible farming techniques will help any farmer sustain their soil and
increase their crop yield. In order to retain humus and water, land must be able to
use all the resources without depleting them permanently. Conservation tilling can
make the land useful for future seasons and even generations.
Sources
http://www.schertzaerial.com/docs/Managing%20Cover%20Crops%20in%20Con
servation%20Tillage%20Systems.pdf
http://www.suscon.org/conservationtillage/
http://www.ctic.purdue.edu/resourcedisplay/293/
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/tillage/advdisadv