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When humans discovered agriculture, their standard of living increased. Agriculture has helped sustain the earth ever since. Land and soil does not replenish its self; thus, there is a limited amount in which to grow crops. Technology and revisiting some tried and true methods can help the earth to continue to provide.
Farmers have discovered that less tilling of the soil is beneficial to crops and the atmosphere. Studies have shown recently that, over tilling, the soil decreases its ability to grow crops. Exposing the soil to the air releases carbon into the air. Organic carbon is essential for healthy soil. Less tilling of the earth also means less carbon is released into the air.
Modern farming today for the most part produces the same crops on a large scale year after year. Gone are the small truck farms to feed families, and selling the extra out by the road. Farmers back then knew the value of diversification and crop rotation. Many farms today focus on one product because the farm is set up to raise that one product, or so they believe.
Planting several varieties of crops in the same area can benefit the farmer. Plants not only take from the soil they also return nutrients to the soil, as well. Planting crops together will help balance out the soil. One variety takes nutrients from the soil and the other returns those same nutrients. Using this farming practice will help reduce the need for fertilization.
Certain plant varieties naturally repel pest that can damage plants. Planting varieties that repel pests in with others that are susceptible to pests can cut down on the use of pesticides. Farmers today are starting to understand and realize the benefits of nature’s naturally occurring biological processes.