Sustainability focuses on enhancing environmental quality and the resource base on which agriculture depends, while providing for basic human food and fiber needs. It is anticipated that by 2050 global population will grow by 2.2 billion people. This growing population will increase demands for food, feed, fiber, and energy. Sustainable farming solutions will be one of the keys to addressing these population and demand challenges.
Sustainability encompasses a variety of concepts including economic, social, and environmental components:
- Profitability is necessary for agriculture to survive and contribute to a strong economy
- Social awareness considers the needs of agriculture operators and employees as well as members of the non-agricultural community
- Environmental sustainability requires promoting good stewardship of the various natural resources necessary for long term success such as healthy soils and available water
The concept of sustainability encourages farmers to leave the land that they care for in better condition than it was when they were first entrusted with its care:
- Positively impacting soil health, water resources, carbon emissions, and biodiversity
- Preserving soil resources using cover crops, conservation tillage, and crop rotation
- Adopting renewable and clean energy sources such as biofuels, to reduce their energy impact
Other areas where farmers promote sustainability include utilizing 4R nutrient management principles which emphasize Right Rate, Right Source, Right Time, and Right Place focusing on:
- Regular soil sampling
- Crop nutrient recommendations based on Land Grant University guidelines
- Variable rate fertility applications based on soil sample results and/or yield removal levels
- Use of nitrification and/or urease inhibitors
- Split applied fertility applications
- Avoiding application to frozen or snow-covered soils
- Participating in agronomic education, training, and awareness sessions
- Managing sensitive areas with conservation practices that include application setbacks, tillage adjustments, buffer strips, and waterways,
For more information on sustainable strategies visit the Sustainability section on the FS System and contact your local FS Crop Specialist.