tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675753962224570087.post4759518573462708172..comments2023-09-22T12:43:17.537-05:00Comments on Sustainable Glasgow: Another Great Article Thanks to John RogersBilly Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10388845919168009946noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675753962224570087.post-55742943392767555122009-01-06T20:14:00.000-06:002009-01-06T20:14:00.000-06:00If more farmers would practice no till farming, th...If more farmers would practice no till farming, the problem of soil erosion of would be minimized.<BR/> <BR/>Several years ago a group of farmers in eastern NC participated in an experiment. They decided to revisit the practices of farmers before the tractor was invented in the 1830s.<BR/> <BR/>This meant after harvesting they did not till under the soil. They allowed the roots of the harvested crops to remain intact and rot over the winter. This resulted in:<BR/>1) The return of earth worms <BR/>2) The return of birds and other fowl which increased fertilization and pollination<BR/>3) Loose topsoil was not washed into creeks, streams or rivers therefore reducing pollution<BR/>4) Loose topsoil was not blown away by the wind<BR/>5) Weeds were reduced<BR/> <BR/>Granted, this practice is not as pretty or neat as the traditional practices, but it's more environmentally friendly.<BR/> <BR/>The results of this practice:<BR/>1) Fewer herbicides to poison the soil and it's products, reducing costs to the farmer and toxins in our food<BR/>2) Less chemical fertilizer was needed, cutting costs for the farmer<BR/>3) Within 5-10 years the production per acre increased 10 fold<BR/>4) Reduction in air and water pollution.<BR/> <BR/>So why don't more farmers jump on the bandwagon, so to speak?<BR/> <BR/>Sharon Taborstaborhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12289518143332042929noreply@blogger.com