“At this moment, there is a global food supply shortage”, states Tammy Sons of Tree Nursery Co, and making sustainability the new buzzword. But what exactly is a sustainable food supply?
The ability to provide a continuous supply of crops and livestock without harming the environment while maximizing output is the driving factor for sustainability in agriculture.
By understanding some essential factors associated with this concept, building a sustainable food supply can be achievable for people choosing to live in balance with their environment for food.
Considerations for Implementing a Sustainable Food Supply
1. Respect Harvesting Laws and the Land
There are several government agencies responsible for regulating wildlife and public lands. They monitor the environment and ecosystems to determine the need for restrictions.
Although hunting game and harvesting plant resources can be beneficial to maintain ecological balance, there is an ebb and flow that You must respect. Following any laws and regulations for subsistence harvesting will ensure a healthy ecosystem on public lands.
2. Maintain a Balanced Ecosystem
A balanced ecosystem is something that You can achieve on private land. For those who want to develop sustainable agricultural methods, it is essential to research the types of crops and livestock to be grown.
Some livestock may need to forage on specific plants and avoid other plants that are poisonous to them. Making sure everything can live together will allow for a healthy ecosystem.
3. Seek Out Renewable Energy Flow
There is a concept in agroecology that one of the key elements to sustainability is providing the correct energy flow. Essentially, you want all organisms to interact in their environment in a way that will renew each other.
Like having a balanced ecosystem, the idea of agricultural energy flow centers around keeping plants and animals close enough to sustain each other. For instance, Some crops work well together and give each other essential nutrients, while others may deplete much-needed nutrients.
4. Consider Resource Intensification Techniques
Another sustainable agriculture principle involves resource intensification. Using techniques to naturally improve the soil and prevent predation can boost food supply productivity without harming the environment.
Researchers have shown that natural nutrient supplementation and natural predatory barriers can develop more resilient crops with a higher yield. In contrast, chemically enhanced soil and pesticides can require more land to produce the exact quantities.
Overall, it is essential to understand that You can achieve a sustainable food supply by developing your ecosystem. Building up the soil with the proper nutrients and understanding your crops’ needs can help achieve food sustainability. Keeping everything balanced will allow for a more productive environment that will provide an abundant food supply.
