Agriculture is a huge industry in the UK with a big environmental impact. Machinery use, harvesting crops and raising livestock all produce harmful carbon emissions, whilst intensive monoculture farming can have a negative impact on biodiversity.
Fortunately, more and more farms are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious in their methods, and are looking for new ways to manage their land with the planet in mind. Read on for a look at some of the popular sustainable agriculture methods that are currently being used.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation methods involve planting crops in different fields each season to boost soil nutrients. This process reduces the need for harmful synthetic fertilisers, reduces weeds and can interrupt plant disease cycles, which can all lead to higher yields.
Reduced Tillage
Tilling or ploughing the soil to prepare it for planting can disrupt the soil structure, which increases soil erosion and run-off from surface water, resulting in flooding. It also destroys nutritious organic matter, affecting the soil quality. Alternatives include planting perennials, or tactically adding mulch or compost to prepare for sowing.
Biodynamic Methods
This is an approach to agriculture that considers the land as a whole, where methods can include bringing animals into planting spaces. Combining live animals with planting can boost the soil quality with organic manure and help to keep weeds at bay.
Natural Pest Management
Inorganic pesticides are incredibly damaging to biodiversity, where run-off from chemicals can enter waterways and damage habitats. Alternatives include managing weeds with biodynamic farming and crop rotation, whilst also using natural planting to deter pests. Organic pesticides are also designed to target the unwanted pest without harming surrounding wildlife.
Wildflower Planting
Monoculture farming is the practice of planting just one crop in a space for a greater yield. But this is an unnatural process that limits the paths of insects and other wildlife, harming biodiversity. Farms can easily incorporate wildflower strips or borders into their land, or strive to preserve natural hedgerows, in an effort to reduce the damaging impact of intensive farming.
P R Weldhen: Delivering A Range Of Agricultural & Plant Hire Services
At P R Weldhen, we deliver an array of vital agricultural services, including hedge trimming, grass seeing and paddock maintenance. We also provide comprehensive farm machinery hire, in addition to our broader plant hire options available throughout the Newquay area.
In addition to this, we can deliver high quality top soil and aggregates directly to your site, where we can meet both domestic and commercial requirements. Further to this, we offer a comprehensive waste management, recycling and site clearance service, where we guarantee responsible disposal of your waste. Contact us today to find out more.
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