Climate change continues to be a pressing issue due to several reasons like deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and industrial farming practices among others. The agriculture industry suffers the most from climate change which is why technological advancements were made to make farming more sustainable, eco-friendly, and climate-smart.
Here are some farming methods that could help mitigate the effects of climate change:
1. Precision farming
Smart farming includes satellite imagery, drones, and software. With these developments, farmers can identify critical areas that need attention so they can preserve resources and lessen the use of chemicals on their farms which can lead to soil degradation and pollution.
2. Crop protection
Through climate-smart agriculture, farmers have a better chance of protecting their crops against various pests and diseases. One way to do this is by planting cover crops to prevent erosion and the pollution of groundwater. Plus, cover crops promote nitrogen retention in the soil which helps crops grow.
3. No-tillage or minimum tillage farming
Frequent tilling of the soil can negatively affect organic matter and nutrients in the soil. By practicing no-tillage or minimum tillage, farmers can reduce erosion and slow down moisture evaporation. It can also reduce the amount of fuel consumed and emitted by agricultural machinery.
4. Urban rooftop agriculture
Since the pandemic started, rooftop farming has become a sustainable practice for growing food for local consumption. Many consumers with space have been using their rooftops as a growing space because it’s a great way to utilize rainwater and prevent runoff. It also helps improve urban air quality among other benefits.
5. Agroforestry
Forests and trees store carbon dioxide securely. Through agroforestry, farmers can integrate the cultivation of trees and shrubs with agriculture and animal husbandry to increase productivity, decrease food shortages, support biodiversity, and improve farm resilience.
Trees and shrubs also help prevent soil erosion with their root systems as well as stormwater runoff and groundwater pollution.
Farmers can use a variety of tools to improve the sustainability of their farms. These solutions, either low-tech or high-tech, can be explored to see which approach fits best so that farmers can best combat climate change and promote food security for future generations.
Read more about farming and gardening on agriculture.com.ph.