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Details for article 9 of 10 found articles
| Title: |
Research Priorities in Natural Systems Agriculture |
| Author: |
Cox, T. S. Picone, C. Jackson, W. |
| Appeared in: |
Journal of crop improvement |
| Paging: | Volume 12 (2004) nr. 1-2 pages 511-531 |
| Year: |
2004-09-13 |
| Contents: |
Over the course of millennia and most dramatically in recent years, agriculture has eroded natural capital as it has supplied human demands. These tendencies can be offset by infusions of fossil fuels for fertility, pest control and traction, but only partially and not over the long term. This could be called the “problem of agriculture,” in contrast to problems in agriculture. Natural ecosystems are unmatched for efficient nutrient recycling, solar energy use, and biodiversity preservation, but they cannot feed dense human populations. An ecological agriculture that is a synthesis of natural and agricultural systems can save soils from erosion and reduce chemical and water use. Reducing chemical pollution of air, water and soils will conserve wildlife habitat, improve water quantity and quality and protect human health. By practicing an agriculture that has conservation as a direct result, farmers can become better stewards of the land. Lower input costs and inherent sustained soil fertility will mean more profit for farmers and communities. Principles of natural systems agriculture (NSA) are applicable to any food- or fiber-production system worldwide. In the central Great Plains of the United States, agriculture should mimic the native prairie, which is a polyculture of herbaceous perennial plants. The Land Institute has spent 25 years studying the structure and function of prairies. Now we and other research organizations are breeding perennial grain crops, including cool- and warm-season grasses, legumes, and composites. We are following two parallel strategies: selecting wild perennials for greater seed production and other traits of domestication and hybridizing wild perennials with annual crops to combine desired traits. Although the breeding process will take many years, the effort will be repaid many times over if we achieve our goal: a lasting solution to the 10,000-year-old problem of agriculture. |
| Publisher: |
Taylor & Francis |
| Source file: |
Elektronische Wetenschappelijke Tijdschriften |
Details for article 9 of 10 found articles
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