3 replies to this topic

[Shortpoet-GTD]

This is rather long article, but well worth reading. A few excerpts-

"Global warming, polluted water and air, vanishing rainforests and animal species; our plates are
full of worry for the environment.
Yet a growing movement wants our attention, concern and action focused on something
right under our feet—dirt.
Why?
We've lost about one-third of the world’s topsoil and most of that loss has taken place in the last
50 years.

Modern agriculture’s rampant use of pesticides and plows is destroying the quality, and quantity,
of the planet’s soil.
The bottom line: without fertile soil, we cannot produce the food necessary to live.
The scary number: we could be out of fertile soil in the next 100 years.
The areas that are most at risk in the next half-century are the semiarid lands, which is where
about one-third of humanity lives.

How can we possibly farm and produce the rising amounts of food necessary without them?

Organic and no-till farming are the answers,"
Read full article here.

Of course the farmers of the world will have to fight the big ag companies tooth and
nail, but it's a fight worth having.

[aphil]

It is definitely a fight worth fighting! Organic farming definitely helps to build the soil in the natural way intended. It allows for the microorganisms to live and enrich the soil. To think, that if we continue on the present path of chemical agriculture, we won't have topsoil in 100 years is just frightening. I'm so glad that more farmers are turning to organic farming and reporting improvements and success. As people read about them, more and more will gain the courage to change for the better. More nutrient rich soil will yield more nutrient rich food and healthier people.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

aphil, on 05 May 2012 - 10:37 AM, said:

It is definitely a fight worth fighting! Organic farming definitely helps to build the soil in the natural way intended. It allows for the microorganisms to live and enrich the soil. To think, that if we continue on the present path of chemical agriculture, we won't have topsoil in 100 years is just frightening. I'm so glad that more farmers are turning to organic farming and reporting improvements and success. As people read about them, more and more will gain the courage to change for the better. More nutrient rich soil will yield more nutrient rich food and healthier people.

I know it's true just from my yard alone. When I moved here, it was rock hard clay "soil" and I put the word
in quotes because it was horrible stuff.
Year after year composting, and spreading it around (and no chemicals ever), 95% of my yard can
be dug into with a spade in bare feet. (Although I don't recommend it- ) Old veggie leftovers rock!

[steph84]

The thought of this happening within the next 100 years is frightening! I don't know why the use of pesticides isn't banned already. There are greener methods that work too. We need more people to push for organic produce.