Commercial farmers need to change the way they were taught.

Commercial farmers are facing a significant challenge in modern agriculture: how to grow enough food to feed an ever-growing population while also preserving the health of our planet. The conventional wisdom has long been that industrial agriculture, with its reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, is the only way to achieve high crop yields. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that this is not the case, and that the key to sustainable and profitable agriculture is healthy soil biodiversity.

Soil biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms that inhabit the soil, from bacteria and fungi to worms and insects. These organisms play a critical role in the health of the soil, as they are responsible for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients that plants need to grow. They also help to maintain soil structure, which is important for water retention and erosion control. Without healthy soil biodiversity, crops are more vulnerable to disease and pests, and yields are likely to be lower.

The importance of soil biodiversity is increasingly recognized by scientists and farmers alike. However, many commercial farmers are still wedded to the industrial model of agriculture, with its focus on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This approach may provide short-term gains, but it is not sustainable in the long run, as it degrades the health of the soil and harms the environment. Moreover, it can be costly, as farmers must continually purchase and apply these products to maintain yields.

By contrast, a focus on soil biodiversity can lead to sustainable and profitable agriculture. When the soil is healthy, plants are able to grow more efficiently and are more resistant to disease and pests. This means that farmers can achieve high yields without relying on expensive inputs. Additionally, healthy soil can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon, which is important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

There are several ways that commercial farmers can promote soil biodiversity. One of the most important is to reduce tillage, which can disrupt the soil structure and harm beneficial organisms. Instead, farmers can adopt conservation tillage practices, such as no-till or reduced-till, which leave the soil undisturbed as much as possible. This can help to promote the growth of soil organic matter, which in turn supports healthy soil biodiversity.

Another important strategy is to use cover crops, which are planted between cash crops to help protect the soil and improve soil health. Cover crops help to prevent erosion, reduce compaction, and add organic matter to the soil. They can also help to break up pest and disease cycles, as different cover crops can host different beneficial organisms. By using cover crops, farmers can reduce the need for synthetic inputs and maintain the health of the soil over time.

Finally, farmers can also promote soil biodiversity by using crop rotations, which involve alternating different crops on the same field over time. This can help to reduce pest and disease pressure, as different crops host different organisms. Crop rotations can also help to improve soil health, as different crops have different nutrient requirements and can help to balance the soil. By using crop rotations, farmers can achieve high yields while also maintaining the health of the soil and reducing the need for synthetic inputs.

In conclusion, commercial farmers need to understand that if they get the soil biodiversity and soil health correct, the plants will grow themselves without any industrial additives. By focusing on healthy soil, farmers can achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture that benefits both the environment and society. By reducing the reliance on synthetic inputs, farmers can lower their costs, improve their yields, and maintain the health of the soil over time. By adopting practices that promote soil biodiversity, commercial farmers can help to ensure that agriculture is a sustainable and profitable enterprise for generations to come.