Agriculture is very important for keeping our ecosystems healthy. Here are some key points about how it does this:
1. Land Use and Biodiversity
- Use of Land: About 38% of the Earth's land is used for farming. This affects the variety of plants and animals living in those areas.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Farming can destroy habitats. It is estimated that 60% of the loss of land animals and plants is due to expanding agriculture.
2. Sustainable Practices
- Organic Farming: Organic farming is better for the soil and supports more wildlife. Studies show that organic farms can have 34% more plants and animals compared to regular farms.
- Agroforestry: This is when farmers grow trees along with crops. It can help absorb up to 28 tons of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) per hectare each year.
3. Water Use and Conservation
- Water Use: Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s fresh water. This shows that we need to manage water wisely.
- Efficient Irrigation: Using better watering methods, like drip irrigation, can save 30-50% more water, which is good for the environment.
4. Nutrient Management
- Fertilizers: Farmers use about 200 million tons of fertilizers each year. If not used carefully, fertilizers can harm the soil and pollute water.
- Soil Health: Good practices in managing nutrients can help store more carbon in the soil, possibly up to 1 billion tons each year around the world.
5. Climate Change Mitigation
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Farming causes about 24% of the greenhouse gases that affect our climate. By using sustainable methods, we could cut these emissions by 30%.
- Carbon-Sequestering Crops: Some plants, like cover crops, can capture carbon from the air. In the UK, they could help reduce up to 238 million tons of carbon dioxide every year.
In summary, using sustainable farming practices is very important. It helps us grow food while also protecting our environment and ensuring a healthy planet for the future.