An Argument For Sustainable Agriculture Essay - 3181 Words

An Argument For Sustainable Agriculture Introduction Merriam-Websters online dictionary defines stewardship as the careful and responsible management of something entrusted in ones care (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Sustainable agriculture is a method that does not deplete soil, water, air, wildlife or human community resources (Community Alliance with, 1997). These two principles describe a type of farming that practices responsible management of the land in a way that does not deplete natural resources or the human community. We are living in a time when many environmental issues have come up due to such things as overpopulation, increased waste production, over consumption, depletion of natural resources and other activities†¦show more content†¦Organic farming involves the strict adherence to three standards defined by the federal Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. The act includes the stipulation that farmers must be certified, continually increasing soil fertility and are prohibited from using synthetic pesticides and fert ilizers (Community Alliance with, 1997). Thus, sustainable agriculture involves a continuum, containing points where limited use of synthetic products may be acceptable to organic farming where none are used. It can be argued that sustainable methods are very practical today, and are important in retaining healthy land that will be productive in the future. The history of agriculture shows how agriculture has developed to where we are today with traditional methods. By looking at obstacles to organic farming and the problems and solutions to traditional methods, we can see the importance of increasing sustainable efforts. Furthermore, it is important to look at the link between faith and farming and how people can apply biblical principles to farming the land God owns. History of Farming Modern agriculture began about 150 years ago with Justuus von Lieberg. He is credited with discovering that the three basic elements of plant nutrition could be dissolved in water and fed to plants directly. Ever since, nitrogen,Show MoreRelatedHow Can Sustainable Agriculture Be Better For Americans Vs. Industrial Agriculture?1481 Words   |  6 PagesHow can sustainable agriculture be better for Americans compared to industrial agriculture? Sustainable agriculture is the idea to agriculture that prioritize in fabricating food in a manner that does not demean nature and does not threaten human or animal s health. Sustainable agriculture provides high quality produce without diminishing resources and natural systems that productivity rely on. 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