Large-scale agriculture tends to put the goal of money above the safety of humans and the environment. These practices of mass production lead to numerous issues such as the depletion of freshwater aquifers, degradation of ecosystems, soil acidification, poor soil quality, and much more. The longer humans prioritize immediate profit over sustainability, the harder it will be to supply food for the growing population, as natural resources begin to deplete. Turning to a more organic way of farming known as permaculture, will likely balance these problems out. Some major issues in current factory farming systems include:
- water scarcity
- tilling of soil
- monocropping
- pesticides
- factory farming
- food waste
6 major problems in agriculture & their solutions
1. water scarcity ➔ saving water
the problem (global food trade & fracking):
The depletion of potable water is a worldwide crisis currently being faced that affects irrigation for agriculture and global food consumption. America is one of the largest contributors to this unsustainable form of farming. As of 2017, about 11% of groundwater is nonrenewable and used for the food trade (Dalin et al.). With that number only expected to increase, concerns are rising because a majority of the world’s population lives in countries with staple crops that come from depleting groundwater sources. Countries such as the USA, Mexico, China, and Iran produce and import food rapidly from these depleting aquifers, leaving them the most at risk. Irrigated crops obtain water in 1 of 3 ways, and if these are contaminated it can affect an entire population:
- precipitation
- irrigation from bodies of water (rivers, lakes, etc)
- irrigation from non-renewable groundwater
Another concern that is affecting the world’s supply of potable water used for agriculture is fracking. Natural gas is an essential energy staple in today’s society, making up a significant portion of electrical production and energy demand, and is only expected to increase in the next 25 years. This rising global demand for natural gas has led to advanced drilling and fracturing techniques which require large quantities of water. This can cause aquifers to deplete. There is also an issue of flowback water in this process which occurs when minerals in the formations dissolve into the fracking water. This creates a brine solution of high concentrations of salts, metals, oils, and greases. The treatment processes for contaminated water require extreme amounts of energy and are unsustainable. This global crisis affects food for the population and disrupts ecosystems.
permaculture practical solutions to save on water:
- changing irrigation systems to be more sustainable (i.e. drip irrigation)
- collecting rainwater & using natural rivers nearby to water plants
- proper management of wastewater disposal will prevent chemicals from leaching into groundwater
- cleaner, renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines, etc) as an alternative to fracking
As the health of the soil returns, it will be able to retain more water from precipitation instead of eroding the topsoil. The water will be stored deep in the ground and populations will no longer be at risk of clean water depletion.
2. tilling ➔ no tilling
the problem with tilling:
Tilling in agriculture began when humans invented the plow to break the soil to sow seeds. This seemed like a great technique at the time to control weeds, manage crop residues, and prepare the soil for new seeds. However, this intensive tilling leads to all sorts of problems including rapid soil erosion, nutrient runoff into nearby waterways, and the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. An extreme example is shown in the 1930s Dust Bowl, one of the largest environmental disasters in the nation. This was caused primarily by over-tilling of the ground, leaving the soil exposed and thus drying up and blowing in the heavy winds. As of today, every state is dealing with massive amounts of erosion. When people damage soils, they release all the stored carbon right back into the atmosphere and destroy beneficial microbes in the ground.
the solution:
No-tillage in permaculture allows for minimal soil disturbance, therefore allowing natural processes in the soil to occur without human interference. Industrial agricultural companies, such as John Deer, have begun to recognize the importance of no-tillage. They now sell a No-Till Drill, which allows the farmer to sow seeds without distributing and intrusively turning the soil. Not tilling will allow for microbes to come back into the soil, therefore carrying out the process of carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change. Farms with dry, brittle soil will become a landslide in heavy rains. Once the soil becomes strong and healthy, these waters are stored deep in the ground and will not run off.
3. monocropping ➔ biodiversity
the problem with planting only one crop variety:
Mono-cropping, another issue with today’s agriculture, occurs when only one type of crop is planted (typically corn or wheat). These farm structures lack biodiversity, affecting the fauna and microbes around them. Since there is only one type of plant, monocultures will only feed the soil one type of root exudate. Healthy soil requires a variety of symbiotic relationships among plants and microbes. Monocropping, in addition to tilling, will lead to the global phenomenon of desertification in which the ground becomes bare and unlivable. This in turn changes the microclimate of the region which then will eventually change the macroclimate.
the permaculture solution:
One solution to the issue of mono-cropping and topsoil loss is introducing biodiversity to the permaculture farm through:
| intercropping | -growing plants of different kinds in the same row -having a variety of types of crops will work to diversify the microbes in the soil, making the farm healthier |
| crop rotation | -refers to planting different crops on the same plot -for instance, one season a crop that fixes nitrogen may be planted, and then the next season a crop that uses a lot of nitrogen will be planted in the same plot |
| cover crops | -plants that are grown after main cash crops are harvested to provide surface cover between growing seasons -this can prevent topsoil loss and protect the ground |
| agroforestry | -planting trees on and around the farm -helps regulate the water cycle which will enrich the soil and prevent erosion |
4. chemicals ➔ natural processes
the problem with fertilizers and pesticides:
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides can damage soil structure, vital nutrients, human health, and the environment. On the farm, these consequences include soil erosion, loss of fertility, and loss of crop yield and productivity. Fertilizer nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, when applied in excessive amounts can accumulate in the profile of the soil and leach into groundwater and streams. This can lead to water quality degradation and eutrophication via harmful algal blooms.
Pesticides are used in agriculture to rid plants of pesky pests that interfere with crop yield. Fertilizers are used to encourage plants to grow faster, thus maximizing monetary gain. People are exposed to harmful chemicals due to this ignorance and carelessness in the application process. The toxins leach into drinking water and the crops, which humans consume thus entering directly into human bodies. Consumption of these chemicals may result in various types of diseases and cancers. Therefore, pesticides and fertilizers are not only negatively impacting the micro and macroclimates, but also human health.
the permaculture solution:
An alternative solution in permaculture to chemical pesticides is biopesticides. These include naturally occurring substances to control pests such as biochemical, microbial, and plant-incorporated protectants. Biopesticides biodegrade, meaning they are not harmful to the environment and therefore free of pollution. They are inexpensive and safe for humans to consume. On the other hand, chemical pesticides are expensive and not safe for consumption.
When left alone, nature will eventually run its course. This is known as the “Spiral of Intervention.” In other words, the “less work, the more prominent outcome.” Through the introduction of beneficial insects and natural predators to control pests and weeds, no chemicals are used and the health of the soil is preserved. This concept is evident in the documentary The Biggest Little Farm, where a couple desires to seek out the “old school” way of farming (permaculture) and run into issues. Instead of heavy interference when it came to pest management, they were patient and let nature run its course.
Eventually, interactions they never even knew were possible started to occur. For instance:
- when the ducks were re-located, the pond no longer had harmful algae blooms and the ducks ate the snails that were killing the trees in the orchard
- coyotes shifted from targeting chickens to targeting the pesky rodents that were eating the roots of crops
- hawks and owls swooped in to eat the birds that were eating the fruit on the trees.
If humans sit back and let nature do what she’s supposed to do, organic farming solves itself.
5. factory farming ➔ rotational grazing
the problem with separating animals and crops:
The environmental impact of beef production, particularly in the United States, is detrimental to the environment. It is important to note here that factory farming is very different from small farms that treat their cows ethically and raise them on pastures. According to the Oxford Dictionary, factory farming is defined as “a system of rearing livestock using intensive methods… confined indoors under strictly controlled conditions.” In other words, these animals are mistreated and placed in gruesome, unlivable, disgusting conditions.
Beef cattle contribute to over half of livestock-related greenhouse gas emissions and represent 4% of the food supply by mass, yet it accounts for one-third of dietary carbon emissions in the United States (Tichenor et al.). America is the leading global producer of beef and slaughters 11.8 million kg annually. Large-scale farming is leading to increased fossil fuels, water depletion, eutrophication, and acidification potentials. Some more issues include:
- methane (a greenhouse gas) produced from cows bleaching entering the atmosphere
- the amount of land and energy this process takes up which leads to groundwater depletion and deforestation
- animals are pumped with antibiotics and hormones which are harmful to human health and overall well-being
the permaculture solution:
Organic farming (permaculture) uses natural fertilizers, compost, and manure to improve the health of the soil and plants. A solution that fixes numerous problems including factory farming and soil health is rotational grazing. This is the practice of containing and moving livestock through different pastures to improve soil, plant, animal, and human health. It’s a win-win for everything! The soil is replenished because cattle leave behind manure, which is rich in microbes and used for compost.
Rotational grazing allows for plants to regrow in-between grazings which means they will establish deeper root systems and improve the soil health and microbes. The soil will be able to retain moisture and is protected from wind erosion. This in turn benefits the plants being grown on these plots. The cattle are raised in open spaces, treated more ethically, and are not pumped up with antibiotics and hormones. Safer and happier animals mean they are much healthier for humans to consume.
The elimination of factory farming means implementing stricter policies at the federal and state levels. On a personal level, opting for a more plant-based diet or supporting local farmers with grass-fed cattle would be ideal. By decreasing the demand for meat, the amount of factory farms will hopefully decrease. Organic plants are rich in proteins, nutrients, and vitamins that our bodies crave. A plant-based diet is much better for the environment, mind, body, and soul.
6. food waste ➔ composting
the problem:
Not only are the methods to grow food and raise animals unsustainable, but in the end about one-third to one-half of all produced food is wasted (de Hooge et al.). In one study conducted online with 4,215 European Citizens, the respondents were shown suboptimal food items. These included an apple/cucumber with the appearance slightly damaged, milk/yogurt that was expired, and fruit juice/biscuits with small damages on the packaging (de Hooge et al.). The respondents went through a series of questions and scenarios comparing the varying produce side by side. They had to select which produce they would rather purchase in real life. The results showed that a majority of respondents did not choose the damaged or “ugly” foods (de Hooge et al.). Most humans lack the intellectual capacity to appreciate the thorough understanding of the process, energy, and labor it takes to bring food to their plates.
the permaculture solution:
People in many countries across the globe tend to discard food without giving it a second thought. Implementing educational programs in school systems and promoting awareness of the environmental impacts of food waste would be a step in the right direction. Implementing fines for trash bags and food waste would cause humans to think about how much they throw away. Many states have implemented pay-per-pound systems when it comes to trash as well as curbside pick-ups for food scraps. These food scraps are taken to anaerobic digesters where they are turned into energy and compost for farms. Compost is extremely valuable, so instead of putting it in a landfill, recycle it back into these natural systems!
On a personal level, being aware of household food waste and taking preventive measures to combat this will help. For instance, educate children about their impact on the environment. Freeze breads, fruits, vegetables, and meats instead of letting them go bad or even learn to ferment foods. Contribute to community compost bins or start a backyard compost. Go into the grocery store with a list and a plan of what meals to cook that week, and make sure nothing goes to waste.
Find creative ways to reuse food scraps. For instance, on TikTok the account PlantYou has a series called “Scrappy Cooking” where she shows unique ways to use food scraps instead of letting them sit in a landfill. She turns common food scraps into juices, powders, types of vinegar, muffins, and much more! Reducing food waste will decrease the size of landfills and greenhouse gasses massively, which will heal the planet.
much love, peace & vibez 2 u & all beings everywhere
-EC <3