1. The Impact of Agriculture
Farming practices leave a large impact on the land
Soil is a renewable resource because if it is used properly, it can be used over again to produce food.

2. Soil and farmland has been damaged by poor farming practices:
Leached occurs when soil loses its nutrients through excessive irrigation
Repeated use of heavy equipment can compact soil so that it loses its ability to hold the water and air needed for plant growth
Use of tillage practice
When trees and ground cover are cleared, the soil erodes in the face of water and wind action.
Chemical damage is also cause for concern

3. Ways to Prevent/Reduce Soil Erosion 1) Summer Fallowing
A technique that keeps productive farmland out of production by not planting any crops for one full cycle, giving the soil a “time to rest”
This year of rest can help the soil replenish itself with nutrients so it can stay fertile for many years.
This technique has caused erosion because during the fallow year, winds often blow the topsoil away. The lack of covering vegetation reduces the soil’s fertility.

4. 2) Contour Plowing
Technique used is to reduce soil erosion that can be done on hilly, uneven land especially in Atlantic provinces because the most serious threat to good soil conditions is water erosion as a result of wet climate
Involves plowing around the hill as opposed to up and down the hill
This prevents any moisture
from escaping down the hill
and taking the topsoil with it.

5. 3) Zero-tilling Farming
Involves no tillage of the soil. Plants from previous year’s crop decompose naturally over time and holds the soil in place to protect it from wind erosion.
There are three reasons why farmers choose not to till:
Conserves moisture in the soil that helps with crop germination and yield
Helps protect against soil erosion
Maintains a good seedback quality
Cost-effective: Farmers using this practice do not need as many chemicals/fertilizers and no
plowing is required

6. 4) Trees
To address the problem of soil erosion, farmers plant trees to block wind, thus reducing the amount of soil blown and carried away by the wind.
In addition, these trees trap extra precipitation which adds moisture to the soil

7. Contamination - Use of Chemicals
The use of chemicals by humans affects our food supply along with our natural environment.

8. There are three major types of chemicals used:
Pesticides
Fertilizers
Herbicides

9. Pesticides
Used to kill insects that destroy fruits, vegetables, grains, and trees
They also can kill useful species of insects as useful species are the enemies of harmful pests and their elimination may upset the natural balance in the ecosystem
Sometimes insects develop a resistance to chemicals, and stronger pesticides are then needed to control them

10. Instead of pesticides, farmers have used the biological method by introducing useful bacteria or other insects to control the pests
Chemical methods are much quicker acting and can move more positive results but pose much higher environmental risks.

11. Fertilizers
Chemicals (including phosphates and nitrates) that boost the nutrient level in soils
Used to help crops grow faster
Used to increase a farmer’s yield, it increases the number of plants that can be grown in a certain area
Can have adverse affect on water bodies. When they are carried by run off into lakes, they can cause excessive growth of algae. This removes oxygen from the water, and in turn affects the health of fish.

12. Herbicides Used to kill weeds
Crops will grow more easily if they do not have to compete with weeds for sunlight and water.
Some weed killers can be harmful to wildlife and, in high concentrations, to humans.

13. Benefits of Chemical Usage
Boost farmers crop yields. They can grow more food to feed growing populations.
Decrease the costs of production by helping to control pests and diseases
Improve the appearance of fruits and vegetables
Improve the health of livestock through disease control.

14. Risks of Chemical Usage
Incorrect application of chemicals can damage crops and livestock
Non-target plants and animals can be killed through the use of chemicals
Residue left over from
chemical usage can linger
in the environment. This can
create long-term health and
environmental problems.

15. Organic Farming
This farming practice uses absolutely no synthetic chemicals or fertilizers
The farmer uses crop rotation, tillage and natural pest deterrents to maintain soil quality and fertility.
This farming practice involves less tilling than conventional farming

16. This practice does limit the types of crops that can be grown
Its takes many years to become a certified organic farmer, increasing costs to the farmer through lower yields.
Once a farm is “certified organic” they can charge higher prices but must adhere to strict regulations

17. In conclusion
Regardless of what farming practice is used, land use must always be front and centre in the minds of farmers
Farmers must learn to deal with many factors such as weather, soil conditions and market prices that are out of their control
Farmers must learn to balance factors in their control with factors that are out of their hands in order to make a good living farming