1. Farming methods  4.3

2. Farming Methods  All agriculture depends on soil.  Therefore, soil erosion is a major problem in agriculture.  Erosion happens naturally but is also sped up by human activities

3. Farming methods  Contour farming- Farmers plant across the slope of the land instead of up and down the slope  Strip cropping- wide rows or strips or crops are planted alternately with rows of grass

4. Farming Methods  Terracing- build series of broad flat ridges that run down a hillside like stairs  Crop rotation- changing crops in a field from year to year

5. Farming Methods  No-till cultivation- do not disturb top soil at all  Conservation Tillage- Farmers disturb the soil and vegetation as little as possible

6. Preparing the Land  The way farmers prepare the soil for planting can make the difference between preserving fertile soil and losing it to erosion.  Conservation Tillage/No-till cultivation

7. Planting the Land  Ideal farmland is flat, many farmers don’t have ideal conditions.  Have to be able to plant and adapt to slope of land and precipitation  Contour farming, strip cropping, terracing, all soil conservation methods that reduce soil erosion on sloping land

8. Soil Enrichment  Farmers must maintain and restore nutrients in the soil.  Some methods to do this… –Natural organic fertilizers- animal manure, green manure, and compost –artificial fertilizers- add nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium –Crop rotation- remove and replace different nutrients

9. Food Safety  Food in the U.S. is safe largely because of governmental regulations. –USDA- United States Department of Agriculture  Inspects meat and dairy products

10. Food Safety  FDA- Food and Drug Administration –Regulates packaging and food labels  EPA- Environmental Protection Agency –Regulates use of pesticides