Essential farming

For many of the reasons documented in this paper, the public s understanding and acceptance of essential farming practices is disappointingly low (Table IV). 

Secondary and Micronutrients in Fertilizers The great majority of farm fertilizers are produced, marketed, and appHed with regard only to the primary plant nutrient content. The natural supply of secondary and micronutrients in the majority of soils is usually sufficient for optimum growth of most principal crops. There are, however, many identified geographical areas and crop—soil combinations for which soil appHcation of secondary and/or micronutrient sources is beneficial or even essential. The fertilizer industry accepts the responsibiHty for providing these secondary and micronutrients, most often as an additive or adjunct to primary nutrient fertilizers. However, the source chemicals used to provide the secondary and micronutrient elements are usually procured from outside the fertilizer industry, for example from mineral processors. The responsibiHties of the fertilizer producer include procurement of an acceptable source material and incorporation in a manner that does not decrease the chemical or physical acceptabiHty of the fertilizer product and provides uniform appHcation of the added elements on the field. 

In hospitals, chemical analysis is widely used to assist in the diagnosis of illness and in monitoring the condition of patients. In farming, the nature and level of fertiliser application is based upon information obtained by analysis of the soil to determine its content of the essential plant nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and of the trace elements which are necessary for healthy plant growth. 

Finally, careful management of ecosystems in dry lands is essential to prevent their destruction by inappropriate and uncontrolled farming and grazing. With better knowledge of the biology of the component species and of the ecosystems we will learn how they can be exploited in sustainable ways. 

The bigger the farm shop, the more staff are needed to deal with the customers, and the more stock control, insurance and theft protection become essential. It may become a big enterprise which would then require sophisticated organisation. Is this what you want, and is this what you are good at If not, be careful. 

The provision of sufficient supplies of essential amino acids for poultry is a specific organic farming issue and results from (i) an insufficient supply of suitable protein crops (especially organically grown soya) for the expanding organic poultry sector and (ii) the prohibition (or restrictions) on the use of... 

In a SAREP (1997) statement, [a] system perspective is essential to understanding sustainability. The system is envisioned in its broadest sense, from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally.. ..A system approach gives us the tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment. 

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