Modern Farming Methods & Soil Day 2 Food Inc, & Key Points AP ? Of the Day Which of the following factors did NOT contribute to the Dust Bowl in the United States? A) No-till agriculture B) Removal of vegetation cover C) Soil erosion D) Desertification E) Drought AP ? Of the Day Which of the following factors did NOT contribute to the Dust Bowl in the United States? A) No-till agriculture No till agriculture does not cause soil disturbances like tillage agriculture does. This farming method reduces soil loss due to erosion. Clearing of the land, overuse and overtilling of land and drought were all factors of the Dust Bowl. Soil Sample Collection Soil Lab next time! Bring in a soil sample (~2 cups) from your yard or area nearby where you live. You must have them next time! Soil Layers Sustainable Agriculture No Till Farming No till farming land is only minimally disturbed when preparing for crops. Tillage results in erosion and compaction of deeper layers. No-till farming allows more crop residue to turn back into soil, reducing erosion & compaction. Sustainable Agriculture Crop Rotation Alternation of types of crops grown from year to year or season to season. Allows nutrients to be returned to soil, minimizing nutrient loss (such as nitrogen) Reduces impact of insects and disease Sustainable Agriculture - Intercropping Planting alternate crops. Reduces disease risk, erosion & nutrient depletion Increases diversity of crop yield Must use non-competing plants Sustainable Agriculture Shelterbelts Created when tall plants/trees are planted along the edges of farms Reduce wind generated soil erosion Sustainable Agriculture Contour farming Plowing across a hill Follows contours of landscape Better trap water and reduce erosion Sustainable Agriculture Terracing Steep slopes of mountainous terrain Minimize erosion Retain water Allows farming of otherwise unsuitable land (think Incan ruins of Peru) Food, Inc.