by Belinda Brown

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2008

"HOW TO GO GREEN ON THE FARM: TOP 10 TIPS

Farms generate 18% of earth's green house gas emissions, which is a huge statistic. The loss of valuable resources to farms in the past five years is enormous. Farm workers can reduce the amount of emissions being released into the atmosphere by working together and applying some simple applications. Below are some handy tips you could follow:

1. Volunteer or register with local Landcare groups. Find out what is going on in your community and think of ways you can contribute to the environment. Get involved, even by making a donation to landcare or other organizations. Environmental organizations can offer assistance in your effort to help the environment.
2. Restore native vegetation and plant some trees. Not only do trees help to filter our atmosphere, they also protect the local water ways and are excellent tools for conservation.
3. By adopting new farming practices, such as protecting rivers, streams and waterways from chemicals , fertilizer run offs and soil erosion, the average farmer will be generating more profits as well as contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
4. Improve the health of soil to help stop erosion by improving pastures, building up the health of your soil using fertilizers and trace elements. Build dams to make use of the season's rainfall.
5. If possible, cover soils to reduce the amount of nitrous oxide being emitted into the atmosphere, as nitrous oxide is an extremely potent green house gas.
6. Perform regular soil tests so that you can apply the amount of fertilizer that is needed, so that nitrogen is not being wasted and to reduce the amount of nitrous oxide emissions
7. Keep records of the issues that are problematic on your farm. Plan objectives, so you can target the problems. It may also be helpful to talk to adjoining neighbors and form a group in your area. A lot of environmental agencies formed by the government can offer loads of support.
8. Check your records later on down the track to see if your contributions are achieving satisfactory results.
9. Make sure you use a high quality feed for your live stock. Use one that is higher in soluble sugars and less in cellulose, there fore making it easier for live stock to digest and creating less methane gasses.
10. Go organic. Use organic pest control, instead of pesticides. Pesticides cause tremendous damage to our wildlife, fresh water reserves and not to mention the damage it causes to the human body when digested through fruit and vegetables. It is simply not worth it to save time and a few extra dollars.

If the farmers of today all over the world, could adopt good farming practices that will benefit the environment, and for them to pass on their knowledge to the younger generation, it will not only provide them with a healthy and productive farm, they will be contributing to a brighter future in the world we live in.

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