Authors:
Robin Broad
and
John Cavanagh
Publication: BBCDate: Winter 2012
Link: http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-SORT&inPS=true&prodId=GPS&userGroupName=hatterslib&tabID=T003&searchId=R3&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=5&contentSet=GALE|A274409080&&docId=GALE|A274409080&docType=GALE&role=SUIC
Summery: Many farmers are finding it more efficient to switch over to organic farming both for their wallets nut also for the environment.With chemical agriculture, farmers must buy new seeds each planting season which is a costly. Atilano, an organic farmer, uses seeds saved from the previous harvest for it grows best in the local soils and ecosystems where he lives. With the fact of not harvesting enough food for our hungry growing world, many farmers were asked why not chemical for chemical based farms produced increased fields. Atilano knew the answer for the history of the United States back in the day used these chemicals that were known as the "Green Revolution". Overtime these farms became known as fields compacted and depleted of nutrients thus making farmers abandon or sell there farmers.
On the left is organic soil and right is chemical soil, both placed in a jar of water.
The Chemical soil would clearly have more run off then the organic if this was the lab we did during class.
Some freshly grown organic food!
The Chemical soil would clearly have more run off then the organic if this was the lab we did during class.
Opinion: I think more if not all farmers should switch over to organic farming because it saves them money but also keeps my backyard and river ways clean! This article really caught my eye for I had no idea how chemicals effected soils over time. The picture of the soils and water also really intrigued me because it really goes to show how strong the organic soil is and just so much more!
Question 1: If you were a farmer, would you make the switch? Why?
Question 2: Do you think the chemical farmlands effect the animals that live around it? If yes, how?
Question 3: If you were in a grocery store and stumbled into the produce section where one label said "Organically grown produce" with a higher price then the leading label next to it that said "Fresh Produce", which would you buy?
Question 4: After reading this, does your opinion change about the way foods are grown and sold? Why?
I had no idea that there were so many chemicals in the soil. Those chemicals effect our food and waterways. The picture of the two soils in water really does just emphasize the amount of pollution in the soil. I don't know why all farmers would not switch to organic farming.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: If i was a farmer i would definitely switch to organic farming. It is better for the environment and saves money so why not?!
I was shocked to find out about the chemicals are in these crops. These chemicals are entering our water ways and polluting it. I was taken back by the picture of the two soils in water. It grossed me out and made me want to consume organic food instead. I agree that more farmers should switch to growing and selling organic.
ReplyDelete1. If I were a farmer I would most defiantly switch to growing organic crops. For one it is a growing market and therefore is a wise investment. As people become educated on how harmful these chemicals are people are willing to pay a little extra money for something natural. Also I would switch because it would be the right thing to do. There is no reason to grow crops with these chemicals.It would be a wise choice all around to switch to organic farming!
Question 2: I think that the soil used effects the animals living on and nearby the farm. As the article above says, the organic soil produces much less runoff into streams and waterways because it holds together much better that regular soil. The farmers who use regular soil's fertilizers get washed into the waterway every time it rains and the animals drink that water causing the fertilizers to hurt the animals. The fertilizer is really good for crops, but probably not so good for animals.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this article because it had good visuals about how type of soil effected the amount of run off produces. It explained how the soil held together and can really impact the environment all together. This article really helped me understand that even little things like the type of soil can make such a huge difference in the waterways and animals health.
I really liked this article because it was so shocking! I had always wondered what impact farming had on the environment, but I just figured it wasn't anything bad. After reading this article you discover that the chemicals used in farming can actually contaminate our water like we learned in class.
ReplyDeleteIn response to question 1, if I were a farmer I would definitely make the switch! It seems like the bad idea would be to not make the switch. While using organic soil, I would not only save money but I wouldn't be harming the environment as well which is a really good thing in the long run. Making the switch makes a lot of sense even considering it doesn't harm the food that is produced.