Sustainable Conservation’s Post

Highlighting Sustainable Practices Water Conservation Agriculture Rainy Filters promotes sustainable farming. Implement advanced irrigation techniques and rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water and enhance agricultural productivity. #RainyFilters #WaterConservationAgriculture https://lnkd.in/dNYfuXzu

Global water scarcity presents a significant challenge for the horticulture industry. Balancing efficient water use with optimal crop production requires innovative solutions. On-site green oxidation can address these challenges by enabling cost-effective, safe and sustainable water reuse in greenhouse operations. #sustainableagriculture #waterreuse #irrigation

Global water scarcity presents a significant challenge for the horticulture industry. Balancing efficient water use with optimal crop production requires innovative solutions. On-site green oxidation can address these challenges by enabling cost-effective, safe and sustainable water reuse in greenhouse operations. HPNow #sustainableagriculture #waterreuse #irrigation https://lnkd.in/eExF7Md5

Greenhouses are essential for efficient and controlled plant growth. Here are some best practices for managing greenhouses effectively: 1. **Climate Control**: Maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels based on the plant species. Automated systems or sensors can help regulate these factors. 2. **Water Management**: Use drip irrigation or other efficient watering systems to minimize water waste. Monitor soil moisture regularly to avoid overwatering or underwatering. 3. **Lighting**: Provide adequate natural sunlight or supplement with artificial lighting as needed, especially during periods of low sunlight. LED grow lights are energy-efficient options. 4. **Nutrient Management**: Implement a nutrient management plan with proper fertilization schedules tailored to the specific crops being grown. Consider soil testing to ensure balanced nutrient levels. 5. **Pest and Disease Control**: Practice integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to prevent and control pests and diseases. This includes using beneficial insects, organic pesticides, and maintaining cleanliness. 6. **Crop Rotation and Diversity**: Rotate crops regularly to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Introduce crop diversity to improve soil health and overall resilience. 7. **Weed Management**: Keep the greenhouse free from weeds that compete with crops for resources. Use mulching or manual removal techniques to control weed growth. 8. **Greenhouse Structure Maintenance**: Regularly inspect and maintain the greenhouse structure, including checking for leaks, repairing any damages, and cleaning surfaces to optimize light transmission. 9. **Monitoring and Record-Keeping**: Keep detailed records of environmental conditions, crop growth, pest occurrences, and maintenance activities. This data helps in making informed decisions and improving efficiency over time. 10. **Training and Education**: Train greenhouse staff on best practices, safety protocols, and new technologies. Stay updated with industry trends and research to continuously improve greenhouse operations. Implementing these best practices can enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and promote sustainable agriculture within greenhouses.

The most recent USDA-NRCS blog (linked below) from the NRCS Chief was titled "Can Agriculture Improve Water Quality? With Data-Driven Voluntary Conservation, the Answer is Yes." Netafim USA's subsurface drip irrigation system that uses manure effluent (SDI-E) is a commercially scalable solution for dairies that positively affects water quality when compared to traditional flood irrigation and nutrient management practices. Thanks to Sustainable Conservation's work on a previous NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant that demonstrated the following outcomes on corn over 3 years: 44.78% fewer pounds of nitrogen applied per acre and a 47.22% increase in nutrient use efficiency (tons yielded per acre per pound of nitrogen applied) 35.65% less water applied and a 38.13% increase in water use efficiency (tons yielded per acre inch of water applied) The estimates at scale were based on median per-acre results from the project. At 100,000 acres, this would mean: 61 billion fewer gallons of water applied 55 million fewer pounds of nitrogen applied That's a significant impact for #california, the #1 state for dairy production in the US. We appreciate NRCS for cost-sharing SDI-E systems in CA, OR, and WA. We look forward to bringing SDI-E to other states to scale #waterquality impact while maintaining productive agricultural land.

Interesting initiative from Glastuinbouw Nederland: "Following the Emission-free Greenhouse agreement, we reached new agreements at the end of 2022. One of them was that water coaches would be used to achieve the goals of the Water Framework Directive 2027. More and more growers are considering the impact they have on their surroundings. Water quality is part of that. Companies also want to take that step themselves. Water coaches bring knowledge from previous studies, and knowledge transfer is important during the visit." CE-Line helps to get to a fully closed water system where the drain can be re-used for 100%. This is done by analyzing the irrigation and drain on concentrations of nutrients. This makes sure the nutrients re-used are measured before dosing irrigation. This not only saves water but also nutrients and therefore money! https://lnkd.in/ehjZ92D9

Dr. Henry English, director of the UAPB Small Farm Program, is encouraging small farmers and urban gardeners to take advantage of funding opportunities by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS in Arkansas announced two additional sign-ups through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program’s (EQIP) Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Initiative and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). “These additional opportunities will help agricultural producers throughout Arkansas make best use of their natural resources where agricultural production is often limited by competing land uses and higher costs of utilization,” said Arkansas NRCS state conservationist Mike Sullivan. “Urban and small farmers provide critical access to healthy food for local communities, as well as jobs, increased green spaces and community engagement.” In Arkansas, healthy food access can be limited in urban, suburban and rural areas, and small-scale, sustainable, diversified operations are vital to support local and regional food systems. How to Apply NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be included in this funding opportunity, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center and apply by May 17. Applicants are encouraged to work with NRCS and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to complete eligibility requirements at their earliest convenience during the application process. EQIP - Small Farm and Urban Agriculture For urban operations in this particular sign-up, NRCS offers technical and financial assistance with conservation practices, such as conservation cover; conservation crop rotation; cover crops; high tunnel systems; irrigation system, micro irrigation; Irrigation Water Management; low tunnel systems; Mulching; Nutrient management; Pest management conservation system; Prescribed grazing; Raised beds; Residue and tillage management – no-till; Residue and tillage management – reduced till; Roof Runoff Structure; Soil carbon amendment; and Wildlife habitat planting. CSP - Small Farm and Urban Agriculture CSP offers additional opportunities to expand on existing conservation efforts through enhancements. Interested producers should submit applications including the NRCS-CPA-1200 and maps that identify and delineate the boundaries of all eligible land uses and acres included in the operation to their local NRCS office. The CSP-Urban Agriculture sign-up will be offered via ACT NOW. ACT NOW allows NRCS to expedite application approval and contract obligation in a designated ranking pool when an eligible application meets or exceeds a state-determined minimum ranking score, which is 60 for the CSP-Urban Agriculture ranking pool. Eligible applications will be batched and processed in the order they're received, with selections made weekly. CSP-Urban Act Now applications will be accepted on a continuous sign-up basis until May 17 or until funds have been expended.

A Dive into Different Farming Techniques https://lnkd.in/gWbY3ApB #ecofriend #drpremnetwork #drprem #sponsored #DifferentFarmingTechniques #Dripirrigation #Hydroponic #IrrigationTechniques #sustainablefarming #VerticalFarming

California almonds have faced undeserved criticism and misinformation. 80% of the world's #almonds grow in the state and meet the entire supply demand of the United States. Nonetheless, the almond industry has made impressive progress in #sustainability and environmental stewardship. By embracing advanced #irrigation technologies like micro-irrigation systems and #moisture #sensors, growers have successfully reduced water #consumption by more than 50%. #SustainableFarming #AlmondIndustry.

Did You Know the Ecological Zone II Of Uganda? This is a lower part of Karamoja and taking shape of a bigger part of Northern Eastern Uganda. It is different climatically an compared to the mainstream Karamoja and comprise of the districts of Pader, Kitgum, Lira, Katakwi, Northern Sironko, Northern Kapchorwa, Nakapiripirit and Southern Kotido. The Soil in this region is moderate because it receives generous portion of rain and some places experiences a lot of floods. However, The short season of January to May is characterized by short rains and serious draught, that makes this season favorable for short season crops like sesame, beans, ground nuts etc. Average rainfall of 1100 millimeters (mm) with moderate variability, from about 1000 mm over the north and north-eastern parts to about 1300 mm over western and southern parts of this zone. One rainy season of about 7 months, from April to late October with the main peak in July/August and a secondary peak in May. However, with continued climate change, there is a lot of variations in this pattern and is very unpredictable. One long dry season of about 4 months from mid-November to late March. Driest months are from December to February. During this dry season evaporation exceeds rainfall by a factor of over 10 during the driest months, December to February and the area becomes very arid. However, there is a short dry month of June-July before the commencement of the 2nd longer rains. The 2nd seasons favors the growth of longer season crops like maize. The region has flat terrain with isolated hills with altitude ranging from 975 – 1,524 m above sea level, with wider wetlands for irrigation. This region is the home to the most popular Olweny Rice irrigation scheme.   Land is available but mainly in communal ownership and these practices limits full land utilization and this caused the soil in many parts to still be moderately fertile. Communal land tenure is leading to shifting cultivation in several parts in this region. Small holder subsistence farming practices are most practices with average animal husbandry. However, medium scale commercial farming is emerging. There is low-moderate literacy regarding improved methods of farming moderate to high literacy. Farmers in the regions have started to embrace use of improved farming practices like use of hybrid or quality declared seed. However, use of fertilizers, and other crop protection methods is still very low. This is mainly related to the principles on use, access, finance and the traditional negative beliefs about fertilizers on inputs. Average farm productivity has greatly reduced with average farmers harvesting up to 0.2-0.5mt of grain maize per acre some going even less. Needless to say, many farmers have strong myth that fertilizers are bad and even some of the strong opinion leaders and politicians subscribe to this belief and have kept many farmers in the dark. What Next?