Growing More with Less
Sustainability is a big word and it is an important word to those who grow our food , fiber , and fuel . The word sustainable means meeting the economic , social , and environmental needs of the present without compromising the future . Farmers and ranchers use sustainable agriculture methods . This means they
grow more food using less resources . Farmers today use less land and water to grow more food than what they did decades ago . Farmers also work to protect our environment and natural resources .
Potato growers are no different . Below , read some of the ways potato farmers are sustainable .
Potato farms are certified for food safety . This means farmers meet requirements for safe food production and handling practices .
New irrigation technology to water the potato plants in the field conserves water and reduces evaporation .
U . S . growers use fertilizer and pesticides in limited amounts to guarantee the wholesomeness of their potatoes .
Precision farming technologies using Global Positioning Systems ( GPS ) reduce the farm ’ s usage of energy , water , and other inputs .
Potato growers use nonchemical methods to manage pests . They grow potato varieties that are resistant to pests .
U . S . growers care for their soil year-round to build healthy soils . They add compost , rotate the type of crops planted each year , and grow cover crops that add nutrients back to the soil .
Potato growers are known for planting another crop next to the potato plants . This is called companion crops or companion planting . Companion crops help increase potato yields , reduce pests , control weeds , and limit soil erosion .
4 - Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom Source : NationalPotatoCouncil . org