Characters of a Sustainable Farm

Recycling:

To become a sustainable farm it should feed the soil by recycling the crop residues. Incorporation of crop residues increases the soil organic carbon in the farm, further it will make the soil more favorable for micro organisms and earth worms. Over a period of time repeated application of crop residues will make the soil healthy and the micro organisams in the soil ensure regular supply of nutrients to the plants

Crop rotation:

Rotating crops with legumes and non-legumes will ensure removal of nutrients and addition of nutrients into the soil.  Crop rotation helps in improving the soil structure and growth of nitrogen fixing bacteria in the soil.

Addition of Farm Yard Manure and composting:

Regular application of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and compost will improve soil organic content. Further it will improve water holding capacity of the soil

Growing green manure crops and green leaf manuring:

Green manure crops such as Dhanchia will be useful in reducing soil salinity. Further green manure crops will increase the soil fertility and productivity. Application of green leaf manure will improve the soil texture.

Poly crops:

Growing of 5-7 crops in a single holding will reduce the risk in agriculture, particularly in rain fed areas.

In-situ rain water harvesting:

In-situ rain water harvesting by making each farm as a mini watershed is critical in rain fed areas.  

Knowledge:

Knowledge on pests and their life cycles, soil and interactions of microbes in the soil, marketing intelligence, understanding natural processes are critical. Farmer should have a right eye to observe pests and diseases. He /she should have right information on pests and diseases – their nature, favorable conditions and managing soil fertility, weather related issues etc. This information and knowledge help the farmer in taking right decisions.