Preservation of Forestland and Natural Resources With U.S. Soy

April 25, 2024 06:20 AM AEST | By 3BL
 Preservation of Forestland and Natural Resources With U.S. Soy
Image source: Kalkine Media

In recent years, we have seen overall cropland decrease while forestland has increased. The decrease of cropland is related to urban sprawl, while the increase in forests is likely due to the efforts of U.S. conservation programs and groups working with land managers, including soybean farmers.

Even when farmers are faced with the loss of farmland from urban sprawl, they recognize the value of forest ecosystems. They know that healthy native ecosystems provide critical habitats for biodiversity and enhance resiliency to dynamic changes in the climate.

As stewards of the land, U.S. farmers, working together with non-profit and government agencies, protect our precious forests and natural resources across the U.S. In fact, while the amount of cropland has decreased over the last 50 years, forestland has increased by nearly two million acres.

U.S. Soy farmers play an active role in reducing deforestation by investing in ways to increase crop yields while using less resources. They are committed to meeting the needs of a growing world while protecting our natural resources.

Innovations in Soy Farming Reduce Deforestation

The preservation of farm and forestland for future generations is a priority for U.S. Soy farmers, who continuously explore opportunities to improve their existing land.

Thanks to innovation and climate-smart agriculture, U.S. Soy farmers reduce the impact of farming on their soil as well as surrounding water systems and forest areas.

Growing More with Less

Since 1980, U.S. Soy farmers have made significant operational improvements that allow them to increase yields using less land and resources. In fact, they have increased soy production by 130% using roughly the same amount of land.

Constantly Innovating

In addition to leveraging technological innovations, farmers are also working with scientists to develop new soybean varieties that produce a higher yield, which helps to reduce cropland and protect surrounding forestland.

Preserving Soil Health

To minimize soil erosion, U.S. Soy farmers reduce disturbance as much as possible, only tilling when necessary. Reducing or eliminating tilling also helps preserve the nutrient density of the soil, along with increasing crop diversity and integrating livestock. This has allowed them to improve soil conservation by 34% and reduce soil erosion by 47% per acre.

Protecting Water Resources

U.S. Soy farmers have improved efficiency of water use by 60% over the last 50 years. They use cutting edge technology practices such as GPS to improve fertilizer and pesticide use to reduce the impact on surrounding water systems.

Working Together to Preserve Tomorrow

Sustainable solutions are not one-size-fits-all. For example, environmental-friendly practices that work in the Great Plains may not be an option for a farmer in the Deep South. U.S. Soy farmers must develop solutions unique to their operation and surrounding land. Partnering with government agencies and nonprofits helps farmers develop a sustainability program that is best for their operation.

Government-supported conservation programs shape many farmers’ sustainability goals and plans. Some programs take farmland out of production for use as conservation resources, such as water quality protection, soil conservation and improvement, wildlife habitat expansion and grassland habitat renewal. Approximately 15% of U.S. farmland is currently set aside for conservation, forest development and wildlife habitat.

U.S. Soy works with The Nature Conservancy and a host of others in conservation, food and agriculture to provide farmers with the tools they need to nourish a growing population, while protecting the Earth’s land and waters.


Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Pty Ltd (“Kalkine Media, we or us”), ACN 629 651 672 and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. The principal purpose of the Content is to educate and inform. The Content does not contain or imply any recommendation or opinion intended to influence your financial decisions and must not be relied upon by you as such. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable, but is NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold the stocks of the company(s) or engage in any investment activity under discussion. Kalkine Media is neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice through this platform. Users should make their own enquiries about any investments and Kalkine Media strongly suggests the users to seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice), as necessary.
The content published on Kalkine Media also includes feeds sourced from third-party providers. Kalkine does not assert any ownership rights over the content provided by these third-party sources. The inclusion of such feeds on the Website is for informational purposes only. Kalkine does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content obtained from third-party feeds. Furthermore, Kalkine Media shall not be held liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content obtained from third-party feeds, nor for any damages or losses arising from the use of such content.
Kalkine Media hereby disclaims any and all the liabilities to any user for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising from any use of the Content on this website, which is provided without warranties. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music that may be used on this website are copyrighted to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music used on this website unless stated otherwise. The images/music that may be used on this website are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated as or found to be necessary.
This disclaimer is subject to change without notice. Users are advised to review this disclaimer periodically for any updates or modifications.


AU_advertise

Advertise your brand on Kalkine Media

Sponsored Articles


Investing Ideas

Previous Next
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.