Farmers have likely felt the need to increase production to meet the demand of a growing population, which may require employing more efficient measures to ensure maximum output. Unfortunately, efficiency doesn't always mesh with sustainability, so commercial operations may have to make some modifications to find a balance between serving the public and protecting the planet.

Green farming utilizes different technology and practices in order to decrease detrimental impact on the environment. According to the farming resource NuFarming, agricultural operations have a significant impact on climate change. Simply adopting some new practices can lessen that impact.

Solar power

Plants are not the only thing on a farm that can benefit from the sun. Farmers can convert a portion or all of their power needs to solar. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are benefits when solar companies and farmers work together. Solar developers reduce installation costs and upfront risk by placing solar modules on previously tilled agricultural land. Vegetation under modules also can contribute to lower soil temperatures and increased solar performance. Agricultural land managers can reduce energy costs and diversify their revenue streams with solar. Plus, they can market products to sustainability-minded customers.

Solar is not the only renewable energy option. Farmers can incorporate wind and hydroelectric power, as well.

Crop rotation

This farming technique has been used for thousands of years and involves growing different crops in different seasons on the same land. Farmers reduce the chances of pests and diseases becoming problems in the soil because frequent crop changes prevent invaders from gaining a foothold. Farmers may use fewer fertilizers and pesticides as a result.

Hydroponic and aquaponic strategies

Farmers can improve productivity while also reducing environmental impact with these two growing methods. NuEnergy has stated that hydroponic systems grow plants in mineral solutions or in materials like perlite or gravel. Aquaponics involves raising aquatic animals in addition to growing crops. The nutrient-rich water containing waste from fish and other marine life is reused as a medium for growing plants. Both methods remove the need for soil.

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation methods deliver water to the roots of plants through a series of pipes or tubes. Because water is not being sprayed into the air through sprinklers and other methods, less is lost to evaporation, and less water overall may be needed to provide for crops.

Plasticulture

Plastic seems like it may not have a purpose on farms, but recycled plastic, which is used in plastic mulch, can help produce plentiful crops with less water. Plastic mulches raise soil temperatures and insulate against evaporation so plants can grow faster and mature sooner. Invasive weeds also may be less likely to take root in plastic mulch or when crops are grown on black plastic.

Natural pesticides

To reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, farmers can introduce plants that pests tend not to like. For example, interspersing crops with plants that are natural bug repellants, such as basil, lavender, and lemongrass, may keep insects at bay. Alliums, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and other flowers planted nearby also may deter bugs.

Green farming can have a variety of environmentally friendly benefits, making it something more agricultural operations may want to consider adopting.