Sponsored by PureCrop1
Sponsored
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant loss of pollinators in the U.S. and around the world —including honeybees, native bees, birds, bats, and butterflies. Beetles, wasps, and even small mammals also carry and transfer pollen from one plant to another. In an Oxford Academic study measuring how much agriculture depends on pollinators, researchers found the direct reduction in total agricultural production in the absence of animal pollination ranged from 3 to 8 %. They found that agriculture has become more pollinator-dependent over time and that pollination shortage will intensify agricultural land demand.
Bees and other pollinator species are essential partners to the farmers and ranchers growing our food crops, but still often treated as an outside factor. We need to protect them, but how? And how will protecting them affect farmers’ bottom line?
Practices that Protect
We can start protecting pollinators by supporting native wildlife and creating a habitat for pollinators alongside us, remembering any toxins applied that are damaging to humans also affect pollinators. We can create a more abundant farm and become an ally to pollinators by using products that keep them working. Conventional and organic farms can benefit from the biological approach in their farming practices, which uses natural organisms to protect crops. Biologics can help create healthy soil with more nutrients while avoiding chemicals.
Additionally, by decreasing the number of toxic chemicals you use on food crops, you reduce the number of toxins that run off into the soil and water. Pesticides are widespread in surface and groundwater across the United States. In a study on agricultural contaminants by the U.S. Geological Survey, at least one pesticide was found in about 94% of water samples and in more than 90% of fish samples taken from streams across the nation, and in nearly 60% of shallow wells.
Farms are increasingly choosing the biodynamic route. Organic and biodynamic methods are similar in that both are grown without chemicals and GMOs. However, biodynamic farming goes one step further. Designed to promote nutrient and energy cycling in the soil and above ground, biodynamic farms give back to the environment by creating a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem. Biodynamic methods create healthier plants and heal the earth by replenishing the soil while invigorating the plant, soil, and livestock. These practices generate superior soil quality, more fertile & stable compost piles, more robust crops, and decreased reliance on outside inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.
New Technologies in Organic Agriculture
Biodynamic farms create, manage, and sustain a farm ecosystem that satisfies and regenerates its own needs. Many conventional agricultural products are unavailable to biodynamic farmers. However, with the demand for cleaner options, products are coming to the market that work in tandem with biologics, while remaining potent at tackling molds, mildews, and even pests. While the long-held assumption is that organics are not effective, studies prove otherwise:
This study shows that the organic formula increased yield and decreased offgrade significantly with improving results over time. PureCrop1 was not used in 2018, and was used in 2019 and 2020 seasons. For this study, PureCrop1 was used through the whole cycle, and was completely non-disruptive to pollinators. As an organic formula that is entirely biodegradable, PureCrop1 poses little to no risk to human health, the health of beneficial insects & bacteria, or the environment.
Using nanotechnology, colloidal micelle target specific enzymes not found in beneficial insects. The micelle destroy the enzymes sap-sucking insects need to break glucose down in their gut — effectively killing the insects from inside. The particle size and stability provide this unique mode of action and are why, unlike traditional oils, it will not burn plants or clog stomata. It does not harm the membrane or enzymes of beneficial insects, and for this reason, is an excellent addition to organic and sustainable farming.
Switching to cleaner practices and new biotechnologies will keep our pollinators working by our sides. Learn how farmers today are using these new technologies to protect our pollinators and, to protect and increase their profits.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
ABOUT PURECROP1:
With quality and sustainability at the core of our company, we’re dedicated to creating sustainable farming practices and changing the way we grow our food by eliminating the toxic chemicals used. Made from 7 plant-based, organic ingredients, PureCrop1 is 100% safe for the environment, kids, pets, & even beneficial insects. The proprietary, science-driven formulation process delivering clean, sustainable, yet potent results is what distinguishes PureCrop1 from any other product on the market, making it a true trailblazer for the future of agriculture.