When the first genetically modified crops were introduced ten years ago, the technology was seen as a new advancement that could help struggling farmers improve their crop yields and ultimately, reduce hunger in developing nations around the world. Over the next several years, new and innovative advancements in agricultural biotechnology occurred and numerous studies and reports were published by leading scientific and research organizations touting the safety and benefits of these crops. Now, another benefit of biotechnology is being touted: controlling erosion and pollution around the world.Since 1996, farmers planting GM crops have been able to reduce and, in several cases, completely stopped plowing or tilling the soil to eliminate weeds and prepare fields for planting. Using this technique, known as conservation tillage, farmers leave stubble or plant residue on the soils surface, rather than plowing or disking it into the soil. The new crops are planted directly into the stubble, and genetically modified herbicide-tolerant plants make it possible for farmers and growers to control weeds in the crop by applying an herbicide rather than plowing.The benefits of conservation tillage include less erosion. In Brazil, according to Almir Rebelo, a grower advisor and president of the Brazilian grower organization Friends of the Earth, the problem with erosion was very damaging to the environment to the extent that, in order for growers to produce one ton of grain, 10 tons of soil per hlmir Rebelo, a grower advisor and president of the Brazilian grower organization Friends of the Earth, the problem with erosion was very ectare were lost per year. This problem was eliminated through conservation tillage.Conservation tillage has also decreased the number of times a tractor drives across a field, resulting in fuel savings and a reduction in greenhouse gases. In the United Kingdom, the technology has helped deliver important savings. According to Graham Brookes, an agricultural economist and director of UK-based PG Economics, 10 billion kilograms less carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere in 2004.Thats equivalent to taking 20 percent of the cars in the United Kingdom off the road for a year, Brookes said.In the United States, farmers have increased their no-till crop acres by 35 percent since 1996 when the first genetically modified crops were first planted. By using conservation tillage, farmers no longer have to plow their fields to control weeds, when previously they would have to plow several times during a planting season, using more diesel fuel and thereby putting the soil at risk for more erosion. By keeping the plant residue on their fields, according to the article, farmers have a new opportunity to see wildlife emerge once again in their landscapes.The impact of conservation tillage has also been significant to farmers in developing nations. According to the article, farmers in these countries no longer have to burn the residue in their harvest and now can let it decompose in their fields to become fertilizer.Its great that farmers and growers around the world are adopting conservation tillage in their planting. Clearly, there are so many benefits that the technique can bring just by using genetically modified crops. I believe that more farmers and growers should take advantage of using conservation tillage when planting their crops. It can certainly help environment, which would calm the hypothetical fears of environmental advocates and, in the end, help the future of the world. Alisa Baumer is a life sciences grant researcher and has first-hand knowledge of the latest trends in genetically modified food. To read more about Alisa go to http://www.gmofoodforthought.com
Category : General Industry: Agriculture
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