Going ‘Green’ and Meeting Future Needs

Troy D. Bancroft discusses the agriculture trends towards ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’ and what benefits it can deliver as the food and fiber demands of a growing global population intensifies.

With the recent inauguration and distress in the global economy, there appears to be a convergence of political, economic, and environmental concerns demanding a clear definition of ‘green’ as it pertains to agriculture. Environmental bias has become more prevalent; and broader acceptance that the connotations of being ‘green’ are desirable can be expected. Traditional, production oriented industries now yearn to position themselves as ‘green’ (as is prudent) and a practical definition of what ‘green’ means in an agricultural context is needed. ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’ emerges as the equilibrium between environmental concern and production which may agriculturally define ‘green’.

It is important for agriculture as an industry to keep from becoming polarized towards, or fractured into one of two paradigms; environmental extremism or laissez-faire resource exploitation. Neither represents sound judgment or a practical avenue to sustainably feed the world. Farmers are hesitant to be described as ‘green’, yet traditionally the majorities of farmers epitomize the meaning of ‘stewardship’ and understand well the importance of protecting our precious resources. While a few vocal activists in our society have been reluctant to accept that agriculture is not the sole villain responsible for all environmental ills- global warming, polluted rivers, lost wildlife habitat, and some forms of cancer; they too are dependent upon the food and fiber produced by the farmers of the world. Both sides need something to understand and accept from each of their perspectives.

Efficient practices
‘Responsible Nutrient Management’ does not involve mandating standards of production that are economically damaging or restrict productivity. Instead it advocates using the most efficient cultural practices and usable plant nutrition products available. When the highest percentage of applied nutrients ends up producing a crop yield, the least environmental risk is created. Nutrients that are taken up to produce food and fiber do not end up in streams and lakes. Though precision placement of highly efficient fertilizer products is essential to ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’, responsible nutrient managers employ more than just efficient fertilizer products.

They soil test regularly to ensure that they do not over-apply costly inputs and high salt fertilizers. They optimally time the application of balanced nutrient programs and understand the value of micronutrients and nutrient interactions. These managers incorporate conservation tillage when possible and supplement applied fertilizers by utilizing cover crops and crop rotation to sequester nutrients from the environment and increase organic matter. Responsible nutrient managers often combine applications to save fuel and conserve soil structure and these managers apply inputs based upon optimal return on investment and not always highest yield potential.

Summary
In short, ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’ is the process by which a producer achieves the best ROI for his crop production while employing environmental stewardship and conservation of resources. Most farmers employ some components of ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’ into their operations already, and as the world food economy continues to grow more of these practices will need to be incorporated to maintain a sustainable farming operation. Environmental concerns require education regarding the practices employed to sustainably provide the world’s food supply and a constructive dialogue would go far to create common ground and mutual appreciation. Perhaps ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’ is a theme on which both can agree.

Through education and alliances, Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers is helping to create awareness that ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’ is the best option to ensure the future ability of sustainable agriculture to meet the expanding food and fiber needs of a growing world population. Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers entire line of ‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE’ plant nutrition products are engineered to be integral components of ‘Responsible Nutrient Management’. Together with No-Till Farmer Magazine, Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers has launched a national campaign that will annually acknowledge three growers from across the country as ‘responsible nutrient management practitioners’. The criterion for this recognition has been drafted and is adjudicated by an impartial panel of agricultural professionals and academics.

For more information visit: www.responsiblenutrients.com.

Troy D. Bancroft is the president, CEO, and a Principle Owner of Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers, a key proponent of sustainable agriculture through “Responsible Nutrient Management”. Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers is the premier manufacturer of ‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE’ liquid plant nutrition.