Technological innovations in agriculture have significantly improved food farming and boosted the supply of food to humans. Some of the technological improvements that have positively contributed to sustainable farming include the development of fertilizers and the movement towards organic farming. Studies have shown that the use of fertilizers in agricultural production increases crop yields. Fertilizers introduce nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil. Such nutrients have the capability of bringing impressive growth in crop production (Hartmann et al., 2015). The overall effect of using fertilizers in farming is an increase in global food security. Besides improving crop yields, research has shown that improvements in agricultural technology through the use of fertilizers help boost labor productivity. Economists argue that an increase in labor productivity is directly associated with long-term economic growth, as witnessed during the “green revolution.” Further research shows that the use of mineral fertilizers have maximized the potential of scarce arable land. As a result, natural forests and biodiversity have been preserved.
Over the years the focus has shifted to the use of organic farming to help address global food challenges. Scientists, consumers, farmers and international organizations argue that organic agriculture is healthy and ecologically just because it aims at preserving the environment. Research findings also show that organic farming is more resilient to climate change. Organic farming improves biodiversity as it limits the emission of greenhouse gases and improves water and soil quality (Hartmann et al., 2015). A decrease in biodiversity increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases which affect human health. Studies have also indicated that organic farming discourages algae blooms. One primary cause of algae bloom is runoff from chemicals used in agriculture. Algae bloom affects both the health of people and marine animals, such as fish. Organic farming also reduces the exposure of toxic agrochemicals, such as pesticides which are harmful to human health. Furthermore, researchers argue that organic agriculture can help fight the effects brought by global warming by slowing climate change. Organic farms reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by storing much of it in the soil.
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Reference
Hartmann, M., Frey, B., Mayer, J., Mäder, P., &Widmer, F. (2015). Distinct soil microbial diversity under long-term organic and conventional farming. The ISME Journal , 9(5), 1177.
