Use of Appropriate Technologies

for Conservation of
Environmental Resources
By Ethan Ramdeen
Climate smart agriculture
Climate smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach to help the
people who manage agricultural systems respond effectively
to climate change. The CSA approach pursues the three
objectives: sustainable increase of productivity and incomes,
adaptation to climate change and reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions where possible. The term was first used by the Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Soil
A farmer can use a wide range of technologies to conserve soil,
selecting the most appropriate one for conservation. These
technologies include crop rotation, strip cropping, contour ploughing,
shifting cultivation, using contour barriers, terrace farming,
intercropping, planting windbreaks or shelterbelts and afforestation.
Water conservation strategies
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is the process in which tanks are used to hold the
rainfall that falls onto the roofs of buildings. The tanks have taps and
the water in them can be used for farming activities.
Organic mulch
This is where organic material, such as grass, is used to reduce the
growth rate of weeds and maintain soil moisture. The organic mulch is
not removed after harvest. Instead, it can be farrowed back and a new
crop planted.
Plastic mulch
Plastic is used to perform the same function as an organic mulch. Holes
are made in the plastic for the seedling and irrigation nozzle. Plastic
mulch is a product used in plasticulture in a similar fashion
to mulch, to suppress weeds and conserve water in crop
production and landscaping. Crops grow through slits or holes in
thin plastic sheeting.
Pasture management
During the dry season, there is a shortage of fodder. The grass is grazed
to the ground and torn out with the roots by animals (particularly
cattle). This weakens the top soil. Overgrazing can be avoided by
creating separate grazing areas and producing or buying larger
quantities of fodder. For those of you who don’t know what fodder is it
is basically hay or dried straw specially for cattle or any other livestock.
Integrated approaches to production
Technology is used in soil, water, nutrient and pasture management to
create an integrated approach to production. Integration of different
technologies to conserve environmental resources will help the farmer
use the natural resources sustainably. Integrated production is an
agricultural system of production of plants using farming
techniques that ensure sustainable agriculture, using methods of
integrated pest management compatible with environmental
protection.
Careers
Agronomist / Extension officer
Agronomists and extension officers are agricultural advisors who look
for ways to increase soil productivity (in other words, to raise more
food on the same amount of soil). They also work to improve the
quality of seed and the nutritional value of crops. They would assist
farmers financially or by advising them on what to do to improve crop
production.
Precision agricultural engineer
This engineer fits the precision technology into tractors and sprayers
and teaches the farmer how to use the technology. These engineers
also service and maintain the equipment. Agricultural engineers
solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency,
the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental
issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.
Seed / Chemical company advisor
These advisors are often qualified agronomists who are employed to
advise on the use of products that are produced by a seed or chemical
company.
Horticulturalist
Horticulturalists are experts in garden cultivation and management.
Scale (size) is often considered to be the difference between farming
and horticulture. However, they also differ according to the techniques
used and the plants grown. Horticulturalists use data on plant growth
statistics to make environmental and care decisions relating to
subsequent plants that will be grown.
Greenhouse technician
A greenhouse technician works in a greenhouse, and is in charge of
transplanting, thinning, harvesting, drying plants, and treating and
watering seeds. They are often also in charge of managing seed
storage, such as labelling and categorizing seed envelopes with
instructions for growth.
Drone technology
An agricultural drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is used in
farming to help increase crop production and monitor crop growth.
Sensors and digital imaging capabilities on the drones can give farmers
a very clear picture of their fields. This information may prove useful for
improving crop yields and farm efficiency. Drones are popular with
farmers as they can be used as a problem-solving tool. An accurate
image of a field will show discoloration of the leaves, which may be
a fungus. This knowledge allows the farmer to treat that area of the
crop. Drones can also be used to monitor herds and flocks in remote
areas. A small drone has a range of around 1 km and three hours of
flight time.