Abstract This paper explains that sustainability refers to a practice of farming that depends primarily or completely on practices, such as proper planting and rotation of the land without applying materials trucked in from afar to remediate what should never have been damaged in the first place. The author points out that Smit believed that urban food security in the relatively near future could rest partly on locally grown and sold food, with production based on renewable local resources, such as composting in the backyard rather than on fossil fuels. The paper argues that sustainable urban agriculture may become a national defense because even under siege for a very long time, residents of cities would not starve to death.
Table of Contents
"Traditional" Agriculture
"Sustainable" Agriculture
What's Best for the Future?
From the Paper "Tilman et. al. suggest that sustainable agriculture must be accompanied by advances in energy use, transportation and so on. In short, they do not so much lobby for a scaled-down, friendly, homegrown sort of urban farming Smit outlined; rather, they seem to suggest that more attention should be paid to improving 'big ag.' Still, what they desire for big ag is not entirely without sustainability merit. They suggest multiple cropping systems with crop rotation and intercropping, with two crops grown side by side and simultaneously. That, they note, may improve pest control and water and nutrient efficiency."
Abstract This paper looks at San Francisco's decision to ban plastic bags in grocery stores and points out that other cities may soon follow San Francisco's example. The paper then explains why banning plastic bags may not be the ideal option and discusses how stores could replace plastic bags with compostable or paper bags.
Outline:
Consider the Facts about Plastic Grocery Bags
Why Banning Plastic Bags Is Wrong
What Happens If Plastic Bags Are Not Banned
Action to Solve the Problem of Plastic Bags
From the Paper "Imagine the number of plastic bags used throughout the United States. Charlie Goodyear (2007) for the Chronicle states that it takes over 400,000 gallons of oil to manufacture 100 million bags. San Francisco voted ten to one that plastic bags used at grocery stores be banned. While San Francisco is the first state to ban plastic bags, more cities may follow their example. Consider the facts about plastic bans, compare the facts about compostable bags and paper bags, and decide to take immediate action about these plastic bags. "
From the Paper "Food waste is not only unfortunate in terms of the lost opportunity to feed hungry Americans but also in terms of the negative effects it has on our environment. The United States spends approximately $1 billion a year to dispose of excess food, (EPA, 1). That is an extravagant waste of both food and money. However, not all food can be reclaimed for human consumption. Livestock farmers use some recovered food to feed their animals. Some recovered food is recycled by commercial businesses and made into other inedible products. Certain food scraps can be composted to create a valuable fertilizer."
Abstract This is a detailed and illustrated paper on using organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers on plants. Results of experiments concerning this topic are included with the paper.
From the Paper "Organic fertilizers can provide enough nutrients to plants, that is the reason why the plants can grow well. Also the organic fertilizers can change the structure of soil and create a good drainage system, and well-ventilated environment which can be a better place for microorganisms to survive. The organic fertilizers contribute a lot to the growth of plants, but they still have some disadvantages. If one adds too much organic fertilizers, the plants will die because the concentration of organic fertilizers is very high."
Abstract Toronto's waste management focuses on shipping and land filling. When the Adams mine proposal was defeated in the fall of 2000, significant new recycling and composting initiatives were announced. However, they were recently abandoned in a round of budget cuts. This paper examines the allure and the environmental danger, of land filling.
Abstract This paper examines the effects of four soil amendments on the growth and yield of phaseolus vulgaris (yellow beans). The paper specifically analyzes the effects of manure, sugar, leached leaf litter and straw mulch on the growth of yellow beans. The paper discusses the method of the study and then looks at the results that were obtained. The paper contains graphs and tables.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Methods and Materials
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The results of this study indicate that only hypothesis one holds true. The application of manure to soil produced a slight improvement over the other amendments. Sugar seemed to decrease plant production and yield. In order to come to a conclusion, in this case, one must consider these findings in relation to the body of evidence that is available. Field and lab results varied regarding the results of various applications of compost amendments. Manure stood out in many trials as a superior soil amendment. However, it must be cautioned that rainfall and local conditions can significantly affect the results obtained."
Abstract The paper discusses how, although sometimes considered as being esoteric or even superstitious, biodynamic farming methods are being increasingly used within Spain's viticulture, where farmers view them as being essential ingredients to producing fine wines. The paper explains the theories behind biodynamic agriculture, its central element and the practical methods involved. The paper concludes that the growing practice of this theory is having a significant impact on the Spanish wine market and Spain looks set to increase its global marketing position as more and more winemakers take on such practices.
Outline:
Introduction
Using Nature to Make Fine Wines
Conclusion
From the Paper "Biodynamic agriculture, which is widely viewed as the forerunner of the modern organic movement, was first introduced by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924. In contrast to conventional farming methods, biodynamic agriculture includes astronomical and lunar planting calendars, cow horn clay, and compost tea sprays. Although sometimes considered as being esoteric or even superstitious, biodynamic farming methods are being increasingly used within Spain's viticulture, where farmers view them as being essential ingredients to producing fine wines."
