A sustainable agricultural food system is one that tries to conserve water and energy, does away with chemicals, puts emphasis on local production, values ecology and biodiversity, utilises resources more efficiently and within the limitations of our global natural resources. This might sound like a lot to take in at once, but sustainability in farming is becoming more and more prevalent.

Here at King Agriculture, we pursue sustainability through regenerative and conservation agriculture, which aims to build soil carbon, improve soil structure, and enhance soil life. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to cover some other sustainable farming practises out there; some of which you may be more familiar with than others.

Permaculture

Permaculture attempts to apply the principles found in nature to the ongoing development of natural human settlements, bringing humanity closer in harmony with the natural world. It’s designed as a way for farmers to achieve productivity and higher yields while attempting to do it in a more sustainable way, getting rid of unnecessary waste to create efficient agricultural systems. Design techniques using this system can include mandala and keyhole gardens, herb spirals and sheet mulching.

Biodynamics

Biodynamic farming encourages different species on the farm to intermingle and support each other’s growth and development. Animals are raised on the farm in a way that encourages the replenishment of soil fertility and enhancement of plant growth. This system typically includes a high biodiversity of animals, plants, and insects. The required soil fertility and health for food production is generated onsite, reducing offsite inputs through the use of crop rotation or composting.

Aquaponics and hydroponics

In hydroponic agricultural systems, crops tend to be grown with the roots firmly in a mineral solution or in a medium like perlite or gravel. Aquaponics then combines the raising of certain aquatic animals like fish alongside the growth of hydroponic crops. Within aquaponic systems, the water which contains the waste material from aquacultural fish is then used to nourish all the hydroponic plants.

Urbanised agriculture

Most of the global population will be living in cities in the future, so it makes sense that there is now significant opportunity for urban agriculture to grow. Techniques here can include community gardens, personal garden farms, rooftop farms, interior hydroponic farms or growing crops in urban greenhouses.

Agroforestry

Agroforestry allows trees and shrubs to grow among grazing land or crops. The practise combines both forestry and agriculture for productive, long-lasting, and incredibly diverse land use. The introduction of trees can create more favourable microclimates that allow the maintenance of favourable temperatures and quality of soil humidity, while also protecting crops from heavy rain or wind. Because of this agroforestry has gone on to become a powerful tool for farmers in drier regions where soils are susceptible to potential desertification.

Polycultures

Polyculture farming typically involves the growing of a multitude of crop species in one specific area. While these species can be complementary, the aim is to produce a higher diversity of overall products from a single plot while fully utilising the available resources. This system works better when a series of crop rotations are also implemented, where a series of varying types of crops are grown in a similar area over successive seasons.

If you're thinking about how to maximise your yields and profits from your land or farm, then speak to us at King Agriculture about our Farm Agreements. Our aim is to be an innovative and progressive agricultural business helping people achieve a more sustainable farming future. Today King Agriculture are responsible for 1,400 acres of combinable crops, produce up to 30,000 bales and process around 10,000 tonnes of biomass wood chip per year. Please don't hesitate to call us on 07860 302841 or take a look at our website www.kingagriculture.co.uk.