Why is alley cropping considered a sustainable farming practice?(1 point)
Responses
It allows farmers to focus on selling their crops locally.
It allows farmers to focus on selling their crops locally.
It allows farmers to meet current needs while preserving resources.
It allows farmers to meet current needs while preserving resources.
It requires farmers to know best practices for only one crop.
It requires farmers to know best practices for only one crop.
It is less expensive than conventional farming.
It allows for the integration of trees or shrubs with crops, allowing for crop diversification and improved soil health.
The correct response is: "It allows farmers to meet current needs while preserving resources."
Alley cropping is considered a sustainable farming practice because it involves growing crops in between rows of trees or shrubs. This method helps to conserve resources and maintain the health of the soil. Here's why:
1. Soil Conservation: By planting trees or shrubs in between the crop rows, alley cropping reduces soil erosion. The tree roots hold the soil in place, preventing it from washing away during heavy rains.
2. Nutrient Cycling: The trees or shrubs in alley cropping systems contribute to nutrient cycling. They accumulate nutrients, such as nitrogen, from the deeper layers of the soil and then make them available to the crops when the leaves fall and decompose.
3. Biodiversity and Pest Management: Alley cropping enhances biodiversity by providing habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and other organisms. These natural predators help to control pests, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides.
4. Climate Change Mitigation: Trees in alley cropping systems act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, alley cropping allows farmers to meet their immediate crop production needs while also preserving resources and promoting long-term sustainability.
The correct answer is: It allows farmers to meet current needs while preserving resources.
Alley cropping is considered a sustainable farming practice because it allows farmers to meet current needs while preserving resources. By combining trees and shrubs with agricultural crops in the same field, alley cropping helps to minimize soil erosion, reduce water runoff, and increase soil fertility. The trees and shrubs act as windbreaks and provide shade, reducing evaporation and protecting the crops from extreme weather conditions. Additionally, alley cropping promotes biodiversity by providing habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. This sustainable practice also helps to diversify farmers' income streams and reduce their reliance on external inputs, making it economically viable in the long run.