The Least Harm Principle
"Russ Thompson" > wrote in message >...
> Purple asked:
> Why do you need animals to farm sustainably?
>
> Growing annual crops does not build the soil. To build soil you need
> perennial crops like grass, clover, alfalfa, ect. Plowing soil for growing
> row crops (like soy beans, wheat, oats, barly, rye, corn, ect) breaks down
> organic matter. Haying or better yet grazing perennial crops like grass and
> clovers build soil organic matter (OM). Soil OM holds nutrients and water in
> the soil so that the plants can make use of them latter. Also perennial
> crops prevent soild erosion.
> All one has to do is look at the soil of the upper mid west. Our rich
> soil was created after many years of prarie being grazed by bision and other
> animals. That soil is being eroded by continous row crops.
Thank you!
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