Using lower amounts of pesticides, for example, is a major factor in reducing potential groundwater contamination. Farmers, as much as anyone else, are concerned about the health of their families. Therefore, sustainability is emphasized throughout this fact sheet. Selected Sustainable Components and Examples of Their Application Component Application Crop selection Choose crop, hybrid, or variety to meet site-specific conditions. Plant a range of maturities of hybrids to enhance pollination and spread harvest activities.
Crop production Select the proper plant population.
Plant at the proper time, depth, row spacing, and soil condition. Use crop rotation effectively, that is, select crops that are compatible and that produce carryover benefits to succeeding crops. Adopt Copping systems that will spread economic and weather risks. Soil fertility Fertilize for realistic crop yields. Apply nitrogen at the proper time and by the method that gives greatest nitrogen efficiency.