the death of great plains intensive agriculture?

[bibliophile birds]

Time, Water Running Out for America's Biggest Aquifer

On Plains, concern about another Dust Bowl

i think it's sad, and yet so typical, that local, sustainable agriculture isn't given as a positive way forward in these situations. problems like this one just highlight that things have to change, not only because it's better for us and the environment, but because the Earth is soon going to tell us that we are sadly mistaken if we think we can continue to abuse it without retribution.

 

[rebecca100]

Things are going to change to the point where people will have no other choice but to alter the way they do things. The best we can do is to be ahead of them and ready to take care of ourselves.

 

[Iceblink]

That is sad and scary. Both articles mentioned farmers are 'thinking about' and 'trying' to change, but I don't see it happening in my area yet. The idea that resources are finite seems to be foreign.

I do think it highlights the importance of small scale agriculture, that is, more labor and less resource intensive. Mulching really helps in needing less water, but isn't feasible on a large scale.

Going back to pastured grazing systems would also help so much, as grass holds the soil and moisture in place, and doesn't require tilling.

I don't see enough change happening quickly enough though.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Going back to pastured grazing systems would also help so much, as grass holds the soil and moisture in place, and doesn't require tilling.

Especially more buffalo, as they are better suited for that environment.