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Summary
Jerry Glover, a soil scientist, wants to keep grains growing forever in all seasons. He is trying to create perennial versions of common grians, which will reduce erosion, reduce water runoff and nutrient runoff. This could also dramatically increase our crop yield for grains. Perennials also have very long roots, which go beyond the annually grown grains, as seen in this picture.
These perennials grains will also not require extensive tilling since they grow for years and years. They do not need to be replanted either, and with their long roots, the soil will be more compact and prevent erosion. During bad climates, perennial grains will be more likely to survive too. Jerry Glover is doing this to try and prevent world hunger. Imagine if there was no more people suffering from malnutrition from the lack of food worldwide. 70% of our food comes from grain crops such as corn or wheat. "Regular" grains only last for a season and you have to replant them over and over again while with perennial plants, they continually grow and can be harvested for years and years. Glover thinks that perennials will help stop erosion and protects the soil they are grown in.
Reaction:
I think this is great. Glover has a great idea to help world hunger, protect over environment, and give a higher crop yield, all in one. The roots in these perennial crops prevent as much runoff and save our environment. Farms will also be more eco-friendly and will probably save money with perennial grain crops.
1. How much of out food comes from grain crops?
2. Why is our farms getting worse?
3. Are our regular crops annual?
4. Do you think that this is a good idea?
I think this is a great thing, that could benefit wmankind as a hole. This will feed more people, reduce to price of food, and benefit the environment.
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http://magblog.audubon.org/files/magazine/u305/perennialVSannualwheat.jpg
I think that this is an ingenious plan and should be put into action right away. It seems like it could benefit many people that suffer from malnutrition and the likes. I'm glad that someone really took time to find a way to help feed people rather than just raising money.
ReplyDelete1) 70%
2) they have to repeatedly plant year after year
3) they only last for one season
4) yes i do agree with this plan of action
I also think that this is a great idea. There are so many different ways that we can stop soil erosion, and that's what makes this a great topic. If Jerry can start to help the farmers with his idea, then we will have such a hig crop yield that there would not be as many people suffering from hunger. Also this would make alot less work for the farmers because they will not have to waste their money on buying new seeds for his crops, they will just come up every year.
ReplyDeleteQuestion-
If we can follow through with the pernnial crops would the number of farms decrease because there would be a higher crop yield?