Modern agriculture is becoming more intensive and negative consequences for the environment – all the more obvious. The attempt to show that, although difficult, it is possible to find a balance between production, the desired profit and the danger to own resources, which have been borrowed by future generations.
With her son’s entry into the European Union, Bulgaria became a member of the community, which identified the need to protect agricultural land and natural resources. More attention is paid to the creation of quality products, while reducing the risk to the environment and providing a secure basis for the protection of soil, water, biodiversity and wildlife.
Benefits
• Increased net profits by reduction of variable costs Improved soils, crop yields, animal production and health
• Improved potential for diversification and alternative enterprises such as farm tourism
• Increased capital value
• Improved protection of drinking, agricultural and coastal water Reduced runoff, flooding and damage to highways and property
• Less water pollution by sediment affecting fisheries, nutrients causing algal blooms and pesticides affecting aquatic life
• Enhanced habitats and diversity of wildlife
Many farmers have found that by spending time reviewing water management on the farm it is possible to minimise leakage, reduce use, and also prevent contamination of water supplies. This in turn improves crop yields and animal health and benefits the water environment.
Considering the use of alternative water sources such as winter storage reservoirs can significantly reduce water supply costs and help towards guaranteeing a water supply in the long term. Ensure that any alternative sources used are environmentally sustainable and comply with licensing requirements.
Minimising the production of unnecessary ‘dirty water’ can decrease the subsequent costs of storage and spreading to land. It will also allow extra storage, enabling timely applications to land, and ensuring optimum use of nutrients in ‘dirty water’ and manures.