The future of agriculture is neither organic nor conventional, the future will be biological farming.
The past was also biological, but many areas of agriculture failed to recognise the importance of biology and to measure the biological function and activity.
Therefore, agriculture channelled efforts and dollars into chemicals that would in some way compensate for poor knowledge of the biological system.
Yields increased, but eventually hit a wall where despite higher inputs, it became harder to extract further yield and to maintain quality outputs.
The fundamental basis of the chemically intensive farming system was not sustainable, so evolution and getting smarter were critical – and that is exactly what is happening.
Converte’s managing director John Ridley thinks we have crossed a line whereby knowledge of the biological system in soils and plants outweighs the knee jerk chemical first solution or response.
“The scientific understanding of soil and plant microbiology is growing fast supported by advanced measurement techniques such as DNA sequencing,” Mr Ridley said.
“The fundamental role of biology in agriculture can no longer be ignored.
“Resistance to chemicals applied also means that farmers can no longer afford to keep applying ineffective products.”
- Visit: www.converte.com.au.
