Remove Farmland Remove Fertilizer Remove Pesticide Remove Straw
article thumbnail

Are Next-Gen Synthetic Fibers the Future of Sustainable Textiles?

Modern Farmer

Both durable and efficient, with no need for farmland or vast amounts of water, it threatened to leave natural fibers like cotton in the dust. In addition, most natural fibers are grown conventionally, which often means heavy use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and genetically modified or treated seeds.

Textiles 101
article thumbnail

More things in Heaven and Earth: Mycorrhizal fungi, ploughing, no-till and glyphosate

Sustainable Food Trust

In 1951, pioneering organic farmer, Frank Newman Turner, took up the theme in his book, Fertility Farming , referring to mycorrhizal associations he writes (p.50), Scientists tell us that in addition to soil disturbance, a wide range of pesticides can affect the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi.

article thumbnail

Can Agriculture Kick Its Plastic Addiction?

Civil Eats

Black polyethylene “mulch film” gets tucked snugly around crop rows, clear plastic sheeting covers hoop houses, and most farmers use plastic seed trays, irrigation tubes, and fertilizer bags. These synthetic polymer products have often been used to help boost yields up to 60 percent and make water and pesticide use more efficient.