Agriculture

- Ecological Recycling Agriculture

In ecological recycling agriculture the number of animals is balanced with the available farm land. A sustainable number of, for example, cows correspond with what the land can produce in fodder. The manure from the cows is used as fertiliser. Combined with the cultivation of leguminous grassland (e.g. clover) as part of the crop rotation the farm can reach a high degree of self-sufficiency in fodder and fertiliser. As in organic agriculture ecological recycling agriculture uses no chemical fertilisers and no pesticides.

This farming system has several environmental benefits: it significantly lowers the leaching of nitrogen and phosphorous to the Baltic Sea. It rebuilds the soil; enhancing fertility, increasing water holding capacity and preserving biodiversity of the soil. Building up soil organic matter using nitrogen fixating plants such as clover, crop rotation and balanced animal stock also has the positive effect of removing large amount of carbon from the atmosphere. Another benefit is reduced energy-consuming production and transport of fodder and fertilisers.

Ecological recycling agriculture is based on the ecological principles of renewable resources, recycling and biodiversity which make the farm part of the ecosystem.

Learn more about ecological recycling agriculture and how we support farmers who wish to convert to ERA