posted 3 hours ago
On a small scale, it's relatively easy to add urine or manure to crops. But could it be possible for big ag to transition quickly to growing without the use of synthetic fertiliser? I hit the AI search assist to see if I could pull up some ballpark figures to play with, and this is the result. I can't vouch for the accuracy...
How much fertiliser can you save by growing peas as part of the rotation?
Growing peas can enrich the soil with up to 200 lbs of nitrogen per acre, significantly reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers in subsequent crops. This natural nitrogen fixation helps maintain soil fertility and supports sustainable farming practice
How much nitrogen is added per acre to grow wheat?
Wheat typically requires about 90 to 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre, depending on soil type and yield potential.
What is the typical crop rotation for wheat in the usa?
A typical crop rotation for wheat in the USA often includes corn and soybeans, with wheat being planted every three to four years.
How much nitrogen is added per acre to grow corn?
The amount of nitrogen needed for corn typically ranges from 200 to 240 pounds per acre, depending on the yield goal and other factors such as previous crops and soil conditions.
What is the typical crop rotation for wheat and corn in the usa?
A typical crop rotation for wheat and corn in the USA often includes a corn-soybean-wheat rotation, where corn and soybeans are grown in alternating years, with wheat added every few years.
How much nitrogen can you save by growing soy as part of the rotation?
Growing soybeans can provide a nitrogen credit of approximately 30 to 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre for subsequent crops.
Why does the usa grow so much soy?
The U.S. grows a significant amount of soybeans primarily because over 90% of domestic soybean production is used for animal feed and biofuels, making it a crucial crop for the agricultural economy.
What is the main use for corn grown in the usa?
The main use for corn grown in the USA is for animal feed, which accounts for about 40% of its total production. Additionally, a significant portion is also used to produce ethanol, making it a key component in biofuel production.
Why does canada grow so many dry peas?
Canada grows a significant amount of dry peas because of its ideal climate and soil conditions, particularly in the Prairie provinces, which support high yields. Additionally, dry peas are a sustainable crop that helps improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, making them beneficial for crop rotation.
What does canada do with all the peas it grows?
Canada exports more than 80% of the peas it grows to over 120 countries, primarily for human consumption and livestock feed. The largest markets for Canadian peas include China and India, where they are used in various food products and animal feed.
The first impressions I get from looking at those figures are that peas could supply pretty much all of the nitrogen needed if they were grown as a more frequent part of the rotation, replacing some of the corn and wheat growing years, especially the corn as it seems more nitrogen-hungry. Of course that would mean less corn could be used to raise meat, and people might have to eat more pea soup.
What am I missing? How could this be made to work?
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