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Producing the nitrogen for fertilizer is very energy intensive. Thus, food prices will follow the oil price.
by yesbabyyes 15y ago
Producing the nitrogen for fertilizer is very energy intensive. Thus, food prices will follow the oil price.
- jff 15y agoAppropriate use of crop rotation and natural fertilizer (cow manure is quite effective) can significantly reduce the amount of fertilizer needed. I don't think we ever put artificial fertilizer on our fields, just spread on some cow dung. In any sort of farming operation, soil nutrients MUST be replenished. A huge industrial farm can practice crop rotation at least as well as a small farmer, if not better, and of course can afford to have employees devoted specifically to managing and planning fertilizer application when needed. Farming can be an expensive proposition--it is not cost-effective to apply pesticides/herbicides/fertilizer when not needed!