Pesticides are not necessary to produce enough food to meet the world's needs. Here are a few techniques that increase food output without chemicals.
- Rotating pasture with herbivores that are frequently moved allows the soil to build nitrogen. Light hoof disturbance aerates the soil and spreads seeds. The manure left behind enhances the fertility of the soil.
- Multi-speciated agriculture; multiple species of plant and animal are produced together or in succession to make better use of land and resources. This mimics symbiotic patterns seen in nature.
- Vertical plant growing using vines and hanging pots allows for more efficient use of space and water.
- Composting using dry plant material (carbon) and animal manure (unstable nitrogen) allows the manure to become stable and odor-free. The waste product becomes a valuable fertility source for a farm.
- Introducing natural predators like ladybugs and mockingbirds to control bugs.
- Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around plants. Although it feels silky soft to us, to bugs it is like broken glass. Use sparingly, as it can kill good bugs as well as bad ones.
For more information and in-depth explanations, I recommend reading Stockman Grass Farmer or any books by Joel Salatin.
