Local and world food security aren't as secure as many people think. Not only is security threatened by droughts, floods, and wars, but also by factors that are nearly silent in comparison. Erosion and soil depletion constantly progress if nothing is done to prevent it, and this leads to food that may look nice, but provides inadequate nutrition. Adding typical man-made fertilizers on a yearly basis can keep the plants growing, but these products do not contain the nutrient profiles needed for the health of those who eat the produce. This type of fertilizer application also produces runoff, which can cause pollution of bodies of water like lakes, streams, and even the ocean.

 

Because of this, farmers in Queensland and elsewhere are actively looking to transition to more-sustainable farming methods that not only help the environment, but also work to improve the wholesomeness of the food grown. Some of these methods are already known to gardeners, such as using compost and cover crops instead of commercial fertilizer. Others are more unique to professional agriculture, including breeding cattle to produce less methane, or planting in ways that are meant to sequester more carbon in the ground.

 

One of the best ways to get fully up to speed on the latest farming methods and help to ensure food security is to study agronomy at a Queensland university. Universities have access to the newest studies, and even better, you'll get to perform studies yourself in some of your courses. Thanks to the school's resources and available land, you can try things that you could only dream about if you were limited to what you have at home. You'll come away knowing exactly what works and how to get the best results.