Farming and the Soil in Our State Today essays

Farming and the Soil in Our State Today essays One of the most important natural resources involved in farming is the soil. When we hear about the soil,' most of us usually think of the ground or of the dirt we track onto our mother's floor, or our soiled clothing that we need to wash. But the soil is so much more than that! When farming, a farmer must be sure that the soil he or she is using is rich enough to grow the crops he wishes to sell, later on, in the marketplace. The soil must have enough minerals in it, and be properly watered so that the farmer's crops can grow. The farmer's soil in the fields must be sheltered from enough sunlight so that the soil does not get too dry, but have enough sun so that crops that need a great deal of sun One way to make sure that the soil gets enough minerals so that it can grow crops is to fertilize it. There are many ways to fertilize the soil. One way is through chemical fertilizers. Other farmers like to use natural fertilizers, such as using the manure of the animals on the farm. Fertilizing the soil without chemicals is called organic farming. Organically grown crops are more popular today because many people think they are healthier. However, you may notice when you go to your local supermarket that organic foods are also more expensive! When you down look at the soil, you might describe it as dark and ugly, even funny smelling. However, our state of Pennsylvania would not be as rich or as interesting as it is, if it were not for what we think of as just dirt.' Without dirt, the horses and livestock on the farms would not be able to graze and grow. Without dirt, we would not be able to produce the crops that allow farmers to make a living. The soil even creates jobs, not just on the farms, but for people who make their living as horseback riding instructors, grocery store managers, and flower and produce store ...