AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Predicting the future is never an easy task, and making decisions for the days and years ahead can be simply paralyzing for many people because of uncertainty. This holds true for the sustainability and protection of the Earth’s resources. To equip farmers and landowners with information needed to plan for the future, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System delivers research-based information to help preserve and protect natural resources for future generations.
Down to Earth: Agriculture sustains Alabama
The Down to Earth statewide educational campaign launched in March 2022 with the intent to highlight the ways by which agriculture sustains Alabama. Alabama Extension joined many other partners in a proactive, educational campaign to highlight existing and promising sustainability practices that Alabama producers use on a regular basis. Tackling issues in sustainable practices requires unbiased, science-based information that Alabama Extension provides every day.
“This is what we have done in Extension since the Smith-Lever Act of 1914,” said Becky Barlow, Alabama Extension assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource (AFNR) programming. “It’s our job to promote the best science for the citizens of Alabama and improve livelihoods and the environment of the state.”
Carbon emissions
Carbon is likely near the top of the list when it comes to sustainability concerns. Alabama Extension professionals began with the basics, educating stakeholders about carbon in its purest form–the organic matter in our soils.
Extension experts shared research on other topics, including carbon sequestration in forests, carbon credits for landowners and poultry and beef cattle production’s carbon footprint.
Plant and animal efficiency
Producing a viable crop with minimal inputs and minimal soil disturbances is an important and necessary aspect of crop production. Alabama Extension researchers are continuing their research on the top plant and animal commodities of Alabama. Extension specialists dedicate their lives to ensuring that production is sustainable—for both the producer and the environment.
Research in cotton, a prominent crop in Alabama, continues to revolutionize the cotton industry. The golden era of cotton seed began nearly 25 years ago. This era set the course for producers to introduce seed with pest and weed control. Combined with ongoing cotton research at the Old Rotation at Auburn University –the oldest continuous cotton experiment in the world– the resources and information are plentiful for this crop.
Debunking myths about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), highlighting Alabama’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture and exploring the history of Extension programming are also ways Alabama Extension is working toward plant and animal efficiency.
Data and technology
When discussing today’s popular culture of technology, drones and remote systems are some of the top hits. Extension is investing heavily in research using these new technologies to promote sustainability and efficiency.
“When thinking about data and technology and how they are used in forestry and agricultural systems, drones and precision agriculture come to mind,” Barlow said. “For example, drones can be used to monitor pests and diseases and precision ag also helps prevent the overuse of herbicides, fertilizers and water.”
