The Dow Chemical Company formally launched a new sustainable agriculture design technique in Russia to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through instigating more bearable farming practices and healthier seed crops. The design program also enhanced healthier food choices for consumers in the nation. Initially, farming practices comprised the use of annual heavy machinery for deep plowing of fields, which consume fuel, result in long-term soil erosion and causesignificant GHG emissions. Dow Seeds, which is part of Dow AgroSciences design products, is positioning leading technology design in Russia and working alongside local farmers to enhance low-till agriculture and other sustainable farming solutions aimed at decreasing the harmfulimpact on the environment at the same time improving the production of better crops (Silveira, 2014).
Dow design techniques work in collaboration withFarmer’s Edge, which is a world leader in precision agronomy and ADVAG, a leading Russian Agriculture Management alongside other large farms. Through Dow design techniques, farmers are provided with state-of-the-art precision agriculture and innovativeproficiencyin enhancing farm productivity at the same timeconcentrating on more sustainable practices, for instance,decreased tillage, improved use of nutrients and adjustable rate application of fertilizer. Through the collaboration that is set to last for several years, there is a potential to eradicate up to 100,000 metric tons of GHG emissions in the farms over a period of ten years (Dow, 2015).According to Dr. Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, Sustainability and Technology Director, the technique is also aimed at demonstrating to the Russian Agriculture Industry how produces can be improved and enhancedthrough applying more sustainable farming practices.
Fig.1 First Negera Dow Crop
I believe that the farming techniques by Dow have been significant in sustainability through minimizing radiations besides low till farming methods, which have positive impacts on the entire ecosystem. Maintaining environmental conditions involves upholding the existing carbon-based materials in the soil instead of emitting them into the atmosphere. Additionally, the design has also influenced my design techniques whereby I have been able to maintain higher carbon content in soil, which improves water retention and reduces the necessity for extra irrigation as well as decreasing soil erosion. Through enhancing soil resilience, crops develop stronger and better abilities to repel weeds and pests, consequently decreasing the prerequisite for extra insecticide and herbicide applications. Moreover, the technique has also reduced the over-application of fertilizers, which is significant in decreasing the discharges of nitrogen oxides and other gases with tremendously high global warming prospective. Generally, the sustainability innovation results in a better ecosystem that leads to higher crop produce, eventually profiting the local economy (Dow Sustainability Innovations for government).
The Dow technique has also improved the quality of crops yield. For instance, one of the intentions of Dow is centering on rapeseed (canola), aimed atdecreasing Russia’s reliance on oil imports in the long term and encouraging the use Omega-9 canola oils that havelow inundated fat oils for healthier food production. Among the significant component about the Cow sustainability innovation design is the training for farmers, which emphases on grasping low-tillage practices to attainadvanced crop yields, consuming water and fertilizers in an improvedmanner. Innovation and sustainability designs form the key components of theorganization.Through effective training programs,there is a potential of the technique to bring aboutpermanent, affirmative change to Russia’s environment, agricultural sector and the overall economy.
References
Dow (2015). Game Changers. Sowing Seeds of Sustainability in Russian Farming.
Dow Sustainability Innovations for government. Retrieved from
Silveira, F. (2014). Dow Implements Sustainable Farming Program in Russia to Support Environment and Economic Health.