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Diversity


See this picture of diversity? Several species are in bloom, while others are still vegetative.

The grasses have mature seeds. The red and white clovers are in full bloom. Birdsfoot trefoil has started blooming, and the alfalfa is in bud.

Why does this matter? With a monoculture, the sheep and cattle would have a choice of one food source. If it happened to be in a later stage of growth, there might not be enough protein for the animals’ needs. But a multi-species crop gives choice of forage for different stages of nutrition.

Next time you’re near a pasture (or in your lawn!) take note of how many different species you see. 
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  1. lynnJuly 2, 2019 at 10:08 PM

    Well said! A recent film on the topic of agricultural diversity. (The Biggest Little Farm) needed far more of these short demos and statements to make their points as effectively as you have done here. How about more?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LonaJuly 9, 2019 at 4:17 PM

      I'll have to look up that film, Lynn. As for more blog posts? We shall see...

      Delete

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