British industrial farming relies on vast amounts of fertilisers, made of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are usually sprayed on pastures for grazing or arable fields of a single crop. Fertilisers could become unnecessary if farmers combine different crops in a single field, according to ecologists. The move could improve soil health, produce larger dairy cattle providing more nutritious meat, and improve resilience to drought and pests. But the technology is still at an early stage of development, with only one commercial application so far. Industrial-scale farming in the UK currently depends on huge supplies of fertilisers produced from nitrogen and phosphorous.
Fertilisers could become unnecessary if farmers combine different crops in a single field, according to ecologists. The move could improve soil health, produce larger dairy cattle providing more nutritious meat, and improve resilience to drought and pests. But the technology is still at an early stage of development, with only one commercial application so far. Industrial-scale farming in the UK currently depends on huge supplies of fertilisers produced from nitrogen and phosphorous.