For farmers, land is their most valuable asset so they protect it in ways environmentalists do not understand. By using science whenever possible, to reduce water, energy, and environmental strain.
Even organic farmers use toxic pesticides but because they are older and less effective they must use a lot more. A new
literature review posits that organic farmers, and conventional as well, can reduce effects on soil using cover plants. Most farmers grow cover plants, animal feed or just plants to lay there and decompose, between main crops to supply the soil with nutrients before the next planting. They also protect against erosion and may increase biodiversity above and below ground.