Not all land used for livestock is usable for food crop agriculture. Though I suspect it still gives us plenty of margin.
If the population stays constant, we could probably deal with a 50-75% yield reduction without using more land overall, but gradually switching to a more plant-based diet. So, good news, we're not fucked yet.
There are many other solutions other than vegetarianism. Changing the ways we do agriculture, switching away from industrial processes, could greatly increase yield. Education in general about soil and plant ecology would probably help a lot globally.
DaveZale•2mo ago
Other than a little cow manure added to help feed the fungi and plant roots, no other fertilization was required. There are so many great low-tech approaches to get great yields of delicious produce, but it takes some extra initial labor inputs. Maybe when the AIpocolypse hits the labor market, this approach will be economical on larger scales.
idontwantthis•2mo ago
DaveZale•2mo ago
Moles also burrow everywhere around here but they just eat insects and their eggs afaik.
idontwantthis•2mo ago
chickensong•2mo ago
Of course there are plenty of other things you can do, but if you have strong, healthy plants, you often don't have to do much. Birds and other larger animals however, can be a much bigger problem depending on your crop.
DaveZale•2mo ago
I tried neem and diatomaceous earth against the hoppers. Different mechanisms of action, not total control but good enough for root crops like potatoes. The pumpkins and other squashes also hold up well.
chickensong•2mo ago
> not all crops are seriously affected
Crop diversity is the key, and a life saver when the pressure is on, or when things just don't go as planned for whatever reason!
I don't get terrible grasshopper pressure in my location, but a friend does and uses Nolo Bait as part of her management.