The Diversity of Food

1. In reading the chapter on grasses in our textbook, and doing a little research in cookbooks and online, I came across some alternative crops that could be consumed more regularly to lessen our reliance on the main 3 crops of wheat, rice and corn. Barley, Rye, Millet, Quinoa and Kamut are among some that I found. Also, in out text, it was mentioned that Oats and Alfalfa have mainly been used as fodder for livestock, but also contain nutritive properties for human consumption. In recent years Soy has become a much larger additive to our cumulative global diet, and although somewhat debated, it has shown to have many positive affects on our bodies. It seems that our reliance on the main 3 staples (wheat, rice corn) is due to how versatile they are in that they can be made into many different products for consumption. They are essentially incorporated into a meal and can be combined with many flavors. This is also true of soy. Tofu, miso, edamame and soy milk are just a few of the end products of soy. Also since they are a legume, they replenish the soil of much needed nutrients as opposed to grasses.
2. As we have seen through history, self-sustaining on minimal crops has proven problematic. The potato blight in Ireland as well as diseases and fungi affecting corn, the cereals, and other crops can leave an area, or even country starving, possibly even for years. Talking about this subject makes me think of financial investing, it is usually recommended to spread your assets over different accounts:stocks, bonds, real estate, mutual funds, etc. The reason being that if something happens to one market (or crop), its likely that the others will be unaffected, or perhaps even gain in value. I think there was something to the quote: "Never put all your eggs in one basket".
3. The main problem I see with the primary use of cover crops is that their use does not mimic that of a natural ecosystem. Also, soil quality lessens over time as the earth is literally stripped of nutrients, and ground water and the surrounding area is also defouled. It would benefit the earth more if the ideas of Permaculture and crop rotation were used, which are moving closer to the true model of how the earth sustains itself without "our help". One of the benefits however is the level of control it gives to the farmer as to when, where and how a crop will be grown. Nature hardly ever does just what you want it to on its own.