Highly resistant to disease, it requires no insecticides and little fertilizer.

"Natives don't require water and fertilizer and are much more environmentally sensitive," van Sweden says.

Most soil conditions across the world can provide plants with adequate nutrition and do not require fertilizer for a complete life cycle.

Because of the fertile soil in Union County, the county's farmers required minimal fertilizer.

When rain falls once again, they will require the replenishment of seed as well as fertilizer and tools and draft animals.

And do not bother to point out that genetically modified foods require less artificial fertilizer or pesticide.

They require very little water and fertilizer, a good amount of light, and a loose sandy soil with good drainage.

Modern agriculture requires not only more fertilizer but more mechanization, too:

"This method will send grass roots deeper and able to survive a dry spell without turning brown and will thus require less fertilizer," he said.

The technology also promises products ranging from new types of pesticides to disease-resistant crop plants requiring little water or fertilizer.