Farmers manage their environment to mitigate disturbances, such as floods, drought and disease.

Forests and trees in wetlands areas are protected to regulate water levels. Practices are undertaken, such as harrowing in early spring or using nurse crops or trees for shade, to preserve soil moisture.

Pests and weeds are controlled through intercropping and crop rotation in fields, through alternate grazing by different species, through manual removal and by protecting or creating habitat for pest-controlling species, e.g. birds and insects.

Wild trees, bushes and flowering plants, especially important for pollinators, are protected.