"Sustainable agriculture is the efficient production of safe, high quality agricultural products, in a way that protects and improves the natural environment, the social and economic conditions of farmers, their employees and local communities, and safeguards the health and welfare of all farmed species."
(source: Sustainable Agriculture Initiative)
Sustainable agriculture also defined as the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. The phrase was reportedly coined by Australian agricultural scientist Gordon Mc Clymont. It has been defined as "an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will last over the long term" For Example:
- Satisfy human food and fibre needs
- Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends
- Make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
- Sustain the economic viability of farm operations
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole
Sustainable agriculture developed Principles and Practices for Sustainable Agriculture, articulated around four main pillars : sustainable farming systems, economy, social and environment
(source: Sustainable Agriculture Initiative)
Sustainable agriculture can be understood as an ecosystem approach to agriculture. Practices that can cause long-term damage to soil include excessive tillage (leading to erosion) and irrigation without adequate drainage (leading to salinization).
The most important factors for an individual site are sun, air, soil, nutrients, and water. Of the five, water and soil quality and quantity are most amenable to human intervention through time and labor.
- Water
- Soil
- Phosphate
- Land
- Energy for Agriculture
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