Sustainable Agriculture

Study Notes

Sustainable agriculture refers to the ability of a farm to produce and maintain livestock over the long term with minimal negative effects on the environment.

Minimize adverse impacts on the environment while maintaining a sustained level of production and profit.
Make the most efficient use of non-renewable and on-farm resources.
Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.

Environmental preservation: no use of toxic chemicals, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or practices that degrade soil, water, or natural resources.
Protection of public health: safer fruits and vegetables for consumers, workers, and surrounding communities.
Sustaining vibrant communities: economically viable, providing farmers and farm workers with a livable wage and safe working conditions.
Upholding animal welfare: treating animals with care and respect, implementing humane livestock husbandry practices.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): a broad-based approach integrating sustainable practices for economic pest control.
Crop rotation: growing series of different crops in the same area to provide nutrients to the soil and mitigate pests and pathogens.
Biotechnology: using living systems or organisms to develop or make useful products.
Use of organic fertilizers: using waste derived from animal or vegetable matter.
Conservation tillage: leaving previous years' crop residue on fields before and after planting the next crop.
Cover cropping: planting specific crops during fallow periods to protect soil from erosion, improve soil structure, and add nutrients.

Podcast