Intensive Agriculture and Sustainability

Intensive Agriculture and Sustainability PDF Author: Glen C. Filson
Publisher: UBC Press
ISBN: 9780774811057
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 262

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Book Description
As globalization restructures agriculture and rural communities, the impacts of increasingly industrialized farming make interdisciplinary analyses of the linkages among the social, environmental, and economic aspects of farming ever more vital. This collection analyzes the reasons for the public’s scrutiny of intensive agriculture and the prospects for sustainable farming now that concerns are mounting about food quality, manure runoff, greenhouse gases, extra-label use of antibiotics, pesticide use, and rural conflict. Intensive Agriculture and Sustainability outlines the advantages of Farming Systems Analysis for understanding the implications of modern, intensive agriculture. This book describes some of the major environmental and social problems connected with intensive farming; outlines a framework for analyzing its sustainability; discusses key linkages among the environmental, economic, and social indicators; outlines modelling trade-offs between profitability and environmental sustainability; and then analyzes various farming systems using case studies. The authors conclude that rural conflict and government regulation are likely to continue unless the public joins with farmers to help fund stewardship practices and stabilize farm incomes. This book will appeal to field practitioners, agricultural and environmental policy analysts, geographers, and those scholars and students who are tired of the pervasive production-oriented disciplinary focus that typifies most agricultural research.

Intensive Agriculture and Sustainability

Intensive Agriculture and Sustainability PDF Author: Glen C. Filson
Publisher: UBC Press
ISBN: 9780774811057
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 262

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Book Description
As globalization restructures agriculture and rural communities, the impacts of increasingly industrialized farming make interdisciplinary analyses of the linkages among the social, environmental, and economic aspects of farming ever more vital. This collection analyzes the reasons for the public’s scrutiny of intensive agriculture and the prospects for sustainable farming now that concerns are mounting about food quality, manure runoff, greenhouse gases, extra-label use of antibiotics, pesticide use, and rural conflict. Intensive Agriculture and Sustainability outlines the advantages of Farming Systems Analysis for understanding the implications of modern, intensive agriculture. This book describes some of the major environmental and social problems connected with intensive farming; outlines a framework for analyzing its sustainability; discusses key linkages among the environmental, economic, and social indicators; outlines modelling trade-offs between profitability and environmental sustainability; and then analyzes various farming systems using case studies. The authors conclude that rural conflict and government regulation are likely to continue unless the public joins with farmers to help fund stewardship practices and stabilize farm incomes. This book will appeal to field practitioners, agricultural and environmental policy analysts, geographers, and those scholars and students who are tired of the pervasive production-oriented disciplinary focus that typifies most agricultural research.

The Ethics of Sustainable Agricultural Intensification

The Ethics of Sustainable Agricultural Intensification PDF Author:
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN: 9789251050675
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 40

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Book Description
International commitments were made at the World Food Summits in 1996 and 2002 and in the Millennium Development Goals to cut food hunger levels by half by the year 2015. This objective will require the adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification methods that avoid degradation of the earth's natural resources and take into account the needs and livelihoods of rural populations, particularly in developing countries. This publication explores three approaches to an ethical analysis of agricultural intensification strategies, using arguments based on utilitarian, rights-based and virtue-based models.

Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture

Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture PDF Author: Jules Pretty
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317269845
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 200

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Book Description
Sustainable intensification (SI) has emerged in recent years as a powerful new conceptualisation of agricultural sustainability and has been widely adopted in policy circles and debates. It is defined as a process or system where yields are increased without adverse environmental impact and without the cultivation of more land. Co-written by Jules Pretty, one of the pioneers of the concept and internationally known and respected authority on sustainable agriculture, this book sets out current thinking and debates around sustainable agriculture and intensification. It recognises that world population is increasing rapidly, so that yields must increase on finite land and other resources to maintain food security. It provides the first widely accessible overview of the concept of SI as an innovative approach to agriculture and as a key element in the transition to a green economy. It presents evidence from around the world to show how various innovations are improving yields, resilience and farm incomes, particularly for ‘resource constrained’ smallholders in developing countries, but also in the developed world. It shows how SI is a fundamental departure from previous models of agricultural intensification. It also highlights the particular role and potential of small-scale farmers and the fundamental importance of social and human capital in designing and spreading effective innovations.

Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture

Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture PDF Author: Muhammad Farooq
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030231690
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 627

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Book Description
This volume is a ready reference on sustainable agriculture and reinforce the understanding for its utilization to develop environmentally sustainable and profitable food production systems. It describes ecological sustainability of farming systems, present innovations for improving efficiency in the use of resources for sustainable agriculture and propose technological options and new areas of research in this very important area of agriculture.

Options for Transition of Land Towards Intensive and Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Options for Transition of Land Towards Intensive and Sustainable Agricultural Systems PDF Author: Rocio Millán
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889459071
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 165

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Book Description
Climate and environment of Gaia, mother Earth, are under multiple significant stresses. The increase in world population demands large increases in food production, but this must be reached by use of sustainable methods. Emission of climate gasses needs to be dramatically decreased, overall ecological footprints have to be diminished, and socioeconomy of rural areas has to be boosted. These aims are not easy to combine. However, the bio-economy and green solutions may provide mankind with tools of great value both to mitigate pollution and climate change and to adapt to future changes. It is clear that all forms of agriculture cause changes in balances and fluxes of pre-existing ecosystems, thereby limiting resiliency functions. Intensive agriculture in regions that are influenced by industrial pollution, with strong reduction of landscape structures and vast decoupling of energy and matter cycles, has caused stress and degradation of the production base; massive influence has also been exerted on neighbouring compartments. Average yields are probably close to 50 % of maximum yield many places, due to mismanagement of the crops during the production phase, or due to the inappropriate use of key resources. This relationship often leads to a mis-match between input of resources and process outputs, and creates pollution and unbalance in the landscape. Fertilizer runoff and salt accumulation occurs if water supply is in surplus or deficiency, due to soil compaction after use of large machines, and pollinating insects are suffering in regions with large monocultures and high pesticide inputs. These few examples show some of the dilemmas of using input factors in a way that does not fit with the overall conditions. Hence it will be as important as ever to develop new agricultural systems exploiting seasonal growth cycles through intercropping and the integration of mixed perennial crops to ensure permanent availability of plant fractions to be delivered to end users. The problem of degrading soils threatened by overuse, compaction, pollution and loss of biology can only be tackled by a cross disciplinary research approach addressing the entire spectrum of agricultural, environmental and socioeconomic functions of our agricultural systems. While efforts to demonstrate the benefit of site-specific management are relatively recent and have taken various approaches, they specifically refer to variable-rate applications of single inputs, e.g. seeds, fertilizers, chemicals. It is high time to deploy principles of precision agriculture for integrated crop management through combined variable inputs of irrigation water, fertilizers, composts and crop density to improve degrading land and on the other side produce valuable raw products for biorefineries and biobased industries In order to implement such novel production systems, for food and non-food products, the demonstration of land use changes, for biodiversity, for sufficient food and biomass production is essential, with emphasis on the diversity of species and varieties grown, harvested and converted to valuable products. Therefore this Research Topic combines studies demonstrating improved use of soil amendments, nutrients, as well as improved soil fertility for higher resilience against climate stress and recuperation of abandoned or contaminated soils for cropping and animal husbandry. Mixed cropping for high biomass production to create higher added value through the production and transformation of green biomass into novel products is presented as one of the solutions. Applied research for a sustainable and ecologically compatible land use aimed at sufficient food production is as important as ever. Adequate management plans have to be developed from modeling and implemented to increase soil life at the level of the local farm and the region. Growing biomass plants for biorefinery processes should lower production costs, avoid pollution of surface and groundwater, reduce pesticide residues, reduce a farmer’s overall risk, and increase both short- and long-term farm profitability. Such production systems are established amongst the authors of this Research Topic and will allow to obtain an integrated picture of the role of closed cycling loops for N, P and K, and water in an agricultural ecosystem. The next step will be to support decision-making using sustainability indicators and toolboxes as they have been developed for different agricultural systems. The availability of stable research networks of study sites across Europe will help to develop decision support systems applicable across a variety of domains for integrated food and non-food production in the EU, in regards to socio-economy, sustainability and ecology.

Methods and Procedures for Building Sustainable Farming Systems

Methods and Procedures for Building Sustainable Farming Systems PDF Author: Ana Alexandra Marta-Costa
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400750021
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 281

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Book Description
Showing how the method of sustainability assessment plays a key role in choosing the best agricultural productive mode, this book guides the reader through the process of selecting, from among the various approaches for building farming systems, the method of decision-making that will result in the most appropriate outcome, given the context. Case studies hail from polities as diverse as Portugal and Canada, Argentina and Lebanon. The work thus offers a valuable critical survey of the assessment methods that account for sustainability and economics, and which have developed considerably in the last two decades. The heterogeneous approaches covered here make this volume appropriate for consultation in a wide variety of social, political and geographical contexts.

Agricultural Development and Sustainable Intensification

Agricultural Development and Sustainable Intensification PDF Author: Udaya Sekhar Nagothu
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351403338
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
Sustainable Intensification (SI) has recently emerged as a key concept for agricultural development, recognising that yields must increase to feed a growing world population, but it must be achieved without damage to the environment, on finite land resources and while preserving social and natural capital. It also recognises that all initiatives must cope with the challenges of climate change to agricultural production, food security and livelihoods. This multidisciplinary book presents state-of-the-art reviews of current SI approaches to promote major food crops, challenges and advances made in technology, and the institutional and policy measures necessary to overcome the constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Adressing the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 2, the various chapters based on evidence and experiences of reputed researchers show how these innovations, if properly nurtured and implemented, can make a difference to food and nutrition security outcomes. Case studies from around the world are included, with a particular emphasis on Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The focus is not only on scientific aspects such as climate-smart agriculture, agroecology and improving input use efficiency and management, but also on institutional and policy challenges that must be met to increase the net societal benefits of sustainable agricultural intensification. The book is aimed at advanced students and researchers in sustainable agriculture and policy, development practitioners, policy makers and non-governmental and farmer organisations.

Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production

Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production PDF Author: P. Parvatha Reddy
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9811027021
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 405

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Book Description
This book outlines a new paradigm, Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production (SICP), which aims to produce more from the same area of land by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, conserving resources, reducing negative impacts on the environment and enhancing the provision of ecosystem services. The use of ecologically based management strategies can increase the sustainability of agricultural production while reducing off-site consequences. The book also highlights the underlying principles and outlines some of the key management practices and technologies – such as minimum soil disturbance; permanent organic soil covers; species diversification; selection of suitable cultivars, planting time, age and spacing; balanced plant nutrition; agro-ecological pest management; efficient water management; careful management of farm machinery; and integrated crop-livestock production – required to implement SICP. The green revolution (by using high-yielding crop varieties, mono-cropping, fertilization, irrigation, and pesticides) has led to enormous gains in food production and improved world food security. In many countries, however, intensive crop production has had negative impacts on production, ecosystems and the larger environment, putting future productivity at risk. In order to meet the projected demands of a growing population expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, farmers in the developing world must double food production, a challenge complicated by the effects of climate change and growing competition for land, water and energy. This book will be of immense value to all members of the scientific community involved in teaching, research and extension activities concerning sustainable intensification. The material can be used for teaching post-graduate courses, or as a useful reference guide for policy makers.

Sustainable Intensification

Sustainable Intensification PDF Author: Jules N. Pretty
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136529276
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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Book Description
Continued population growth, rapidly changing consumption patterns and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are driving limited resources of food, energy, water and materials towards critical thresholds worldwide. These pressures are likely to be substantial across Africa, where countries will have to find innovative ways to boost crop and livestock production to avoid becoming more reliant on imports and food aid. Sustainable agricultural intensification - producing more output from the same area of land while reducing the negative environmental impacts - represents a solution for millions of African farmers. This volume presents the lessons learned from 40 sustainable agricultural intensification programmes in 20 countries across Africa, commissioned as part of the UK Government's Foresight project. Through detailed case studies, the authors of each chapter examine how to develop productive and sustainable agricultural systems and how to scale up these systems to reach many more millions of people in the future. Themes covered include crop improvements, agroforestry and soil conservation, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, horticulture, livestock and fodder crops, aquaculture, and novel policies and partnerships.

FARMING SYSTEM AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

FARMING SYSTEM AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PDF Author: Dr Chandan Singh
Publisher: SGOC PUBLICATION
ISBN: 819356779X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 187

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Book Description
"Harvesting Sustainability: A Comprehensive Guide to Farming Systems and Sustainable Agriculture" Description: In a world challenged by growing populations, changing climates, and depleting natural resources, the call for sustainable agriculture has never been more urgent. "Harvesting Sustainability" is your definitive guide to understanding and implementing farming systems that prioritize environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity. Dive into the intricate web of modern agricultural practices, from traditional methods to cutting-edge technologies, as this book unveils the principles of sustainable agriculture. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an agricultural student, or simply an eco-conscious individual interested in the food you consume, this book equips you with the knowledge needed to make a positive impact. Key Features: Comprehensive Coverage: Explore the historical evolution of agriculture, the current state of global food systems, and the pivotal role of sustainable practices in shaping our future. Farming Systems: Delve into various farming systems, including organic farming, agroecology, permaculture, precision farming, and more. Understand how these systems adapt to local conditions while minimizing environmental impact. Sustainable Techniques: Learn about regenerative soil practices, integrated pest management, efficient water usage, and crop diversity. Discover how these techniques enhance resilience and promote long-term agricultural sustainability. Innovative Technologies: Explore the intersection of agriculture and technology. From drone-assisted monitoring to smart irrigation systems, see how modern innovations are revolutionizing sustainable farming. Case Studies: Gain insights from real-world case studies that showcase successful sustainable farming initiatives from around the globe. Understand the challenges faced and the lessons learned. Economic Viability: Discover the economic benefits of sustainable agriculture, from reduced input costs to increased market demand for eco-friendly produce. Learn how sustainable practices can be both environmentally and economically rewarding. Food Security: Uncover the role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring global food security. Explore strategies for balancing production with distribution and consumption needs. Policy and Advocacy: Understand the policy landscape surrounding agriculture and sustainability. Learn how individuals and communities can advocate for and contribute to positive change. Practical Guidance: Whether you're a small-scale farmer or part of a large agricultural operation, find actionable steps and best practices for transitioning towards sustainable methods. "Harvesting Sustainability" is a comprehensive handbook that bridges the gap between theory and practice in the realm of sustainable agriculture. Written by experts in the field, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to be a steward of the land, protect biodiversity, and secure a resilient future for generations to come. Join the movement towards sustainable agriculture and cultivate a more sustainable tomorrow. Embark on a journey to transform agriculture from a resource-depleting industry to a regenerative force with "Harvesting Sustainability." Order your copy today and sow the seeds of change for a better world. Book dedicated to Indian & World agricultural reform and entrepreneurial study with research study purposes.