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Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system in which a site-specific application (over the long term) is available in plant and animal production practices by enhancing environmental quality and the natural resource base (related to the agricultural economy).
Importance of sustainable agriculture
The environment is protected, and soil fertility is improved by the practices of sustainable agriculture. Natural resource base and profitable farm incomes are also improved. The goal of sustainable agriculture is decreasing the input of external energy, and substituting non-renewable energy sources with renewable sources such as wind power, solar energy.
Advantages of sustainable agriculture
Cost reduction, advocating better treatment of animals, increasing biodiversity, increasing social equality, control of air pollution, and reducing soil erosion are some advantages of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture does a tremendous service at producing quality, and safe food.
Disadvantages of sustainable agriculture
Limited use of land, more time consuming, requiring much effort, getting a low income, and short shelf life of products are disadvantages. Due to limited use of land, large quantities of food can’t be produced in sustainable agriculture. Production is less due to the use of machines is less. But lots of labor and time is required. Due to decomposing is high in sustainably produced food, their shelf life is short. Due to fertilizers, and other chemicals are not used, land fertility isn’t increased easily.
Methods of Sustainable Agriculture
Crop Rotation, permaculture, growing cover Crops, soil Enrichment, Natural Pest Predators, bio-intensive Integrated Pest Management, agroforestry, and polyculture Farming are some methods of sustainable agriculture.
