Showing papers in "Journal of Sustainable Agriculture in 2010"
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of farmers was conducted in the rural area of Arsanjan County in Fars province of southern Iran to explore farmers' perceptions of pesticide efficacy and evaluate whether these perceptions are reflected in attitudes towards the importance of pest management practices adoption.
Abstract: Few integrated pest management programs pay specific attention to the decision-making process of farmers in choosing and applying pest management interventions. Thus, practical recommendations provided through extension services frequently fail to be adopted by farmers. A survey of farmers was conducted in the rural area of Arsanjan County in Fars province of southern Iran to explore farmers' perceptions of pesticide efficacy and to evaluate whether these perceptions are reflected in attitudes towards the importance of pest management practices adoption. The study revealed two distinct groups of farmers: group A with farmers who clearly had a positive opinion about the efficacy of the current pesticide products (i.e., they felt that current pesticides are generally effective), and group B with farmers who had a rather negative opinion about the efficacy of the current pesticide products (i.e., they felt that current pesticides are not so effective). Farmers in group A considered IPM principles to be the m...
91 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the contribution of organic farming to the increase of energy efficiency in Spanish agriculture and find that non-renewable energy efficiency is higher in organic farming, whilst the consumption of this type of energy is lower.
Abstract: The use of non-renewable energy in farming, a factor which considerably reduces its energy efficiency, continues to increase. Moreover, there is growing worldwide concern regarding the emission of greenhouse gases and their effect on our climate, which is directly related to the use of fossil energy. All this creates a need for energy studies on changing tendencies in the management of agricultural systems, among which we find that of organic farming. This article uses energy balances to evaluate the contribution of organic farming to the increase of energy efficiency in Spanish agriculture. To achieve this objective, comparative studies were carried out on 78 organic crops and their conventional counterparts. Primary data were obtained via direct surveys carried out at farms distributed across the whole of Spain. The results indicate that non-renewable energy efficiency is higher in organic farming, whilst the consumption of this type of energy is lower. For this reason, although certain qualifications a...
81 citations
TL;DR: The results show that a community of reduced tillage farmers, motivated by different interests, has been emerging in England, and there are barriers to this social learning, which themselves are intimately connected with the technical complexities of the system.
Abstract: Reduced tillage systems potentially provide both environmental and economic benefits. However, the system is not universally applicable and requires a higher standard of overall management than ploughing, the conventional form of tillage, particularly with respect to maintenance of yield and soil structure, straw and stubble treatment, grass weed and slug control. As such reduced tillage systems are non-prescriptive and require new ways of learning compared to more simple conventional techniques. This article examines the technical and social dimensions of such learning through a study of farmers practicing reduced tillage in England. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with 12 farmers implementing reduced tillage and four promoters associated with an initiative supporting them. The results show that a community of reduced tillage farmers, motivated by different interests, has been emerging in England. Individual farmers are learning at the farm level through experimentation and adapt...
80 citations
TL;DR: A field experiment with rice at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India under a rice-wheat system was conducted to study the long-term effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil after 23 cycles of a rice and wheat cropping system as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A field experiment with rice at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India under a rice–wheat system was conducted to study the long-term effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil after 23 cycles of a rice–wheat cropping system. The experiment comprised 14 treatment combinations viz., N, P and K fertilizer application as individual component and use of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with different organic sources to substitute 25% to 50% N through farm yard manure (FYM), wheat cut straw (WCS), and green manure (GM) with Sesbania aculeata. The experimental treatments were replicated three times. GM, WCS, and FYM improved the physical properties of soil like water-holding capacity, penetration resistance, and bulk density. The integrated nutrient management technique resulted in a positive influx of nutrients by increasing organic carbon content, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ...
79 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provided an overview of the sustainability of prawn farming in rice fields in southwest Bangladesh and concluded that integrated prawn-fish-rice farming can help Bangladesh keep pace with current demand for fish and rice, and enhance economic development through exports of Prawns.
Abstract: Farming of the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in rice fields is widespread in southwest Bangladesh It plays an important role in the economy of the country, earning foreign exchange, increasing food production and providing opportunities for employment This paper provides an overview of the sustainability of prawn farming in rice fields in southwest Bangladesh It concludes that integrated prawn-fish-rice farming can help Bangladesh keep pace with current demand for fish and rice, and enhance economic development through exports of prawns However, while prawn farming in rice fields has huge potential, there are environmental consequences Some of these may eventually reduce productivity of the prawn–fish–rice farming system itself; others are the inevitable consequence of an expanding human population sequestering all available resources to itself
64 citations
TL;DR: The recent volatility of food crop prices and the rising cost of inputs have made it nearly impossible for many of the world's smallholder farmers to continue managing their agroecosystems, leaving their countries dependent on ever more costly food imports.
Abstract: The recent volatility of food crop prices and the rising cost of inputs—fossil fuels, fertilizers, and pesticides—have made it nearly impossible for many of the world's smallholder farmers to continue managing their agroecosystems, leaving their countries dependent on ever more costly food imports. Food Sovereignty, a food system model spearheaded by La Via Campesina and other rural social movements around the globe, represents a unique opportunity to address the vulnerability of national food systems. Thanks to its mass organizations and popular participation in national policy, Cuba is one of the few countries with the capacity to implement food sovereignty, which could help it minimize the threats posed by food price fluctuation, extreme climatic events—the island experienced three catastrophic hurricanes in 2008 alone—and the persistent U.S. hostility towards its national project. The advance of food sovereignty in Cuba, as elsewhere, requires a profound commitment to the principles of agroecology, a ...
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the forms and determinants of non-farm livelihoods among 320 rural households in Ogun State, Nigeria, and found that nonfarm livelihood contributes 63% of household income.
Abstract: Diversification is a norm in every economy, particularly in rural Africa, where farming alone rarely provides sufficient income. This study examines the forms and determinants of nonfarm livelihoods among 320 rural households in Ogun State, Nigeria. Results show that nonfarm livelihoods contribute 63 % of household income. The Simpson Index of Diversity shows moderate diversification (0.42) indicating a complementary role of farm and nonfarm activities. Education, household size, and income were significant predictors of diversification. Improving the capabilities of rural people through capacity building, credit, and broad-based development will increase participation in non-farm income and equally improve investment in agriculture.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the GHG emission intensity of the four livestock industries were compared on the basis of the weight of protein produced, and the protein-based emission intensity for beef was almost four times as high as the emissions from milk production.
Abstract: Assessments of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and emission intensities had been carried out prior to this analysis for dairy, beef, pork, and poultry in Canada. The GHG emission intensities of these industries were based on different units of food produced. In this paper, the GHG emission intensities of the four livestock industries were compared on the basis of the weight of protein produced. The protein-based emission intensity for beef was almost four times as high as the GHG emission intensity for milk production. The emission intensities of pork production were lower than the emissions from milk production because of lower CH4 emissions. Broilers had the lowest GHG emission intensity of all five livestock commodities. The next lowest GHG intensity was for egg production. The differences between the egg and broiler intensities cannot be attributed to any one GHG. The number of breeding animals that must be maintained in order to produce one animal for slaughter is much higher for cattle than...
52 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the concept of agricultural multifunctionality is proposed to help address the existing limitations in agroecology and thus overcome the conventional chasm between ecological research and social realities.
Abstract: Agroecological practices have increasingly been recognized as major development alternatives that could ensure rural people's basic needs while enhancing the ecological capacities grounding their livelihoods. This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of agroecological practices that could potentially address the compelling livelihood necessities of less advantaged smallholder farmers in developing countries. It is argued that, despite its claim to uphold interdisciplinary approaches, agroecology as a scientific discipline has originally been led by ecologists and agronomists, with interdisciplinary collaboration largely limited to anthropologists. The concept of agricultural multifunctionality is proposed to help address the existing limitations in agroecology and thus overcome the conventional chasm between ecological research and social realities in agroecology-based development.
51 citations
TL;DR: This article introduces a framework for analyzing seed supply strategies by considering principles of agrobiodiversity conservation, formal and informal seed systems, market and service orientation, and the strengthening of local institutions that is used to analyze strategies for supporting small-scale farmers' seed supply.
Abstract: Food security is again at the top of the global agenda. A second green revolution adapting the strategies of the previous revolution to current circumstances and contexts has been proposed. This article introduces a framework for analyzing seed supply strategies by considering principles of agrobiodiversity conservation, formal and informal seed systems, market and service orientation, and the strengthening of local institutions. This framework is used to analyze strategies for supporting small-scale farmers' seed supply. We develop pathways for enhancing seed security while strengthening seed system robustness. By presenting a coherent and non-conflicting framework, we reconcile the seemingly contradictory forces of increasing food production and conserving agro-biodiversity.
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared farm production, crop yield, input cost, and income in organic and conventional farming systems in three states of India: Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Abstract: This study compared farm production, crop yield, input cost, and income in organic and conventional farming systems in three states of India: Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The results showed that organic farming reduced the input cost without affecting the net margin in all three states. Total food production was found to be comparable for the two systems in two of three states. While yield of rice and wheat generally was lower under the organic systems, yield from intercropping food crops was generally higher. The number of agro-ecological methods and percentage of farms practicing different agro-ecological methods were higher under organic systems than conventional systems. These results suggest that organic farming has the potential to improve food security of small farmers by reducing indebtedness due to the lower cost of production without affecting total farm production and farm income.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that the efficiency of organic farming systems can improve with research on optimizing yields/inputs, as comparisons of efficiency/output are not as robustly positive as those of efficiency /area.
Abstract: Organic farming systems demonstrate greater energy efficiency and reduced green house gas (GHG) emissions per land unit and unit of production compared with conventional operations, usually attributable to the absence of synthetic fertilizers, particularly nitrogen, and synthetic pesticides. However, results suggest that the efficiency of organic systems can improve with research on optimizing yields/inputs, as comparisons of efficiency/output are not as robustly positive as those of efficiency/area. Organic systems also appear to have greater carbon sequestration potential. Organic systems can be significantly improved, pursuing both farm-level and sector-wide strategies. The specific conditions of organic farming, relative to conventional production, limit the number of currently promoted strategies that can fit into organic operations. Priority areas for future research to improve energy efficiency and GHG mitigation potential of organic systems are identified, including how energy crop production migh...
TL;DR: The authors used the 2007 US Census of Agriculture data and regression analysis to identify major factors associated with direct food sales across states and counties, including average farm size, population density, region, and available farmland.
Abstract: While direct marketing of food products from farmers to consumers has received increased attention, based on potential contributions to sustainable agriculture, there is a lack of understanding about the significant variation in direct food sales across regions. This paper uses 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture data and regression analysis to identify major factors associated with direct food sales across states and counties. Four variables, average farm size, population density, region, and available farmland, together explain most of the variation in direct food sales across states. Household income and type of farming are also significant explanatory factors at the county level.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the no-tillage system can improve the productivity of organic agriculture via pronounced arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization.
Abstract: The influence of conventional and no-tillage on mycorrhizal root colonization, soil properties and yield, was studied for 2 years in an experimental field of organic maize, fertilized by cattle manure or by seaweed compost. The no-tillage system improved soil macroporosity, increased organic carbon content, and enhanced the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates. Similarly, it had a positive effect on plant growth. Root density, leaf area index, biomass, grain yield and mycorrhizal root colonization were significantly affected by tillage system. Fertilization with manure and compost improved soil structure and aeration, thus favoring a higher mycorrhizal colonization of organic maize. The improved soil physical properties were positively related to mycorrhizal root colonization. High correlation coefficients of determination (r2) were also found between mycorrhizal root colonization and plant characteristics. It is concluded that the no-tillage system can improve the productivity of organic agriculture v...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the differences in the energy consumption between the production of certified organic pear, green food certified pear, and conventional pear in two areas in China, and found that energy inputs were significantly higher in organic systems compared with conventional and green systems.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in the energy consumption between the production of certified organic pear, green food certified pear, and conventional pear in two areas in China. Data were collected from interviews with farmers during 2007 and 2008. Energy inputs were significantly higher in organic systems compared with conventional and green systems. Fertilizer was the most important contributor to energy consumption in all three farming systems. Three calculation methods for energy value of manure have been found in the literature: substitution method, by-product method, and thermal method. The choice of various calculation methods for estimating the energy value of manure turns out to have great influence on the results in terms of energy inputs and energy efficiency. Additionally, energy inputs and energy efficiency were also influenced by other agricultural inputs, such as machinery and corresponding fossil fuels, human labor, etc. Possible explanations for these differe...
TL;DR: A random sample of about 10% of the poster and oral presentation abstracts were assigned to the levels of Gliessman’s sustainability framework, and evidence of both deficiencies and progress in the topics these scientists are tackling was found.
Abstract: Around 3800 people came together in Curitiba, Brazil last November for the joint meeting of the Latin American Scientific Society of Agroecology (SOCLA; www.agroeco.org/socla/) and the Brazilian Agroecology Association (ABA; www.aba-agroecologia.org.br). The number of participants was impressive, their diversity was inspiring, and the movement they are building sets an example for the planet. We assigned a random sample of about 10% of the poster and oral presentation abstracts (n = 99) to the levels of Gliessman’s sustainability framework ( JSA 33[1]:1-2, 2009), and found evidence of both deficiencies and progress in the topics these scientists are tackling. Disappointingly, the bulk of the presentations were at level 1, increasing the efficiency of conventional practices (7.1%) or level 2, substituting alternative practices for conventional ones (45.5%). Level 2 presentations typically focused on the effects of alternative inputs such as soil amendments, green manures or biological control agents on yield. Fewer presentations approached farm design and function from a systems perspective (Gliessman’s level 3; 19%). However 28% looked at agroecosystems in their social, cultural and economic contexts (level 4). Level 4 analysis was even more prevalent among the plenary speakers and panelists. These scientists and leaders were clear that agroecology as a science is responsible to agroecology as a movement for biodiverse fields and landscapes, food and energy sovereignty, and healthy environments and economies. Among the most powerful talks were those by farmers who described lifetimes of struggle to sustain their livelihoods, traditions and communities in resistance to economies that treat them as obstacles rather than the foundations of sustainable development. Field trips to farms, organic markets, research centers, Via Campesina’s Latin American
TL;DR: In this paper, field experiments were carried out in Central Italy on several green manure species (pure or mixed) and on succeeding grain maize to find practical relationships for predicting the N effect (N absorbed by maize that derives from the actual gain in soil available N due to green manure).
Abstract: Field experiments were carried out in Central Italy on several green manure species (pure or mixed) and on succeeding grain maize to find practical relationships for predicting the N effect (N absorbed by maize that derives from the actual gain in soil available N due to green manure). Actually, little information is available for Mediterranean environments, where green manure species and strategies may be other than those of northern-temperate and tropical regions. Relationships were found for maize shooting (Neff = −3.61DW + 29.75N%; R2 = 0.67), flowering (Neff = −1.32DW + 27.47N%; R2 = 0.66) and physiological maturity (Neff = −4.84DW + 50.43N%; R2 = 0.74) (DW = incorporated biomass, N% = N concentration).
TL;DR: In the depressing scenario of the deteriorating farming condition, emerging experience of MAPs farming give hope for better living standard of mountain peoples and can improve socioeconomy of farmers.
Abstract: Traditional cereal crop production is uneconomic, and diversification in cropping system is necessary in mountain regions. A pilot project was introduced on medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) cultivation with semi-processing and market strategy. Fast growing MAPs with high economic potential were given priority. A cooperative society was organized for quality control and proper marketing. Farmers got additional income with sale of MAPs that could improve socioeconomy. In the depressing scenario of the deteriorating farming condition, emerging experience of MAPs farming give hope for better living standard of mountain peoples. Cultivation of economically viable MAPs can improve socioeconomy of farmers.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effect of current forest policy on livestock production using survey data from 259 households in three Nepal hill districts and used a forestry-agriculture integrated model to examine alternative land use policies that could increase household livestock holdings and income while maintaining the environmental services of the community forest.
Abstract: In Nepal, many rural households need access to public forest resources to complement private resources for food and livestock production. However, current forest policies are largely directed at Environmental protection. The first part of this study identified the effect of current forest policy on livestock production using survey data from 259 households in three Nepal hill districts. The second part used a forestry-agriculture integrated model to examine alternative land use policies that could increase household livestock holdings and income while maintaining the environmental services of the community forest. The results show that current forest policies contributed to reductions in potential household livestock holdings by 34% for goats, 30% for cattle and 27% for buffalo. This exacerbated problems of farm fertility and food shortages in vulnerable and poor households. Modeling of alternative policy scenarios indicates that livestock holdings and income could both be increased for most households in communities practicing agroforestry while still maintaining environmental protection. The increase could be highest for the poorest households. Finally, the article discusses potential implications of new environmental policies on local food security and sustainability in the country.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors use an interview and discussion approach with producer panels to examine production systems in the eastern United States and explore key drivers impacting their unique characteristics and development, including internal social driver that values the farming lifestyle is a principle factor that leads people to choose farming, and economic return is partially a function of the marketability of products.
Abstract: Agricultural production responds to social, political, economic, environmental, and technological drivers that influence producers’ decisions and shape the individual systems through modification of management practices, crop and livestock mix, and marketing strategy. We use an interview and discussion approach with producer panels to examine production systems in the eastern United States and explore key drivers impacting their unique characteristics and development. The internal social driver that values the farming lifestyle is a principle factor that leads people to choose farming. Irrespective of location, farming is first and foremost a lifestyle choice. The choice of type of production system is partly a lifestyle preference and partly influenced by other external factors, including economic and environmental elements. A second principle driver is economic, arising from a need to make a living, and tempers the internal social driver. Economic return is partially a function of the marketability of products. Marketing
TL;DR: In this paper, the feasibility of official institutional programs for sustainable agriculture in Thailand during the last decade was examined from a "sustainable governance" perspective and the authors concluded that the social impacts of public sustainable agricultural interventions in the past decade remain limited for the estimated 5 million small-scale farmer households in Thailand.
Abstract: This paper examines the feasibility of official institutional programs for sustainable agriculture in Thailand during the last decade. In Thailand, both popular and official attention was paid to sustainable agriculture well before the Asian economic crisis occurred in 1997. However, the policy implementation of sustainable agriculture programs began only after the turn of the millennium, and the processes and outcomes have not been adequately studied from a feasibility standpoint. This paper aims to fill the gap by employing a ‘sustainable governance’ perspective for examining the programs of three main official institutions promoting sustainable agriculture in Thailand. It is concluded that the social impacts of public sustainable agricultural interventions in the past decade remain limited for the estimated 5 million small-scale farmer households in Thailand.
TL;DR: Changes in edaphic carabidofauna abundance in a wheat crop plot, its field margins, and four semi-natural adjacent habitats were evaluated, finding a low specific richness of carabids was found in the wheat crop.
Abstract: Changes in edaphic carabidofauna abundance in a wheat crop plot, its field margins, and four semi-natural adjacent habitats were evaluated. A low specific richness of carabids was found in the wheat crop. No species was found exclusively in the wheat plot, but there were species found in the surrounding habitat. The observed responses of different species regarding moisture conditions determined their presence or absence in these semi-natural habitats as well as in dominance structures of each particular ambient. A gradual decrease in the number of captured individuals from the field margin to the center of the wheat plot was observed. Semi-natural habitats and field margins become an important requirement for habitat and shelter of the best represented species of ground beetles, particularly for predatory and omnivorous varieties.
TL;DR: In this article, KARSIM 1.0 (DSM) is a methodology based on an integrated deterministic simulation system application for decision-making support, consisting of 74 deterministic production simulation models.
Abstract: Mountain regions are important producers of organic food. For them, reliable decision making regarding business planning necessitates different critical support methods. KARSIM 1.0 (DSM) is a methodology based on an integrated deterministic simulation system application for decision-making support, consisting of 74 deterministic production simulation models. DSM enables different types of cost and financial feasibility calculations for organic production and food processing. KARSIM 1.0 was used to simulate three specific business alternatives for mountain organic farms. (Alternative 1: spelt grain, fruit cider, wine and brandy, plum brandy, calves meat and sheep–soft cheese production, Alternative 2: spelt flour, pear and apple juice, plum brandy, veal and sheep's milk, Alternative 3: spelt grain, dried fruit, calves, soft and hard sheep cheese). Simulation model results were compared using two multi-objective analysis methods: the analytical hierarchical process (Expert Choice Decision Support System sof...
TL;DR: In this article, the performance of eight different types of composts prepared from rice straw (Oryza sativa), Eupatorium adhenophorum, Lantana camara, and grass/weed mixtures was evaluated and compared with the recommended combinations of NPK (80:60:40 kg/ha) and farmyard manure (FYM) and other organic manures.
Abstract: Low concentrations of native nutrients in soil, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, are a major constraint limiting crop productivity in highly leached acid soils of the subtropical Indian Himalayas. This is coupled with the negligible use of fertilizers and pesticides, which restricts the productivity of field crops. Further, this area has acute shortage of farmyard manure (FYM) and other organic manures. In a 2-year field study (2004-06) the performance of eight different types of composts prepared from rice straw (Oryza sativa), Eupatorium adhenophorum, Lantana camara, and grass/weed mixtures was evaluated and compared with the recommended combinations of NPK (80:60:40 kg/ha) and FYM on productivity of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L) under organic production. Two composting procedures were evaluated. One was the Microbial Enriched Compost (MEC), procedure consisting of mixing plant biomass and cow dung in equal proportion (weight basis) followed by addition of microbial inoculants in a slurry of fresh co...
TL;DR: In this paper, a linear programming analysis confirmed that 2,807 hours of underutilized labor exists in a typical corn-soybean rotation and that integration of the supplemental crops evaluated in their study are feasible.
Abstract: The trend towards crop specialization and increased farm size in U.S. agricultural systems has had negative economic and environmental impacts. On large, specialized farms, bottlenecks in labor occur, and a significant amount of seasonal labor is underutilized. This study was conducted to determine if this labor could be allocated to the production of supplemental enterprises. A linear programming analysis confirmed that 2,807 hours of underutilized labor exists in a typical corn-soybean rotation and that integration of the supplemental crops evaluated in our study are feasible. Grazing of stalk residues alone did not make use of the underutilized labor, however, integration of two alternative cabbage production scenarios as well as an agroforestry alternative that included decorative woody florals made use of an additional 357 and 306 hours of the underutilized labor, respectively. The integration of supplemental alternative crops into an existing corn–soybean rotation has the ability to make use of unde...
TL;DR: In this article, two cattle management systems, namely Intensive (IS) and Semi-Intensive (SEI), were compared in terms of plant nutrient conservation and enhancement on farms in Central Uganda.
Abstract: Manure management practices in sub-Saharan Africa vary depending on the importance smallholder farmers attach to its use as a soil amendment. Cattle manure, which is the primary on-farm manure resource, is generally of low quality due to poor manure management practices. The objective of this study was to improve cattle manure quality on-farm in terms of plant nutrient conservation and enhancement. The study involved two cattle management systems, namely intensive (IS) and semi-intensive (SEI). The study involved eight smallholder farms selected through purposely random sampling and were treated as replicates. The farms were located in Lukwanga parish, Wakiso district, Central Uganda. Each farm under the IS had an average of two heads of mainly Friesian breed of cattle whereas those under the SEI system had an average of three heads of local breed cattle. Other variables include seasonal changes and manure management practices (including farmers practice and improved management practices). Composted manur...
TL;DR: In this article, a stochastic model was developed to explore policy scenarios designed to address the long-term sustainability of the farming sector in Western Uzbekistan, and the model results evidence the need to move away from high input cropping systems, towards alternative crops.
Abstract: A stochastic model was developed to explore policy scenarios designed to address the long-term sustainability of the farming sector in Western Uzbekistan. The model results evidence the need to move away from high input cropping systems, towards alternative crops. Reduced water use was obtained with the introduction of water-wise technologies, such as laser leveling and drip irrigation. In light of natural and man made water shortages in the region, a more sustainable farming system requires greater collective investment among Water User Associations (WUAs) as well as the redirection of government subsidies toward more environmentally friendly farming methods.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated nine cropping systems during the transition to organic grain production under reduced tillage and relying on legumes as the primary source of crop nitrogen, and found that spring pea was a poor choice for organic production due to the susceptibility of this crop to insect pests and weeds, which generally resulted in crop failure.
Abstract: Organic grain production is not common to eastern Washington, but offers attractive market opportunities if systems can be developed that are compatible with regional production constraints. Erodible soils make tillage-intensive systems unsustainable, and there are limited alternative fertility options. Given these constraints, the objective of this study was to evaluate nine cropping systems during the transition to organic grain production under reduced tillage and relying on legumes as the primary source of crop nitrogen. The experimental transition systems ranged in the degree in which legume grain crops or legume green manures/forages were present in the rotation. We found that spring pea grown for grain to be a poor choice for organic production due to the susceptibility of this crop to insect pests and weeds, which generally resulted in crop failure. Likewise, bell bean was poorly suited as a legume green manure crop due to its low productivity in our region. In contrast, alfalfa and winter pea-bas...
TL;DR: In this article, the effects on crop production and economic returns of various crop rotations involving wheat, canola and grain sorghum were studied from 1996 to 2005 on a grey Vertisol.
Abstract: Rainfed grain production in semi-arid, subtropical south-west Queensland in north–east Australia is marginal, because of low and variable rainfall and low soil fertility. Current cropping systems are based around winter cereals, with a summer fallow period essential for storing soil water to reduce risk. Increasing the soil water storage and the efficiency of water and nitrogen use is essential for sustainable crop production in this region. The effects on crop production and economic returns of various crop rotations involving winter crops—wheat (Triticum aestivum), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), faba bean (Vicia faba) and canola (Brassica napus); summer crops - grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and mung bean (Phaseolus mungo); and fertilizer N application to wheat, canola and grain sorghum were studied from 1996 to 2005 on a grey Vertisol. Annual rainfall was above the long-term average in 6 of these 10 years and below average in 4 years. Crops were either not sown or failed due to drought in 3 years during ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to identify the beliefs of high school agriculture teachers about sustainable agriculture and examine the extent they teach sustainable agriculture in their curricula by collecting data from a random sample of 844 teachers in the North Central Region of the United States.
Abstract: Sustainable agriculture (SA) is not fully understood. What is being taught about SA by high school agriculture teachers is also unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the beliefs of high school agriculture teachers about SA and to examine the extent they teach SA. A mailed questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 844 teachers in the North Central Region (NCR) of the United States. Teachers agreed to concepts about SA and taught selected SA topics to a moderate extent, emphasizing topics related to ecological and social dimensions of SA compared with topics having economic dimensions. In addition, teachers indicated the following topics to be most frequently taught: soil testing, crop rotation, food safety, water quality, and use of animal manure. Results of this study indicated that agriculture teachers do not include much about SA in their curricula. Further investigations into the barriers regarding infusion of SA into the curriculum would help explain what is required ...