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©Yann Arthus Bertrand |
A pressing demand on the agricultural sector for production, are increasing needs for cultivation and agricultural sustainable practices. Increases in production and the use of intensive agricultural techniques lead to dependence on fertilizers and overuse of water that can degrade soils and water resources.
The three major nutrients; nitrate, phosphate and potassium leach into ground water or surface water and generate pollution. Many alternatives to modern agriculture are available to enhance sustainable agricultural systems and management practices such as the promotion of mixed agricultural systems like rice-fish farming and agroforestry, integrated pest management, pollination management, soil and water conservation and management options of grasslands and forage resources. Biodiversity for food and agriculture can be managed to maintain and enhances ecosystem services (FAO).
The ability to enhance these soil biological processes can increase nutrient availability and efficiency and available soil nutrients to reduce the need for mineral fertilizer and minimize the cost of inputs and the environmental footprint of crop production. The conservation of biological diversity for agriculture and sustainable use are necessary for providing food and create subsistence and sustainable economy, as well as social and environmental improvement. The conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in cropping systems are part of the foundation of sustainable farming practices (FAO).
The growth of healthy crops with the least possible disruption to ecosystems including crop rotation, inter-cropping, conservation tillage, balanced soil fertility and water management, optimum use of organic matter; prevent spreading of harmful organisms, protection and enhancement of important beneficial organisms and ecological infrastructures.
In addition, meeting consumer needs for quality products that are safe and produced with respect of the environment and in a socially responsible is leading the developed world to invest and research organic farming and the impact of climate change by developed nations is creating the need to rethink agriculture by promoting ecosystem-based approaches.
References:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Sustainable Crop Production Intensification. http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/core-themes/theme/spi/en/.
