http://users.caribnet.net/~lec/sustag.htmlTitle: What is sustainable agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture is virtually impossible to define precisely.
However, it is a concept, goal and practice that we have to develop for
the sake of future generations.
One essential principle is that farmers hold the land in trust for those
generations to come. Thus, their practices should be designed to conserve
or enhance the soil resource. Prevention of land degradation by soil
erosion should be paramount in any farming system as should avoiding
salinisation and nutrient depletion.
A second principle is that as little disruption to surrounding ecosystems
as possible should occur and pollution of potable water supplies should
not be tolerated. To this end chemical inputs should be minimal and
principles of Integrated Pest Management
should be followed.
Reduction of chemical use should not be restricted to pesticides.
There also should be reduction in use of fertilizers. This can be
achieved by harnessing beneficial micro-organisms. Amongst these are
Mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobia
and free living nitrogen fixing bacteria.
The need for large amounts of fertilizer can also be reduced by crop
rotation and growing crops appropriate for the soil and climatic
conditions.
WWW Sources of Sustainable Agriculture Information
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