SustainabilitySustainability

The Agriculture SystemThe Agriculture System

NON-SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE

transition

PROCESS

Meet

Future

Needs

Degradation

Erosion of Values

The Trend

A ProcessA Process

Making the transition to sustainable Making the transition to sustainable agriculture is a agriculture is a processprocess. .

Reaching toward the goal of sustainable Reaching toward the goal of sustainable agriculture is the agriculture is the responsibility of allresponsibility of all participants in the system, including participants in the system, including farmers, workers, biosystem engineers, farmers, workers, biosystem engineers, researchers, policymakers, retailers, and researchers, policymakers, retailers, and consumers. consumers.

Resource DegradationResource Degradation

Natural resource degradation from Natural resource degradation from non-non-sustainablesustainable farming and forestry practices. farming and forestry practices.

WaterWater is the principal resource that has is the principal resource that has helped agriculture and society to prosper, helped agriculture and society to prosper, and it has been a and it has been a major limiting factormajor limiting factor when mismanaged. when mismanaged. – drought-tolerant crop species, using reduced-drought-tolerant crop species, using reduced-

volume irrigation systems, managing crops to volume irrigation systems, managing crops to reduce water loss, or don’t plant anything!reduce water loss, or don’t plant anything!

EnergyEnergy

Modern agriculture is heavily dependent on Modern agriculture is heavily dependent on non-non-renewable energy sourcesrenewable energy sources, especially , especially petroleum. petroleum. The continued use of these non-renewable The continued use of these non-renewable energy sources cannot be sustained indefinitely. energy sources cannot be sustained indefinitely. In sustainable agricultural systems, there is In sustainable agricultural systems, there is reduced reliance on non-renewable energy reduced reliance on non-renewable energy sources and a substitution of sources and a substitution of renewable sourcesrenewable sources to the extent that is economically feasible e.g. to the extent that is economically feasible e.g. biofuelbiofuel

Water QualityWater Quality

The most important issues related to water The most important issues related to water quality involve salinization and quality involve salinization and contamination of ground and surface contamination of ground and surface waters by pesticides, nitrates and waters by pesticides, nitrates and selenium.selenium.

Erosion and sedimentation.Erosion and sedimentation.

Waste water treatment.Waste water treatment.

DesertificationDesertification

Air QualityAir Quality

Many agricultural activities affect Many agricultural activities affect air qualityair quality..These include smoke from agricultural burning; These include smoke from agricultural burning; dust from tillage, traffic and harvest; pesticide dust from tillage, traffic and harvest; pesticide drift from spraying; and nitrous oxide emissions drift from spraying; and nitrous oxide emissions from the use of nitrogen fertilizer. from the use of nitrogen fertilizer. Options to improve air quality include Options to improve air quality include incorporating crop residue into the soil, using incorporating crop residue into the soil, using appropriate levels of tillage, and planting wind appropriate levels of tillage, and planting wind breaks, cover crops or strips of native perennial breaks, cover crops or strips of native perennial grasses to reduce dust. grasses to reduce dust.

Soil QualitySoil Quality

Soil erosionSoil erosion continues to be a serious threat to continues to be a serious threat to our continued ability to produce adequate food. our continued ability to produce adequate food. – Property developmentProperty development– Hillside clearingHillside clearing

Numerous practices have been developed to Numerous practices have been developed to keep soil in place, which include keep soil in place, which include reducing or reducing or eliminating tillage, managing irrigation to reduce eliminating tillage, managing irrigation to reduce runoff, and keeping the soil covered with plants runoff, and keeping the soil covered with plants or mulch. or mulch. Enhancement of soil quality. Enhancement of soil quality.

Analysis of Sustainability

Level of analysisTypical characteristics

of sustainability (cumulative)

Typical determinants of sustainability

Field/production unit

Productive crops & animals; Conservation of soil & water; low levels of crop pests & animal diseases

Soil & water management; biological control of pests; use of organic manure; fertilizers; crop varieties & animal breeds

Farm 

Awareness by farmers; economic & social needs satisfied; viable production systems

Access to knowledge, external inputs and markets

Country

Public awareness; sound development of agro-ecological potential; conservation of resources

Policies for agricultural development; population pressure; agricultural education, research & extension

Region/continent/world

Quality of the natural environment; human welfare & equity mechanisms; international agricultural research & development

Control of pollution; terms of trade; distribution

 

Ideal PropositionIdeal Proposition

A sustainable system or process must be A sustainable system or process must be based on resources that will not be based on resources that will not be exhausted over a reasonable period exhausted over a reasonable period (sometimes expressed as the 'long term')(sometimes expressed as the 'long term')

A sustainable system or process must A sustainable system or process must not generate unacceptable pollution not generate unacceptable pollution externally or internally externally or internally

Sustainable FarmingSustainable Farming

Essentially one has to treat one’s farmland Essentially one has to treat one’s farmland as a living system embedded in a broader as a living system embedded in a broader ecosystem and understanding how to ecosystem and understanding how to manage all farm practices on the basis of manage all farm practices on the basis of this holistic perception of this holistic perception of sustainabilitysustainability

Sustainable FarmingSustainable Farming

Its characteristics include:Its characteristics include:

The farmer understands the land as a living system The farmer understands the land as a living system in which she/he acts to support a dynamic balance in which she/he acts to support a dynamic balance among the plants, animals, insects, soil, and water.among the plants, animals, insects, soil, and water.Labor and knowledge are the intensive inputs.Labor and knowledge are the intensive inputs.Animal and plant production is integrated and Animal and plant production is integrated and synergistic.synergistic.Farm plant and animal residues and by-products Farm plant and animal residues and by-products are recycled, on the farm whenever possible.are recycled, on the farm whenever possible.Farming maintains biodiversity and soil health Farming maintains biodiversity and soil health through polyculture, crop rotation, cover crops, and through polyculture, crop rotation, cover crops, and appropriate application of compost and organic appropriate application of compost and organic fertilizer.fertilizer.

Sustainable FarmingSustainable Farming

Diversified cropping, windbreaks, hedgerows, and Diversified cropping, windbreaks, hedgerows, and vegetation at field margins contribute to improved vegetation at field margins contribute to improved and varied wildlife habitat, including encouragement and varied wildlife habitat, including encouragement of beneficial predator insects.of beneficial predator insects.Pests and weeds are controlled through the whole Pests and weeds are controlled through the whole pattern of farming, with little or no application of pattern of farming, with little or no application of chemical pesticides or herbicides. chemical pesticides or herbicides. Similarly, animal health is maintained through Similarly, animal health is maintained through avoiding large concentrations and with minimal use avoiding large concentrations and with minimal use of antibiotics.of antibiotics.Energy consumption is much lower at all stages of Energy consumption is much lower at all stages of the production cycle and uses renewable sources the production cycle and uses renewable sources wherever possible.wherever possible.Farm equipment is relatively lightweight with low Farm equipment is relatively lightweight with low energy demand and impact on soils.energy demand and impact on soils.

Essential Attributes for Future Essential Attributes for Future Agricultural SystemsAgricultural Systems

Should be Should be highly productivehighly productive, of , of safe, high quality safe, high quality productsproducts ( (within identified constraintswithin identified constraints) ) Should be Should be physically sustainablephysically sustainable, i.e. use physical , i.e. use physical resources at rates or in ways which allow adequate long resources at rates or in ways which allow adequate long term development term development Should be Should be biologically sustainablebiologically sustainable (i.e. the biological (i.e. the biological organisms and processes on which they depend must be organisms and processes on which they depend must be sustainable in the long term) - this could encompass the sustainable in the long term) - this could encompass the avoidance of internal  pollution such as the build up of avoidance of internal  pollution such as the build up of heavy metals heavy metals      

Essential Attributes for Future Essential Attributes for Future Agricultural SystemsAgricultural Systems

Should satisfy agreed Should satisfy agreed standardsstandards for human and for human and animal welfare animal welfare

Should not give rise to unacceptable Should not give rise to unacceptable pollutionpollution, , by products or effects, including visual ones by products or effects, including visual ones

Must be Must be profitable profitable (since they would not be (since they would not be practiced if they were not) - this also assumes practiced if they were not) - this also assumes that the products are wanted (otherwise there that the products are wanted (otherwise there will be no demand and the business will will be no demand and the business will collapse)collapse)

Farming LifeFarming Life

Enjoy farming life.Enjoy farming life. Farming is hard work, but Farming is hard work, but the most successful farmers know when to call it the most successful farmers know when to call it a day and circumvent burn-out. a day and circumvent burn-out.

Remember why you're farming and why, in Remember why you're farming and why, in particular, you're aiming for a sustainable particular, you're aiming for a sustainable operation. operation.

For most people, For most people, it's because they like knowing it's because they like knowing they're leaving land in better shape than they they're leaving land in better shape than they found it.found it.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Source: Pretty, J. N. The Living Land (1998)

Pause & PonderPause & Ponder

The arrows in the  flow chart above, The arrows in the  flow chart above, outline the flows of money through the outline the flows of money through the rural sector, can you suggest any free rural sector, can you suggest any free resources the farmer receives, and of resources the farmer receives, and of what use are theywhat use are they??

Integrated Crop Management (ICM)Integrated Crop Management (ICM)

ICMICM is a is a 'whole farm approach''whole farm approach' which is site which is site specific and includes:specific and includes:

The use of crop rotations The use of crop rotations

Appropriate cultivation techniques Appropriate cultivation techniques

Careful choice of seed varieties Careful choice of seed varieties

Minimum reliance on artificial inputs such as Minimum reliance on artificial inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides and fossil fuels fertilizers, pesticides and fossil fuels

Maintenance of the landscape Maintenance of the landscape

The enhancement of wildlife habitatsThe enhancement of wildlife habitats

Objectives of ICMObjectives of ICM

The reduction or replacement of external farm The reduction or replacement of external farm inputs, such as inorganic fertilizers, pesticides inputs, such as inorganic fertilizers, pesticides and fuel, by means of farm produced substitutes and fuel, by means of farm produced substitutes and better management of inputs. and better management of inputs. Total replacement is not possible without Total replacement is not possible without significant loss of yields, but partial substitution significant loss of yields, but partial substitution of inputs can be achieved by the use of natural of inputs can be achieved by the use of natural resources, the avoidance of waste and efficient resources, the avoidance of waste and efficient management of external inputs – leaning management of external inputs – leaning towards towards organic farmingorganic farmingThis would then lead to This would then lead to reduced production cost reduced production cost and less environmental degradation.and less environmental degradation.

Waste ManagementWaste Management

The three "R"s is applicable in waste The three "R"s is applicable in waste management more than ever: management more than ever: reduce, reuse, reduce, reuse, recyclerecycle. It'll not only be more sustainable, but . It'll not only be more sustainable, but it's cheaper, too. it's cheaper, too.

Examine every bit of garbage and waste that Examine every bit of garbage and waste that any operation produces and ask any operation produces and ask "What else "What else can I do with this?"can I do with this?" If you can't do anything to If you can't do anything to do with it, try to think of ways someone else in do with it, try to think of ways someone else in the community can use it. the community can use it. Be creativeBe creative. .

Biological SustainabilityBiological Sustainability

No individual life form can be sustainable No individual life form can be sustainable indefinitely, since all must die at some point in indefinitely, since all must die at some point in time. time.

Preservation of individual life is only possible for Preservation of individual life is only possible for limited periods (limited periods (limited sustainabilitylimited sustainability). ).

Individual species, ecosystems and habitats can Individual species, ecosystems and habitats can be sustained as they involve be sustained as they involve reproductive and reproductive and other essential processesother essential processes - without which they - without which they would cease to exist.would cease to exist.

Non-living ResourcesNon-living Resources

Some resources are limited, other resources if not used Some resources are limited, other resources if not used now, will not  remain. now, will not  remain. The most obvious example being The most obvious example being sunlightsunlight. If the solar . If the solar radiation received today is not trapped and utilized, it will radiation received today is not trapped and utilized, it will not be available tomorrow . Nor will the rate that it is not be available tomorrow . Nor will the rate that it is used today effect the amount that can be used used today effect the amount that can be used tomorrow. tomorrow. The sun however is not an infinite resource and is slowly The sun however is not an infinite resource and is slowly (albeit very slowly) running down. (albeit very slowly) running down. Non-living resourcesNon-living resources may largely remain intact, though may largely remain intact, though they may change greatly in form (consider soil erosion, they may change greatly in form (consider soil erosion, radiation loss and weathering of rock). radiation loss and weathering of rock). 

Non-living ResourcesNon-living Resources

Resources such as Resources such as fossil fuelsfossil fuels are totally changed when are totally changed when used and cannot be recreated on any reasonable time used and cannot be recreated on any reasonable time scale. But they serve no purpose if left unused. scale. But they serve no purpose if left unused. The use of fossil fuels is entirely necessary to discover The use of fossil fuels is entirely necessary to discover and exploit other resources for energy production. and exploit other resources for energy production. They make possible the construction of dams for They make possible the construction of dams for hydropower and windmills for wind power. hydropower and windmills for wind power. In other words, we are using the limited resource to find In other words, we are using the limited resource to find the means not to use, or at least limit its rate of use in the means not to use, or at least limit its rate of use in the future. the future. Gas and petrol are both derived from Gas and petrol are both derived from unsustainable resources.unsustainable resources.

Sustaining ResourcesSustaining Resources

Resources such as water and energy can be Resources such as water and energy can be used up, but never destroyed. used up, but never destroyed. Matter can never Matter can never be destroyed or indestructible.be destroyed or indestructible.They may be changed in form, be recyclable or They may be changed in form, be recyclable or difficult to recapture. difficult to recapture. There is a difference between using a resource There is a difference between using a resource and using it up. For example, the countryside. and using it up. For example, the countryside. Viewing the hills in a recreational park in Perlis is Viewing the hills in a recreational park in Perlis is not using up the resource, but walking in the hills not using up the resource, but walking in the hills may (eventually) destroy them (eco-tourism)may (eventually) destroy them (eco-tourism)

Pause & PonderPause & Ponder

If a resource is limited, is there any If a resource is limited, is there any benefit of leaving it totally unused?benefit of leaving it totally unused?

Ex. Wooden house and furnitures. Are Ex. Wooden house and furnitures. Are they from a sustainable wood supply? they from a sustainable wood supply? Consider options available.Consider options available.

Living ResourcesLiving Resources

Living resourcesLiving resources do not remain static. A do not remain static. A dairy cow which is not milked may not dairy cow which is not milked may not provide any milk in the future and may provide any milk in the future and may eventually die and be unavailable for any eventually die and be unavailable for any purpose.purpose.

Living ResourcesLiving Resources

All living things must eventually die: thus, All living things must eventually die: thus, a tree not used as a resource will a tree not used as a resource will eventually die and decay - liberating the eventually die and decay - liberating the same amount of COsame amount of CO22 as if it had been as if it had been

burnt.burnt.

Gaharu

Sustainable Harvesting

The use of living resources may have to be The use of living resources may have to be considered over a relatively short period or be considered over a relatively short period or be related to populations (plant and animal) capable related to populations (plant and animal) capable of reproduction. of reproduction.

This has given rise to the concept of This has given rise to the concept of sustainable sustainable harvestingharvesting, , taking only such proportion of the taking only such proportion of the population as can be continued over time, population as can be continued over time, depending on reproductive rates in animals and depending on reproductive rates in animals and seed numbers in plantsseed numbers in plants

Economic SustainabilityEconomic Sustainability

Economics is about the efficient use of Economics is about the efficient use of resourcesresources, usually expressed in monetary terms. , usually expressed in monetary terms. The concept of economic sustainability is The concept of economic sustainability is subject, on all levels, to different inputs and subject, on all levels, to different inputs and outputs. outputs. The economic sustainability of a The economic sustainability of a farmfarm is subject is subject to the viability of, and markets for, an enterprise to the viability of, and markets for, an enterprise or product. or product. The economic sustainability of a The economic sustainability of a nationnation is is subject to the whole economy on local, national subject to the whole economy on local, national and international level. and international level. 

Closed Loop SustainabilityClosed Loop Sustainability

Raise both livestock and crops, and set up a Raise both livestock and crops, and set up a mutually beneficial relationship between them. mutually beneficial relationship between them.

The simplest way to do this is to use manure The simplest way to do this is to use manure from your livestock to fertilize crops, and use from your livestock to fertilize crops, and use some of your crops to feed the livestock. some of your crops to feed the livestock.

If you are unable to raise both, find a neighbor If you are unable to raise both, find a neighbor who's specializing in a suitable enterprise and who's specializing in a suitable enterprise and set up an exchange. set up an exchange.

Research AreasResearch Areas

New agricultural and engineering technologies that New agricultural and engineering technologies that enhance and maintain productivity levelsenhance and maintain productivity levelsHigh-value agriculture including mechanization in areas High-value agriculture including mechanization in areas of medium to high agricultural potentialof medium to high agricultural potentialRural economies towards modern agricultureRural economies towards modern agricultureRisk, vulnerability and adaptationRisk, vulnerability and adaptationMarkets for products – market intelligence, niche Markets for products – market intelligence, niche marketsmarketsManaging the complex agriculture-based systems and Managing the complex agriculture-based systems and resource base resource base sustainablysustainably. . Water and its managementWater and its managementNatural resource management.Natural resource management.

Pause & PonderPause & Ponder

List 2 industries that can be considered to List 2 industries that can be considered to practice practice sustainable harvestingsustainable harvesting

Think of a Think of a lifestyle or culturelifestyle or culture that is that is economically not sustainableeconomically not sustainable because it is because it is socially unacceptable and morally wrong.socially unacceptable and morally wrong.

Tutorial Session 2/2009Tutorial Session 2/2009

1.1. The arrows in the  flow chart given, outline the The arrows in the  flow chart given, outline the flows of money through the rural sector, can you flows of money through the rural sector, can you suggest any free resources the farmer receives, and suggest any free resources the farmer receives, and of what use are theyof what use are they??

2.2. If a resource is limited, is there any benefit of If a resource is limited, is there any benefit of leaving it totally unused?leaving it totally unused?

3.3. The production of wooden houses and furnitures. The production of wooden houses and furnitures. Are they from a sustainable wood supply? Consider Are they from a sustainable wood supply? Consider options available.options available.

4.4. List 2 industries that can be considered to practice List 2 industries that can be considered to practice sustainable harvestingsustainable harvesting

5.5. Think of a Think of a lifestyle or culturelifestyle or culture that is that is economically not economically not sustainablesustainable because it is socially unacceptable and because it is socially unacceptable and morally wrong.morally wrong.

Eco PreservationEco Preservation

Plant trees around the farm that act as Plant trees around the farm that act as windbreaks and also provide habitat for windbreaks and also provide habitat for local birds (which can prey on insects that local birds (which can prey on insects that prey on crops). prey on crops). Tolerate natural predators that keep pests Tolerate natural predators that keep pests at bay (e.g. snakes, rats that feed on pests at bay (e.g. snakes, rats that feed on pests of crops, ladybugs that feed on aphids, of crops, ladybugs that feed on aphids, spiders that feed on insects which spread spiders that feed on insects which spread diseases to crops).diseases to crops).

Value AdditionValue Addition

Adding valueAdding value to products is a smart way to differentiate to products is a smart way to differentiate one farm's produce from that of another farm's produce. one farm's produce from that of another farm's produce. When you take your farm produce and make it part of When you take your farm produce and make it part of delicious burger made from healthy meat that was delicious burger made from healthy meat that was pasture-raised in your own fields and top it with a slice of pasture-raised in your own fields and top it with a slice of tasty, red tomato that grew in your own soil, you stand to tasty, red tomato that grew in your own soil, you stand to appeal to a wider consumer and rake in more profits. appeal to a wider consumer and rake in more profits. In other words, don't just grow a wider variety of stuff--In other words, don't just grow a wider variety of stuff--do do a wider variety of things with the stuff you growa wider variety of things with the stuff you grow, and , and consider selling it from an on-farm store or restaurant (as consider selling it from an on-farm store or restaurant (as well as the Internet). well as the Internet).