Agriculture is a vital sector of the economy, mainly for the life sustaining products that it provides. Agriculture must balance production, environmental, and community development goals.

The 1990 Farm Bill1 states that the term sustainable agriculture refers to

“an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a

site-specific application that will over the long term:

• Satisfy human food and fiber needs.

• Enhance the environmental quality and natural resource base.

• Efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate,

where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls.

• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.

• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental concerns are central to sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is frequently described as: ecologically sound practices that have little to no adverse effect on natural ecosystems. However, more than that, sustainable agriculture also seeks to have a positive impact on natural resources and wildlife. This can often mean taking measures to reverse the damage (e.g. soil erosion or draining of wetlands) that have already occurred through harmful agricultural practices. Renewable natural resources are protected, recycled, and even replaced in sustainable systems. Also inherent to sustainable agriculture environmental concerns is the stewardship of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels.

A central tenet that manages is “feed the soil and the soil feeds the crop.” Ecologically, this means that soil fertility is provided by adequate soil organic matter and biologically based inputs that feed soil organisms, which release nutrients to plants. Sustainable methods of enhancing soil fertility and improving soil health

include:

– Using nitrogen-fixing legumes, green manure, and animal manure;

– Minimizing or eliminating tillage;

– Maintaining year round soil cover.

This approach does not preclude the use of synthetic fertilizer that can be used to supplement natural inputs as per soil test results and are applied on an as-needed basis. Synthetic chemicals known to harm soil organisms and soil structure must be avoided in sustainable agriculture.

Other sustainable concepts include:

–      Maximizing diversity through planned crop rotations, intercropping, and companion planting;

–      Protecting water quality;

–      Composting;

–      Year round soil cover;

–      Integrating crop and animal production;

–      Soil conservation practices;

–      Attracting beneficial wildlife.