Sustainable agriculture definition

Gold, M.V., 2007. Sustainable Agriculture Definitions and Terms, byAFSIC. http //afsic.nal.usda. gov/sustainable-agriculture-definitions-and-terms-1. 

Many definitions of sustainable agriculture are reported by literature, but all are related to the basic concept of a profitable crop production with no environmental pollution and depletion of farm and natural resources, including effects on soil, water, and biodiversity (Doran 2002 Francis et al. 2006). Soil solarization seems to fit the fundaments of sustainable agriculture as providing an effective and environmentally safe control of many soilbome pests and more competitive market positions and higher prices to pesticide-free products. 

A challenge to scientists working in tropical ecosystems is to devise agriculturally sustainable systems that yield an economic profit. An agriculturally sustainable system in the sense used here is one in which there occur nutrient cycling mechanisms as part of the crop structure. This, almost by definition, means a... 

The simplest definition of sustainability refers to the ability of mankind to reach their needs at present and at the same time not compromising the needs and capacity for future generations. Well-established oil palm plantations seem to meet these standards, with an exclusion that these plantations were done at the expense of deforestation. This act is deemed unsustainable, because destruction of pristine forests has permanent effect on the global ecosystem and future sustainability, thus, leading to the conclusion that deforestation is intolerable. Nevertheless, Robinson reviewed that in order for this present generation to meet their needs, agricultural developments are inevitable and naturally for these activities to take place, land is needed (Robinson 2004). 

According to the World Commission on Environment and Development (the so-called Bmndtland Commission), development can be defined sustainable when it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generafions to meet their own needs. Reading this definition, we can easily understand why biofuels are not free from sustainability problems. Phenomena such as indirect land use change (BLUC), deforestation, and displacement of agricultural production are only some examples in this regard. 

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