Agroecology

Agroecology is the proper use of an ecological basis in food production with an emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability of production. On this basis agroecosystems should be designed to ensure against yield reduction in the long term and, at the same time, enhances efficiency of inputs and environmental protection.
(Source: Environmental Sciences Journal, 1, 2003, Shahid Beheshti University)

How to make agriculture sustainable?

In sustainable definition I mentioed "with respect to environment and ecosystem", so we should plant crops which are native to the planting area, furthermore, choosing the right crop is the first step. We always should pay attention to crop rotation (using legumes) and soil management (using compost, mulching, ...) to be ensure our crops can have sufficient nutrients to have a healthy growth. Crop rotation can reduces disease or pest problems.

Economics

Managing in irrigation can lead to less water consume (less cost!), Stop using chemicals (less cost!), minimum or no tillage (less cost!), can have more benefits for producer. Also providing this production in local markets can have more benefits for all, because of using less inputs, less energy and less transport.

Water and Soil

Water

For being sustainable, we need to have a good management for irrigation in areas with no sufficient rainfall to avoid salinization. we should use drip irrigation or low pressure pivots and manage to improve water conservation and also reduce water loss from crops. 

Soil

Soil erosion is one of the greatest problems in the world. Scientists estimate that crop yields will be reduced in half within thirty to fifty years if erosion continues at present rates. there are some technics which can stop or at least reduce soil erosion:
1- No-till farming, or minimum tillage
2- planting wind break
3- Intercropping (with legumes)
4- Stop using chemicals
 

Farming and Natural Resources

Conventional agriculture can make long-term damages to soil, like tillages with tractor, it can make erosion in long-term. Also irrigation without drainage or poor drainage can lead to salinization.

 

Four important factors for human are sun, air, soil and water which water and soil has more importance because sunlight and air are accessible everywhere, but crops are depend on water and nutrients in soil. When we harvest our crops, we remove some nutritions form the soil without replacement. This nutrient depletion can lead the soil unusable. Sustainable agriculture relies on replenishing the soil with minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizer or mineral ores like phosphate. Possible sources of nitrogen can be available on: 

1- crop waste and animals manure.  

2- planting legume crops like alfalfa which has a kind of symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium).

Definition of Sustainable Agriculture

There are about 11 accepted scientific definitions for Sustainable agriculture, but my definition is:

Sustainable agriculture is a practice of farming with respect to environment and ecosystem to produce safe food for human.

The first post

In this blog, first, I will try to define some keywords and concepts which are really important. Second, I will share some news and my ideas about Organic farming, ecology, agroecology, ecosystem and environment.
I will be thankful if you kindly correct my posts or share your ideas in the comments.