Name

SUSTAINABLE FARMING

Brief definition

Sustainable farming is defined as an agricultural system evolving towards greater human utility, increased efficiency of resource use, minimum depletion of non-renewable resources, and environmental interaction favourable to humans and to most other species.

Olive grove highly protected from degradation by applying sustainable farming (no tillage) (photo by C. Kosmas)

Unit of measure

Subjective classification

Type of Indicator

Response

Objective

Contribution to measures to combat desertification

Importance with respect to desertification

Sustainable farming is associated with measures applied in agriculture in order to confront, overcome, and prevent land degradation and desertification. Sustainable farming includes: actions to reduce soil erosion, to support soil quality, to reduce soil nutrient loss, and to minimize pollution from pesticides.

International Conventions and agreements

The UNCCD emphasizes that in order to combat desertification, it must be tackled within the general framework of actions that promote sustainable development.

Secondary objectives of the indicator

Evaluation of the best management practices in combating desertification.

Definitions and basic concepts

Sustainable farming may include several measures for protecting natural resources. Some commonly applied measures related to reduction of soil erosion are: (a) minimum tillage or no tillage, (b) enhancement of the vegetation cover, (c) tillage of soil in the upslope direction, (d) minimum depth of ploughing and others. Minimum tillage may have favourable effects on soil aggregation and protection of soil crusting and soil erosion. If the soil moisture level is optimal, minimum tillage is generally favourable because the farm implements break up the clods, incorporate the organic matter into the soil as it kills weeds, and create a more favourable seedbed. Maximum soil degradation occurs when soil is tilled with a mouldboard plough, followed by several disking processes. In a no-tillage system, the residues are concentrated on the surface of the soil enhancing aggregate stability and protecting the soil from erosion.

Enhancing vegetative cover comprises an effective sediment filter, useful in agricultural and other lands. Many fields cannot be efficiently cropped, or if cropped, are extremely susceptible to erosion. Irregularly shaped and unproductive dry areas can be kept under natural vegetation for controlling runoff and sediment loss.

The various cultivation practices such as tillage direction, direction of furrow reversion, and plough depth have various effects on soil displacement. By ploughing the soil at a shallow depth in any direction of tillage operation, tillage erosion is significantly reduced. When the physiographic conditions allow the movement of a tractor along the contour lines, then soil displacement can be highly restricted while any other direction of tillage operation will increase tillage erosion. If the plough layer is relocated to an upslope position under any tillage operation, then soil displacement could lead to restoration and conservation of hilly and degraded areas. In hilly areas with steep slopes, where contour farming is impossible, the soil is ploughed perpendicularly or obliquely by ploughing the soil at a shallow depth and moving the plough layer towards the upslope direction.

Benchmarks Indication of the values/ranges of value

• adequate,
• moderate,
• low,
• very low,
• no sustainable farming.

Methods of measurement

The assessment of measures applied for sustainable farming is based on: a) field survey data grouped in the following categories: adequate, moderate, low, very low, and no sustainable farming, and (b) consultation with the local authorities and farmers.

Limits of the indicator

This indicator is assessed qualitatively subject to personal judgement.

Linkages with other indicators

Land use intensity, Policy enforcement, Grazing control, Rainfall, Soil depth, Slope gradient, Tillage operations, Tillage depth, Tillage direction, Ecosystem resilience, Runoff water storage

Data required to calculate the indicator

Individual detailed reports from farmers on applied management practices on their farms.

Data sources

Necessary data are usually available and accessible and the cost/benefit ratio is reasonable.

Availability of data from national and international sources

Data can be obtained from various regional institutions involved in collecting and elaborating land management practices data.

Main institutions responsible

Agricultural University of Athens, Greece

Other contributing organizations

Universities of Lisbon, Murcia, Basilicata, Amsterdam, Leeds

Bibliography

Payne, W., Keeney, D., and Rao S., 2001. Sustainability of agricultural systemes in transition. ASA special publication number 64. American Society of Agronomy, 677 S.Segoe Rd., Madison WIS, 53711, 272 p.

Other references

Bradford, J. M. and Huang, C., 1992. Mechanisms of Crust Formation: Physical Components. In: M.E. Sumner and B.A. Stewart [Eds], Soil Crusting Chemical and Physical Processes. Advances in Soil Science, Lewis Publishers, Florida.

Bradford, J.M. and Huang, C., 1994. Interill Soil Erosion as Affected by Tillage and Residue Cover. Soil Til. Res. 31:353-361.

Carter, M.R., 1992. Influence of Reduced Tillage Systems on Organic Matter, Microbial Biomass, Macro-aggregate Distribution, and Structural Stabilityof the Surface Soil in a Humid Climate. Soil Til. Res. 23: 361 - 372.

Perfect, E., Kay, B.D., van Loon, W.K.P., Sheard, R.W. and Pojasok, T., 1990. Rates of Change in Soil Structural Stability under Forages and Corn. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 54: 179 - 186.

Van Lanen, H.A.J., Reinds, G.J., Boersma, O.H. and Bouma, J., 1992. Impact of Soil Management Systems on Soil Structure and Physical properties in a Clay Loam Soil, and the Simulated Effects on Water Deficits, Soil Aeration and Workability. Soil Til. Res. 23: 203 - 20.

Contacts Name and address

Agricultural University of Athens
Dr Constantinos Kosmas
email: lsos2kok@aua.gr