Sustainability in traditional agro-ecosystems:
- Do not rely on purchased inputs.
- Use of locally available and renewable resources.
- Emphasize on nutrient cycling.
- Beneficial for both on farm and off farm environments
- Adapted to local condition.
- Take full advantage of micro environment
- Maximize yield while sustaining productive capacity
- Maintain spatial and temporal diversity
- Conserve local and indigenous knowledge and culture
- Rely on and conserve local genetic diversity.
Social Sustainability
- Buying farm supplies locally rather than from out of- state.
- Educating your community about sustainable food production.
- Direct marketing through CSAs and farmers’ markets builds community and social sustainability.
- School tours and farm internships.
- Quality of life on the farm for everyone involved with clear communication and general happiness with farm work.
Economic Sustainability
- Selecting profitable enterprises.
- Sound financial planning.
- Direct marketing.
- Risk management.
Applying the Principles: Soil Fertility Management
- Goal is to sustain high crop productivity and crop quality in food and fiber production as well as in grass farming.
- Strive to keep the soil covered throughout the year, whether with permanent pasture or cover crops and green manures.
- Maintain or build soil organic matter levels through inputs of compost or cover cropping.
- Properly timed or limited tillage.
- Irrigation management to reduce erosion and runoff.
- Sound crop rotations, soil amending and organic fertilizing techniques.
- Balanced levels of available plant nutrients and balanced PH