2 - Soil and crop management to save food and enhance food security

Abstract

Food loss is a major issue concerning food security. Food loss takes place in postharvest activities and in the field as yield loss. Yield loss (when not due to weather extremes) is often the result of unsustainable agricultural practices that reduce soil and plant health. This chapter reviews soil and crop management practices that may reduce yield loss, or increase yields, while reducing the use of inputs and the environmental impact of agricultural activities. After introducing the concept of food security, relevant agricultural practices are discussed. The role of agroecological agricultural practices in preserving soil health and increasing yields is analyzed, and potential drawbacks addressed. The potential roles of some technological approaches (i.e., precision farming and genetically modified crops) in preserving soil, increasing yield, and reducing the environmental impact of food production are also examined. The chapter shows that a number of sound agricultural practices are available that can reduce both yield loss and use of agrochemicals. Finally, it is argued that functioning of the whole food system should be addressed, and policies should be implemented to reduce food waste, both along food chains and through the alternative use of food (e.g., biofuels), and to foster the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices.