Analysis of the sustainability index for ecologically low-input integrated farming: A comprehensive assessment of environmental, economic, and social impact

Abstract

A comprehensive sustainability index was designed in this study to evaluate the effectiveness and environmental impact of ecologically low-input integrated farming systems. By integrating diverse agricultural practices while minimizing reliance on external, non-renewable resources, this approach aims to enhance ecological harmony and sustainability. The index provides a multi-dimensional assessment, encompassing environmental, economic, and social aspects, to gauge the overall sustainability of these integrated farming practices. The procedure involved defining critical sustainability criteria across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, collecting relevant data on farming practices, and constructing a model to assess and score these practices. The index was validated through real-world applications and engaged with various stakeholders for insights and practical verification. Environmental data involves measuring soil nutrients (5 %), water usage (500 gallons/acre), and biodiversity (30 species/acre) to assess the ecological impact of farming practices. Economic data focuses on recording crop yields, input costs, and market prices to evaluate the financial viability of these practices. Social data is collected through surveys on labor practices, job satisfaction, and community impact, providing insights into the social implications and acceptability of the farming methods. The data revealed that the farming system aligned well with sustainability benchmarks, exhibiting no deviation from optimal levels in soil nitrogen content and water usage. Strong profitability and input cost efficiency were observed in the economic dimension, with a net income per acre of $400/acre and an input cost efficiency of 50 %. In the social aspect, although reasonably scored, specific labor metrics and regional/industry standards were lacking for a comprehensive evaluation. Overall, the farming system demonstrated commendable sustainability practices, with an environmental score of 7.5/10, an economic score of 8/10, and a social score of 7/10, suggesting potential for further improvements, particularly in addressing social sustainability factors.